Empowering Stories: Celebrating Women's Voices

Join us at the University of California, Merced for an inspiring and enriching celebration of Womyn in honor of herstory month. This event, will feature two remarkable womyn who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Author Natalie Baszile and Winemaker Brenae Royal will share their captivating stories of career journeys and family histories, highlighting the power of womyn's voices and accomplishments. This event is co-sponsored by Executive Chef Vanagten, El Captian Hotel, and the Division of Equity, Justice, & Inclusive Excellence (EJIE).

Natalie Baszile, celebrated for her novel "Queen Sugar," the source of the highly praised TV series on the Oprah Network, brings her literary prowess to life in a rich tapestry of narratives. Beyond her acclaimed works, she is set to grace the stage, offering insights into her literary journey and delving into the transformative power of storytelling, particularly in empowering womyn. In her latest masterpiece, "We Are Each Other's Harvest," Baszile intricately weaves first-person stories, providing a poignant examination of the enduring connection of Black individuals to the American land from Emancipation to the present day, further solidifying her legacy as a storyteller of profound societal impact.

Brenae Royal is renowned as an accomplished winemaker in California's prestigious wine country of Sonoma, Brenae Royal is set to share not only her exceptional experiences but also illuminate her journey as a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated viticulture and winemaking industry. Hailing from Atwater, CA, Brenae, whose remarkable story is featured in a chapter of "We Are Each Other's Harvest," brings a unique perspective to her craft, embodying resilience and breaking barriers in her pursuit of excellence.
 

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 14th
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom

All are welcome to attend. Due to limited seating, please RSVP by providing the requested information below. We look forward to seeing you and please encourage your colleagues and students to join us.

For questions, please reach out to Chef Vanagten at mvanagten@ucmerced.edu