Young feminist scholar and activist Alexis Pauline Gumbs will moderate a discussion with feminist icons Beverly Guy-Sheftall and Gloria Steinem about their impact on the history and future of feminism.  Sponsored by the Georgia Tech Women's Resource Center and Charis Books, the event will take place on November 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. Free tickets are available to Georgia Tech students, faculty and staff when they R.S.V.P. to the event on the Women's Resource Web site.      

Charis Books, established more than 35 years ago, is a source for feminist literature in Atlanta. Charis co-owner Sara Look approached Upton about co-sponsoring the event.  "Partnering with Charis to bring such a well-known woman to Georgia Tech helps us remind the Atlanta — and Georgia Tech — community that women are now an integral part of Georgia Tech," said Upton.

The event is an important step in increasing awareness about the role of women on Tech's campus.  "Women's career opportunities have vastly expanded in the past 50 years, but there are still fewer women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields and leadership positions," Upton remarked. "It's disproportionate to the number of women who have the capability to be scientists, engineers and leaders. Georgia Tech is making major strides in encouraging women to succeed; we are poised to make a big impact on the future."

The changing roles of women, specifically the actions of Steinem and Guy-Sheftall, will be a prominent theme of the event.  "The women's movement of the 1960s and '70s changed the landscape of our country and provided new opportunities for young women today," Upton said.  "It's important to understand that history, determine what we believe and what we want to be, and then strive to fulfill these dreams for ourselves and future generations."

The public may purchase tickets through Charis Books. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Charis Circle.  "Charis Circle is our sister non-profit that funds and supports free community programs at Charis," Look said.