The 2011 Women’s Herstory Month Committeerecognized influential women at Sacramento State in honor of Women’s Herstory Month.

Women’s Herstory Month was established in 1987 to celebrate and reflect on the women who have made significant contributions to the growth and strength of our country.

Sac State’s Women’s Herstory Month focused on the “Power of Expression” which features speakers, musical performers, a gallery show and a celebration of influential women who have made a difference to the Sac State and Sacramento communities.

Presented in partnership with Housing and Residential Life, the event celebrated and honored Sac State’s female students, faculty and staff who have provided a leadership role and positive influence to the Sac State community.

“No individual can succeed on their own,” said Nicole Anderson, senior international relations major.

Before announcing the women of influence awards, Anderson spoke about the importance of having influential figures to help live a successful life and no one person can become a leader on her own.

Although many women were nominated, four women were awarded during the Women of Influence event, all of whom said they were surprised and honored to be recognized for being influential in someone’s life.

“You are only as good as the people around you,” said Sherrie Carinci, associate professor of teacher education and winner of the Women of Influence award.

Carinci has been part of Sac State faculty since 1994 and has helped Sac State during her years as a faculty member. Carinci taught and helped expand the undergraduate teacher education program, helped coordinate 10 freshman seminar sections, and helped establish a graduate master of arts education gender equity program.

“I am honored and humbled to have been nominated and awarded to be a woman of influence,” she said. “I truly believe the people you work with influences a person the most.”

Although faculty members received nominations for their roles as influential figures, students were also recognized for their dedication and passion to make change happen for the Sac State community.

Macellina Amonoo, senior health science major, brought awareness to Sac State about topics related to chronic diseases African-American women face, and negative body images due to media perceptions. Amonoo’s passion for raising health care awareness lead to her program called “Not My Hair.” The event involves positive body image and wellness for the women of Sac State.

Amonoo’s efforts to present her “Not My Hair” campaign were not regionally successful this time, but she said it takes small steps to make a difference and hopes she will have another chance to nationally represent her campaign.

“People will acknowledge your passion and will see your commitment as a leader to make a change as long as you stay dedicated,” she said, “And if you are passionate to do it for free, then people will start paying you for it.”

Influential figures of the “Women of Influence” ranged from different ethnic backgrounds and strive for different goals. However, the nominees all were passionate about their ambitions.

Women’s Herstory committee member Shakshi Sharma, sophomore biology major, became more involved in college when she became a resident adviser in the Sac State residence halls.

She established many programs to help create a fun atmosphere where everyone would participate and learn about healthy and unhealthy relationships, how to get over a breakup, and when is the right time for a relationship.

Sharma said her college experience has been fun, but it has most importantly taught her the different ways of communication.

Although Sharma believes she is a passionate leader, she was surprised to be a winner of the Women of Influence award.

“This award has opened my eyes to what I have provided to my community,” she said. “I used to consider myself to be a passive person, but this award has showed me that is not true. I now believe in myself more and it makes me want to do be even more involved with my community and to do it for them.”

Yvette Villasenor can be reached at [email protected]