Ignite at TCU celebrates Women’s History Month with annual ‘HerStory’ museum

By Abby McCutchan, Staff Writer

Published Mar 31, 2025

Ignite at TCU members hold signs advocating for the inclusion of women in politics. (Photo courtesy of Ignite’s Engage page)

Ignite at TCU celebrated the women on TCU’s campus and beyond with a Women’s History Month event. The event honored women who exemplify leadership and have made a significant impact on those around them.

A highlight of the event was Ignite’s annual “HerStory” museum, which showcased nominations from individuals and organizations across campus. These nominations recognized women who had left a lasting mark on students through their leadership and influence.

In addition to the museum display, attendees enjoyed food and drinks while participating in creative activities such as bracelet-making, plant potting and Mason jar decorating. The event provided a space for students to engage in meaningful conversations while celebrating the achievements of women.

“I think to me personally, Women’s History Month is a really big part of like who I am today and the reason why I am even a president of Ignite,” Mar Ayala-Ortiz, co-president of Ignite, said.

Planning the event required collaboration with TCU’s Student Government Association (SGA) and other organizations, including MOVE Texas TCU. The teamwork between these groups helped ensure a successful and engaging experience for attendees, Ortiz said.

This was one of many events Ignite hosted throughout the school year. The organization, dedicated to women empowerment in politics, regularly arranges networking events, law school panels and social gatherings designed to help students unwind and connect with peers.

“Ignite, specifically at TCU, has been able to allow a lot of women and people of color and even minority groups on campus to find their political voice and have a sense of political advocacy and be able to have strength in their voice,” Ortiz said.

Women’s History Month, celebrated every March, recognizes the contributions of women to society. It was first established as Women’s History Week by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 before expanding into a month-long celebration. Ignite’s event reflected this ongoing effort to honor and uplift women’s voices both on and off campus.