Each March, Women’s History Month serves as a reminder of the trailblazers who shattered barriers and redefined possibilities—but for many, it’s also a call to action. At CSUN, Matadors embrace this month as more than a reflection on the past; it’s a time to uplift voices, challenge limitations and forge new paths forward. CSUN Newsroom spoke with Matadors who identify as female about what drives them, the mark they hope to leave, and how they continue this celebration beyond March.
Blanca Chivichon, 28: Fearless in the Arts
For theatre major Blanca Chivichon, the word that defines her strength as a woman is “fearless.” She carries that mindset into her creative work, finding empowerment in collaboration with other female artists. “Women’s History Month inspires me to always look out for the females in my life,” she said. “I think it’s very important for women to support women and have each other’s back.”
Chivichon believes that the month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to advance women’s rights and visibility. “There’s so much work to do as a woman, not just in that month, but every day,” she said. “We need to talk about females’ rights and share resources and support each other.”
At CSUN, her experiences in stage management and photography classes have strengthened her leadership and confidence. “Stage management showed me how to use my voice, speak up, and be a leader,” she shared. Inspired by Taylor Swift, Chivichon admires the artist’s resilience and determination in an industry with a track record of not always uplifting female artists in the same way as their male contemporaries. “She is a groundbreaking female artist and doesn’t let anything bring her down,” the theatre major added.
Alexandria Kim, 21: Making Women More Visible
“Perseverant” is how Alexandria Kim, an art major, described herself. She sees Women’s History Month as a time to highlight women’s achievements and ensure their voices are heard. “We have to unite together to make the world a better place,” she said. “We are not an afterthought—we should be visible and acknowledged.”
Kim hopes to leave a lasting mark through her art and inspire other women to enter the field. “Many artists inspire me to be better at my profession,” she said. “Hopefully, my work encourages more women to get into this field because I want us to be more visible.”
On campus, she has found support in CSUN’s Board Game Club and her taekwondo class, where she feels welcomed and empowered.
Serenity Lam, 19: Telling Stories That Matter
When asked to sum up their strength in just one word, TV Production major Serenity Lam said with confidence, “Determined.” She finds motivation in the women who fought for rights in the past and those still pushing for change today. “We are equal to men,” she said. “We have the same power, but we’re just being suppressed and brought down.”
Lam aspires to be a female director and screenwriter, telling raw, unfiltered stories. “I want to retell real stories, not sugarcoat anything,” they said. “I hope that my work makes people see the reality of how cruel this world can be.”
She credits their cohort in the TV Production program for helping her find her voice. “I met a lot of empowering women there. It was a very supportive environment where I could express myself and learn from my mistakes.”
Lam also draws inspiration from their entrepreneurial cousin, who built her own business and leads her own employees. “She inspires me because it shows me that I can do what I want,” she said. “Seeing her take charge of her career reminds me that success is within my reach.”
Hazel Stover-White, 20: Embracing Multidimensional Strength
Psychology junior Hazel Stover-White describes herself as “multidimensional.” She believes that simply existing as their true self is a testament to the impact of women throughout history. “Being able to just be myself and exist is a celebration of women,” she said.
She appreciates Women’s History Month for recognizing the women who paved the way and values the acknowledgment of their contributions.
On campus, Stover-White has found mentorship at the Africana Studies Writing Center, where female leaders have guided and empowered her. She draws inspiration from actor, writer and producer Issa Rae. “She is one of my favorite women in the world. She’s definitely paving the way right now for a lot of Black women artists,” she said.
Sam Garcia, 23: Owning Their Voice
For biotechnology student Sam Garcia, “individuality” defines their strength as a woman. Women’s History Month has reaffirmed their confidence and self-expression. “Growing up, I was always told I was too loud, I say too much, or I don’t know when to stop talking,” the biotechnology major said. “Women’s History Month teaches me that I should keep talking.”
Garcia’s inspiration to persist in their field stems from this month’s celebration of women’s accomplishments. “It inspires me to continue in my field, no matter what obstacles I may encounter,” they said. “To continue to get my education and make an impact on the world.”
Garcia credits Professor Kayla Kaiser for providing support, encouragement and inspiration throughout their academic journey. “She supported me and inspired me to continue going forward, no matter how hard things were,” they added.
Destiny Ramos, 21: Lifting Others Up
Music Industry Studies major Destiny Ramos says being “perseverant” is her defining trait. She believes Women’s History Month is about creating space for women to be heard and celebrated. “A way that I celebrate who I am as a woman is by uplifting other women,” she said. “I feel like the best way you can celebrate yourself is by not letting any kind of inner voice tell you that you can’t do something.”
Ramos hopes her legacy will be one of community and advocacy. “I want to be someone who stands up for what they believe in and backs it,” she said.
Her involvement at CSUN’s Pride Center and as a resident advisor helped her connect with diverse communities and embrace her identity as a queer woman of color. She also found support through University Counseling Services as a first-generation college student.
Her biggest inspiration? Her mother, who taught her to be assertive, empathetic, and a lifelong learner. “She inspired me to know that my voice matters, but also to listen to people and be kind.”
Adele Salgado, 19: Creating Space for Women in Theatre
Theatre freshman Adele Salgado describes herself as “resilient.” “Women’s History Month makes me reflect on all the amazing women who came before me, but also the women around me now,” she said. “I try to keep that inspiration alive by supporting women in my life and continuing to learn from those who’ve made a difference.”
Her goal is to create a space where women in theatre feel empowered to pursue their passions. “I hope the work I do can challenge norms and give women more representation and a stronger voice,” she said.
She credits the CSUN Theatre Department for helping her find her own voice and identity. “My professors encouraged me to find my own voice and stay true to who I am,” she said.
Her greatest inspiration is her mother, whose strength and grace have shaped her into the woman she is today. “She’s been through so much but always handles things with strength and grace. She showed me what it means to be resilient.”
(Additional reporting by Cristina Espinosa and David Ajtun)
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