Commission Meeting Minutes 3.1.22

DC Commission for Women
Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2022
Meeting Minutes

Location: Teams

A quorum was present.

1. Meeting called to order: The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.
2. Roll Call: Completed at 6:10 pm
3. MOWPI Staff: Jennifer Porter, Brianna Battle, Alex Chambers
4. Meeting Minutes: February
5. Correspondence and Announcements: None
6. Director’s Report: Director Porter spoke about Administrative and COVID-19 updates; Black History Month Recap, Women’s History Months events and initiatives, Excel Academy Sister Circle event, Cherry Blossom Festival, and Washington Women of Excellence Awards 2022.

1.  MOWPI January/Engagement Events

1. Report of Chairwoman Nelson

1. Chairwoman Nelson shared greetings and observances for the month to include Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, and National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Day month taking place this month.
2. Chairwoman Nelson urged commissioners to get active for the upcoming Women’s History Month programming. i.e., serving as speakers for the Excel Academy Sister Circle event.
3. Chairwoman Nelson shared no current updates per each Committee but will be reaching out to each Committee Chair to begin the process of meeting.  
4. Administrative and COVID-19 Updates

1. Director Porter shared administrative and COVID-19 updates to include COVID centers, Rapid Test Pickup Locations, Walk-up Vaccination sites, and mask mandate.
   
   1. Kenilworth Groundbreaking
      
      1. Director Porter shared that the first phase of the Kenilworth Courts redevelopment will be started on Mar. 4, 2022. The project includes 166 units in a senior building, a multi-family building, stacked flats, and townhouse rentals.
   2. #MaternalMondays “Black History Month” Edition Recap
2. Director Porter shared MOWPI’s a recap for the “Black History Month” virtual series. This segment is a special Black History Month edition that will center conversations on black women’s health and provide history and resources for families with the theme, “Communicating Herstory of Black Health”. The panelist will include, Sylvia Syrus, of ASULH, Dr. Kimberly Jefferies Leonard, of the Links, Incorporated, and Ramunda Young of Mahogany Books.
   
   1. Cherry Blossom Festival-
3. Director Porter shared exciting update that the Cherry Blossom Festival is back starting on Mar. 20.
   
   1. Excel Academy’s Sister Circle-Mar.4, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.
4. Director Porter shared upcoming programming with Excel all girl academy in Ward 8. MOWPI requested Commissioners to lead programming with Excel Academy for their Sister Circle. Commissioners will support this initiative by attending and moderating in person workshops, curating scripts and engaging with the girls.
   
   1. Women’s History Month Calendar
      
      1. Director Porter shared a list of confirmed and pending events in regard to Women’s History Month. Confirmed events and observances with secured dates include:

• 3/3 Work Smart Salary Negotiation Workshop
• 3/8-International Women’s Day
• 3/8-Conversations with Women who Lead in Infrastructure
• 3/9-Well Women Wednesdays
• 3/12-Ward 5 Women’s History Month Roll-Off Day
• 3/19-Herstory 5K
• 3/24-Financially Fit DC Women
• 3/28 #MaternalMondays: Women’s History Month
  
  1. Washington Women of Excellence Awards-Mar. 31, 2022, 6-8:00 p.m. EST
     
     1. Director Porter thanked the Commissioners outlined that all Commissioner must be present & wear purple at the event.

1. DC Public Library Women’s History Month Books and Media List
   • Director Porter shared that DC Public Library has curated a list of books and media that honor the women and girls that have inspired healing and promoted hope with great reads, engaging programs, movies and music.
2. April Observances:
   • Black Maternal Health Week
   • Financial Literacy Month
   • African American Women’s Fitness Month
   • Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Committee Updates: 

• No current committee updates

• Unfinished Business
• Announcements/Good of the Order

1. No announcements to report

• Next Meeting Date: The next meeting will be on April 5, 2022 virtually on Teams.

• Motion to Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 7:04pm.