Sisterhood Dinner to Celebrate Achievements of Women at NC State

Before NC State starts its celebration of Women’s HERstory month in March, the university will kick off its annual celebration with the Sisterhood Dinner, scheduled for Feb. 24, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in Talley Student Union’s State Ballroom. 

Hosted annually by NC State’s Women’s Center and the Council on the Status of Women, the Sisterhood Dinner commemorates the contributions and accomplishments of NC State women. Originally called the Susan B. Anthony Dinner, the event’s name was changed to the Sisterhood Dinner in 1999 to encompass all aspects of the achievements of women.

“The Sisterhood Dinner is an event the whole campus looks forward to every year, as it’s an incredible opportunity to see all the amazing advancements in gender equity that people across the university are making,” said Janine Kossen, the Women’s Center’s director. “Their achievements are impressive and inspire all of us to imagine new possibilities for our futures, for NC State and for our communities, which is a perfect way to launch into Women’s HERstory month in March.”

Tickets for the Sisterhood Dinner are on sale now until Jan. 24. Every year, tickets sell out so departments, colleges, units and individuals who hope to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Information on pricing and options is available at go.ncsu.edu/sisterhood.  

The signature theme for this year’s Sisterhood Dinner is “The Ripple Effect,” highlighting how small actions can create momentum, inspiring positive works toward advancing gender equity.

This year’s dinner will “celebrate the many small acts we can all make to create a ripple effect for gender equity that lasts for generations to come.”

Typically, the Sisterhood Dinner has featured one signature keynote speaker, but this year, the organizers are switching things up. 

The planning committee sought submissions for “community vignettes,” in order to uplift multiple voices in the NC State community. The submission request called for NC State students, faculty, staff and/or alumni to share stories of the people who have created a ripple effect in their lives, leading to their own successes, inspirations and key moments and milestones related to gender equity. 

These vignettes are open to people of any gender identity, and will be delivered in the forms of monologue, spoken word, poetry, song, presentation, TED talk or other creative ideas.

The Sisterhood Dinner also serves as the annual presentation of the Equity for Women Awards. Each year, a student, faculty member and staff member each receive awards for their dedication to establishing equity for women at NC State. 

Award nominees are judged based on three categories: leadership, which refers to taking action to promote gender equity on and beyond campus through leadership roles, service – supporting equity for women through job-related or voluntary roles and scholarship – contributing new knowledge and/or informing policy and practice related to women’s well-being and/or gender equity.

Know someone deserving of recognition? Nominations are open Dec. 2 through Jan. 19 at go.ncsu.edu/equityforwomenawards.

Questions about the Sisterhood Dinner should be directed to sisterhooddinner@ncsu.edu.