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By Mabel Pais
Come for inspiration! Create new connections! Exchange ideas!
On March 6, International Women’s Day, join the community of Women@NJPAC members and partners for GATHERING OF GIVERS: ESCAPING EXPECTATIONS (njpac.org/event/gathering-of-givers)!
WHAT: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (IWD)
WHEN: March 6, 2026, 8:30 – 11:30 AM
WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall Lobby,
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
COST: Learn more at https://njpac.org/event/gathering-of-givers
This event will be dedicated to examining the often contradictory standards women are expected to meet — at work, at home, in public and in private. Together, we’ll explore how women can create lives of genuine meaning without deferring to the straitjacket of societal expectations. We’ll emerge renewed, centered, connected and ready to turn our authentic passions into powerful impact.
PROGRAM
SPEAKERS
Featuring a conversation with Alicia Menendez and the Honorable Esther Salas
ALICIA MENENDEZ, co-host, MS NOW’s “The Weeknight” and author of “The Likeability Trap: How to Break Free and Succeed as You Are”
The Honorable ESTHER SALAS, United States District Judge
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
KHADIJAH SHARIF-DRINKARD, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs, ABC News and Author, “Power Reimagined: My Mission to Get It, Grow It and Give it Away.”
OTHER SPEAKERS
LINDA J. BARAKA is more than a leader — she is a force of vision and action for Newark. As First Lady of New Jersey’s largest city, standing proudly alongside her husband, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, she has made it her mission to uplift, empower, and transform her community.
Her work is not just about programs — it’s about people. A steadfast champion for women and children, Linda has dedicated her platform to creating opportunities, resources, and safe spaces that allow them to thrive. When she launched “Newark Women Moving Forward,” she dared to imagine a city where 1,000 women could break free from the weight of debt. That vision became a movement, proving that with the right tools and unwavering support, financial freedom is within reach for every woman.
AMINA BEY, Newark City Council Central Ward
TIFFANY “CHIFFANI” SALAS, Founder of “Chiffani Brands Unlimited,” Arts Delegate & Strategist
LORI TARKE, Executive Director of the Joseph A Unanue Latino Institute of Seton Hall University
TICKETS
Tickets are available on a tiered basis. Learn more at https://njpac.org/event/gathering-of-givers
Women@NJPAC: A sisterhood for good.
Women@NJPAC (https://njpac.org/the-women-at-njpac) are change makers, rabble-rousers, artists, moms, bosses — women who give back in a hundred different ways. If you’re passionate about the performing arts and want to make an impact, Women@NJPAC is the place for you.
They built this house. Now, they rock it.
This group of women has been making moves for over 30 years — before NJPAC even opened its doors. The Women’s Association was born in 1994, when its nine founders advocated for women to have a seat at the table as NJPAC fundraisers and decision-makers. Now known as Women@NJPAC, the powerhouse board and 2,000+ members have generated $58M+ to bolster the performing arts and improve our community.
Watch the video – https://youtu.be/NrmZumlzUNI
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THE ATHENA FILM FEST RETURNS FOR ITS 16TH YEAR
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By Mabel Pais
(Credit: aff26.eventive.org)
The annual ATHENA FILM FESTIVAL returns for its sixteenth edition, March 6-8, 2026, at Barnard College (3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027).
The festival will showcase a powerful weekend of films that spotlight bold, inspirational, unforgettable stories that re-imagine and expand what leadership looks like on screen and in our world. The 2026 documentary and feature film lineup features stories of political trailblazers, advocates, uncompromising journalists, and truth-tellers!
Athena is the premier film festival dedicated to celebrating and advancing a new understanding of what women’s leadership looks like through original, thought-provoking, compelling, and diverse women-centered stories. Screenings are complemented by panels, filmmaker Q&As, and other events that investigate the intersections of gender, power, culture and society.
For the complete lineup of films and events, visit https://aff26.eventive.org
OPENING NIGHT
State of Firsts
Director: Chase Joynt
The film explores Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first trans Member of Congress, the intense backlash that followed, and how the fight for change can be impacted by growing political extremism.
Cutting Through Rocks
ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE – Best Documentary Feature Film
GRAND JURY PRIZE, WORLD DOCUMENTARY CINEMA, 2025 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
Directors: Mohammadreza Eyni, Sara Khaki
As the first elected councilwoman of her remote Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi fearlessly breaks patriarchal traditions by training teenage girls to ride motorcycles and stopping child marriages. When accusations arise questioning Sara’s intentions to empower the girls, her identity is put in turmoil.
CLOSING NIGHT
Ask E. Jean
Director: Ivy Meeropol
A documentary that chronicles the life and career of advice columnist and gonzo journalist E. Jean Carroll, and her two successful legal battles with President Trump.
TICKETS
For individual tickets and passes to films and events, visit https://aff26.eventive.org.
The Athena Film Festival
Athena is the premier film festival championing women’s leadership through original, compelling, and diverse, women-centered stories. Screenings are paired with panels and events that explore the intersections of gender, culture, and society.
Athena is the premier film festival dedicated to celebrating and advancing a new understanding of what women’s leadership looks like through original, thought-provoking, compelling, and diverse women-centered stories. Screenings are complemented by panels, filmmaker Q&As, and other events that investigate the intersections of gender, power, culture and society.
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Education, Business, Spirituality, Health and Wellness, and Cuisine.
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