Buffalo State celebrates International Women’s Day

Buffalo State University’s Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office and Academic Affairs invited the campus community to celebrate the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD), a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

At Buffalo State, the day serves as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to equity and opportunity. The celebration included a campus-wide group photo, bringing together students, faculty, and staff in a visible show of unity and support for women across our community.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for the university to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and to reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all,” said Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D. “When we uplift and support women, we strengthen our entire community.”

Throughout the year, Buffalo State supports women through leadership development initiatives, academic programs, mentorship opportunities, campus partnerships, and initiatives such as the new Buffalo State University Women in Technology (WIT) program, all of which promote equity and inclusive excellence. International Women’s Day builds upon this ongoing commitment by highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of women across the university community.

The 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the power of generosity, allyship, and collaboration. The campaign encourages individuals and communities to support one another in advancing gender equality because when we give, we gain. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements, educate and raise awareness about gender equality, and call for positive change that advance women.

As the global IWD campaign states: “Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality.” 

At Buffalo State, that vision is reflected across campus, including in intercollegiate athletics. Buffalo State Athletics proudly participated in the celebration, highlighting the achievements of outstanding women student-athletes across basketball, lacrosse, and hockey programs.

“Women athletes demonstrate leadership, resilience, and innovation in competition while utilizing performance technology to enhance strategy and performance,” said Zach Nau, athletics communications manager. 

Under the leadership of head women’s basketball coach Scott Foster and assistant coach Brooke Woodard, along with head women’s ice hockey coach Rachel Grampp and assistant coach Christian Foerstner, seven student-athletes compete as dual-sport athletes, pairing their primary sport with lacrosse, an impressive demonstration of dedication and discipline. Two of these students, Kaylee Cadez and Vanessa Willick, have recently achieved the following:

• Vanessa Willick, a Bengal Athlete of the Week, earned Third Team All-SUNYAC honors, two SUNYAC Athlete of the Week awards, and national recognition as IWLCA Co-Offensive Player of the Week. 
• Freshman Kaylee Cadez has made an immediate impact on the women’s lacrosse team, earning SUNYAC Rookie of the Week honors.

The women’s basketball team had these achievements to share:

• Naya Haymon, a Bengal Athlete of the Week, ranked fourth in 3FG%, third in assists, and eighth in steals in the SUNYAC conference.
• Amya Moore, a Bengal Athlete of the Week; ranked twelfth in steals in SUNYAC.

The women’s hockey team supports the “Hockey Fights Cancer” initiative, demonstrating leadership and community engagement beyond athletics, and shared these achievements:

• Vanessa Willick, a Bengal Athlete of the Week, is now tenth all-time in women’s hockey points.
• Dakota Carlson, a three-time Bengal Athlete of the Week, was named SUNYAC Athlete of the Week.
• Alexa Todd has been SUNYAC Goalie of the Week, SUNYAC Rookie of the Week, and Bengal Athlete of the Week.
• Kaylee Cadez was SUNYAC Rookie of the Week.
• Taylor Masterson was named Bengal Athlete of the Week

International Women’s Day at Buffalo State reflects the strength, leadership, and impact of women across campus, in academics, athletics, and beyond.

Top and bottom images by Small Business Development Center; hockey and basketball images by Maria Garrity.