Panel Discussion & Networking Event for Leaders & Future Change Makers
In Celebration of International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month
LENOX, MA (FEBRUARY 11, 2025) — Join WAM Theatre in a celebration of creativity, resilience, and leadership as we recognize the transformative power of women leading the charge for gender equity in Western, MA. This powerful two-part panel discussion, Creative Resistance: Women Mobilizing Through Art & Activism, honors International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, through highlighting the work of female-identifying leaders, artists, advocates, and community organizations making a profound impact in the Berkshires. This event, hosted at Berkshire Community College‘s Connector Room (1350 West St, Pittsfield, MA 01201), will have two panels one at 2pm and 5pm on Wednesday, March 12 with a networking session bridging the two events. Tickets are now on sale.
Through storytelling, dialogue, and shared experiences, we will celebrate the changemakers— who work tirelessly to transform challenges into opportunities, and build a more positive future for women and girls in Berkshire County and beyond. These remarkable women use art and activism as tools to empower communities, shape policies, and reimagine what is possible. WAM Theatre is proud to present this panel in partnership with Berkshire Community College.
“We need, more than anything, to gather and discuss how to connect, accomplish our goals, and support each other,” said Sarah LaDuke (WAMC Producer), WAM Board Member and Panel Moderator. “I’m very proud to be participating in a local effort to shine some light.”
Panel moderated by Eden-Reneé Hayes (CEO of Pluralism Solutions) & Sarah LaDuke (WAMC) featuring Genée Coreno (WAM Theatre), Shirley Edgerton (R.O.P.E), Dr. Frances K. Hurley (UNICEF, WORLD BANK), Shela Levante (Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women), Molly Merrihew (WAM Theatre), Jane Ralph (CONSTRUCT), Sarah Real (Hot Plate Brewing Co.), Shanique Rodriguez (Mass Voters Table), and Ilana Steinhauer, FNP-BC (V.I.M).
“We know that, to address the issues our county, state, and nation face, women and gender non-conforming individuals must be engaged and uplifted, and their voices prioritized,” said panel keynote speaker Shela Levante (hair for the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women). “Only then can we shift the narrative about gender equity, have opportunity and access to political power, influence and ultimately achieve gender justice.”
Join us for two panels, each featuring a different group of women leaders, on Wednesday, March 12 at 2 PM and 5 PM. Tickets for this event are now on sale, and can also be purchased at the door.
TICKETS
Community Members are encouraged to choose from one of the suggested price levels through WAM’s Sliding Scale Ticketing Innovative:
Free – BCC Students & Faculty
$25 – Subsidized
$50 – Standard
$100 – Pay it Forward
The Standard ticket price reflects the true cost of producing this event, the lower ticket price is provided to remove a barrier to entry to individuals who would benefit from a subsidized ticket, and the higher ticket price allows those who are able to help WAM make our programming accessible to all. Tickets are FREE for BCC Students, Faculty and Staff when you reserve your ticket with a BCC email and bring your ID to the event.
QUICK TAKE
Panel Discussion and Networking Event
Creative Resistance: Women Mobilizing Through Art & Activism
Wednesday, March 12
2 PM and 5 PM
The Connector Room at Berkshire Community College
Sliding scale tickets $0-100 can be purchased here, or at the door as space permits.
MORE ABOUT THE PANELISTS
Genée Coreno (She/Her/Hers) is a director of devised theater and a non-profit professional with a proven track record of effective management of not-for-profit organizations with over 10 years of experience providing creative and skillful leadership to high-profile female founders, artistic directors, and artists. She is honored to be WAM’s incoming Artistic Director following the tremendous success and legacy of Founding Artistic Director Kristen Van Ginhoven. Past experience includes four and half years in operations, development and engagement at Every Mother Counts a maternal health organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe, respectful and equitable for everyone. Prior to Every Mother Counts, Genée was predominantly a company manager at The Public Theater and Big Dance Theater, as well as an Artistic Associate for Ripe Time and a Marketing Intern at Third Rail Projects. In addition to her full-time work, Genee founded Fringe and Fur, a theater company that creates performances that examine the way identity and fantasy are transformed by gender, violence and environment. Fringe and Fur devised and produced over five original works presented in Downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Genée has an MA in Performance Studies from NYU and a BA in Drama Studies from Purchase College. She has trained with Theater Mitu, Song of the Goat Theater, SITI Company, and New York State Theater Institute (NYSTI). Genée looks forward to making WAM her home and encountering all of the creativity and splendor the Berkshires has to offer.
Shirley Ann Session Edgerton (She/Her) is an Educator, Community Activist, Arts Enthusiast. She graduated from Herbert Lehman College (CUNY 1978) with a B.A., attended Atlanta University School of Social Work and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts where she completed an M.Ed.(2007).)Ms. Edgerton was employed by the Department of Development Services for twenty-one years. She served as the Berkshire County Director of the State Operated Homes for adults with Mental Retardation for fifteen of those years In March 2010 Ms. Edgerton launched the Rites of Passage and Empowerment program. R.O.P.E offers mentorship to middle and high school students that identify of color and female or binary. The 1:1 mentoring program targeted offer Arts projects, college tours and global service-learning trips. Ms. Edgerton is also the Director of the community arts based program Alive Step, Dance and Drumline. Ms. Edgerton has received numerous recognitions as well as two honorary Doctorates degrees from College of Our Lady of the Elms and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for her outstanding service to children and community. In February 2024 she was recognized at the State House by Governor Healy and the Black Empowerment Council for her service to youth and community. On December 7, 2024 she received the MassArt Common Good Awards, which honored “exceptional work at the intersection of arts and civic life.” Ms. Edgerton has served on numerous boards. Currently she serves on the 18 Degrees board, Berkshire County NAACP Executive Committee and Pine Cobble School board. Quote: I’m grateful to sit at WAM’s table of equity, as we move forward the agenda to create a more equitable and just society for the girls following in our footsteps.
Eden-Reneé Hayes, Ph.D. (aka Dr. E) is a DEI strategist, educator, speaker, and executive coach. As the CEO of Pluralism Solutions, she leads a consulting firm committed to guiding companies from unconscious obstacles around DEI to realistic movement. She has partnered with organizations on cultural competency, retention, and inclusion efforts for nearly 15 years. An expert in the social psychological factors related to bias, and the intersecting identities of race, class, and gender identity and expression, Dr. E has showcased her research at major conferences and published in key academic outlets. Dr. E’s passion for being Involved in the community includes mentoring with the Rights of Passage and Empowerment program and serving on the Board of Directors for several organizations focused on diversity and inclusion. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Wesleyan University, and a Masters and Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Tulane University after which she secured a National Science Foundation sponsored Postdoctoral Fellowship. Dr. Hayes was previously a tenured professor at Bard College at Simon’s Rock and Dean of Equity and Inclusion and later Director of The Davis Center, a multicultural center at Williams College.
Dr. Frances K. Hurley (She/Her), International Advisor, Child Development. Dr. Frances Hurley is an early childhood specialist. An accomplished academic, Dr. Hurley finished first in her undergraduate studies in education and was awarded the University medal for this accomplishment. Her master’s thesis (an ethnographic study of language/literacy in early childhood) won the College Reading Association best thesis award in a North America-wide competition. As a promising scholar, she was invited to present the results of this study to an audience of experts in Washington, D.C. She then attended both Oxford; Harvard Universities, graduating from Harvard with both a second master’s degree and a doctoral degree (human development; psychology; literacy & gender.) Since then, Dr. Hurley has built an international consulting career advising clients such as the World Bank, UNICEF, State Federal Governments, PBS, and PBS KIDS. Quote: “Kudos to WAM and BCC for taking up the important topic of women, art and activism! I am delighted to join with you for what I know will be a most enriching experience.” Social Media Handles: linkedin.com/in/DrFranHurley/
Sarah LaDuke (she/her) is an Albany, NY based public radio producer and interviewer for WAMC Northeast Public Radio and a member of the WAM Theatre Board. Creative Inspiration: Sarah is dedicated to hearing, learning, and broadcasting the voices and stories of women and members of the BIPOC and LGBTQAI+ communities – especially those in the performing and visual arts. She grew up in the Adirondack Mountain town of Saranac Lake, NY where she worked part time at Pendragon Theatre through her high school and college years. “I am what life has made me — someone who wishes to be gentle and is sometimes not.” Neko Case Quote: “We need, more than anything, to gather and discuss how to connect, accomplish our goals, and support each other. I’m very proud to be participating in a local effort to shine some light.” IG/Threads/Bluesky: @sarahladuke // tiktok @doritosthedog
Shela Levante (she/her) serves as the Chair for the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. In this capacity, she supports efforts to advance equity for women and girls in Berkshire County and across the state, working with fellow regional and State Commissioners to advance goals that promote fundamental rights and opportunities for all. With a long history of supporting gender equity, she also currently co-chairs the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, an organization that fuels progress toward gender equity by funding the most promising solutions, collaborating with results-oriented partners, and elevating the collective power of local women to take charge and lead with purpose. Quote: “We know that, to address the issues our county, state, and nation face, women and gender non-conforming individuals must be engaged and uplifted, and their voices prioritized. Only then can we shift the narrative about gender equity, have opportunity and access to political power, influence and ultimately achieve gender justice.” Social Media Handles: Shela (Hidalgo) Levante, MPA | LinkedIn
Molly Merrihew (she/her) is an arts executive, consultant, and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit theatre and the for-profit arts and entertainment sector. She has worked collaboratively with organizations, artists, and clients ranging from grassroots ensembles, multimillion-dollar non-profit institutions, and for-profit creative enterprises. Molly is a proud advocate of the Berkshire arts community, and her consulting work has also brought her to Boston and New York City. She has a track record of success in strategic planning, meaningful relationship building, and overcoming organizational challenges in the arts. She loves crafting strategy, empowering teams, and collaborating on new fundraising and communications initiatives that help people fall in love with storytelling and the creative arts. From activist-art in found-spaces, to large scale Shakespearean festivals, and award-winning audiobook launches; Molly is energized by passionate artists, creative thinkers, and an innate curiosity to meet new people and learn new things. Recent work experience includes spending the past three-years at WAM Theatre as Managing Director bolstering WAM’s mission of creating opportunities and access for voices from historically marginalized communities. Molly spent eight-years at Shakespeare & Company (Lenox, MA) in PR and Marketing. She was their Director of Public Relations for six years and during that time deepened national and local press relations resulting in major features and frequent coverage in The New York Times, Boston Globe and Wallstreet Journal among other major media outlets.
Jane Ralph serves as Executive Director for Construct Inc., providing affordable housing and support services in the south Berkshires. Jane has won the Berkshire Women’s Impact Award and was chosen for this honor “for your work, dedication to the Berkshire community, and the positive Impact made in the lives of the people you serve.”
Sarah Real (She/Her) is the owner and head brewer of Hot Plate Brewing Co., the only Latina-owned brewery in Massachusetts. Prior to opening Hot Plate in February 2023, Sarah was most recently the Sr. Director of Consumer Insights at Nickelodeon, which was the last role she held in an almost twenty-year career working in children’s media. An avid homebrewer and craft beer fan, she left her former career to answer the call for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in an industry composed predominantly of straight, white, cisgendered males. Since opening the brewery, Sarah has been named as one of the Imbibe 75 by Imbibe Magazine, and Hot Plate has been recognized by USA Today as one of the 10 Best New Breweries in the country. The brewery has also been recognized and/or awarded by VinePair, Rural Intelligence Readers’ Choice Awards, Best of the Berkshires, Uproxx, Wine Enthusiast. Sarah also serves on the board of the Pink Boots Society and the Massachusetts Brewers Guild. Quote: I can’t wait to both share and learn with all the incredible folx on this panel! Social handles: @hotplatebrewingco
Shanique Rodriguez (she/her) is the Executive Director for The Massachusetts Voter Table. Shanique has dedicated nearly a decade to organizing in BIPOC communities across Massachusetts as a social, political, and reproductive rights/justice Organizer. WAM Theatre Debut: With a BS in Criminal Justice from Mount Ida College, a native of Kingston Jamaica; she brings to her work her lived experiences and passion for uplifting and finding justice for marginalized communities like her own. When she is not at work, she wears many hats in her community of Springfield and statewide as the Female Vice-Chair of her city’s Democratic Committee, also an elected Democratic State Committee Member of Massachusetts, Advisor on the Black Advisory Committee to Governor Maura Healey, board committee member of Repro Equity Now, and former Vice Chair and appointed Commissioner of The Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Her proudest Achievements include Winning The Millionaires Tax Campaign as a Statewide Campaign Director and helping to pass the abortion access bill the ROE Act. Quote: I did theater Camp in highschool to learn how to be a public speaker now I get to incorporate the arts in so many ways in my civic engagement work. It feels amazing to participate on this panel and to partner with WAM Theatre. Socials: @mavotertable all platforms
Ilana Steinhauer (she/her/hers), MSN, FNP-BC, serves as the Executive Director and a practicing nurse practitioner at Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons College. Beginning her career at The Medical Group/Harvard Vanguard Associates in Beverly, MA, Ms. Steinhauer initially worked as a nurse before advancing to a nurse practitioner role within the same organization. In her tenure at Harvard Vanguard, she gained extensive experience in providing both acute and chronic care services to a culturally diverse patient population. Her bilingual proficiency in Spanish has been instrumental in enhancing communication with and care for Spanish-speaking patients, ensuring they receive culturally competent care. As the Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires, Ms. Steinhauer leads with a comprehensive approach to healthcare management. She oversees patient care coordination across all medical service areas, from acute to chronic care needs. Her leadership extends to quality assurance and risk management, where she is actively involved in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and guidelines that shape the organization’s operations and patient interactions. Her deep commitment to healthcare excellence and community service drives the organization’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality medical services to underserved populations. Quote: “As a nurse practitioner and executive director, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of integrating healthcare with community activism. At Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires, we strive not just to treat illness, but to empower our patients through education and support. I’m thrilled to join the ‘Creative Resistance: Women Mobilizing Through Art & Activism’ panel to discuss how we can harness our collective energies in art and activism to build healthier, more resilient communities.”
ABOUT BCC
Founded in 1960, Berkshire Community College (BCC) was the first community college established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Today, there are 15 community colleges throughout the state. For more information visit www.berkshirecc.edu.
ABOUT WAM THEATRE
WAM Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Berkshire County, MA, that operates at the intersection of arts and activism. Now celebrating its 16th Season, WAM creates theatre for gender equity and has a vision of theatre as philanthropy. In fulfillment of its philanthropic mission, WAM donates a portion of the proceeds from their Mainstage productions to carefully selected recipients. Since WAM’s founding in 2010, they have donated more than $105,000 to 26 local and global organizations taking action for gender equity in areas such as girls education, reproductive justice, sexual trafficking awareness, midwife training, and more. WAM Theatre has been widely recognized for having a positive impact on cultural and community development in the region. WAM is the recipient of the Creative Economy Standout Berkshire Trendsetter Award and previously, was named Outstanding Philanthropy Corporation of the Year by the Western MA Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. For more information, visit wamtheatre.com
WAM SUPPORT
WAM Theatre is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). WAM Theatre’s 2024 Season was also supported in part by grants from Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Bradson Education & Library Foundation, The Feigenbaum Foundation, Lee Bank Foundation, Scarlet Sock Foundation, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant; as well as grants from the Alford-Egremont Cultural Council, Lee Cultural Council, Lenox Cultural Council, Otis Cultural Council, Richmond Cultural Council, Sandisfield Cultural Council, Stockbridge Cultural Council, and Washington Cultural Council.
WAM’s sponsors include Adams Community Bank, Blue Q., Berkshire Roots, Blue Spark Financial, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Garden Gables Inn, Guidos Fresh Marketplace, Handful Photography, Mill Town Foundation, Inc., Health Professional Coaching, Heller & Robbins Attorneys at Law, Interprint, Onyx Specialty Papers, Outpost Productions, RB Design Co., T Square Design Studio, Toole Insurance, a. von schlegell & co, and the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.