FALL RIVER — Equity through Unity was the theme of a celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day at Bristol Community College Wednesday.
Keynote speaker Anna Foster explained the difference between equity and unity and how they are “tied together. We can’t have equity without unity.”
Equity, or being equal, and unity, described as togetherness, are the components of a more peaceful and productive society that Foster strives for in her work as an attorney and as CEO of “A Maven’s World.”
“That’s the only way we’re going to have true equity is through unity,” Foster told the group in Bristol’s Jackson Arts Center Auditorium. “We can agree that we want a better place for everyone.”
Foster, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, assists women in overcoming obstacles so they can be successful in business and life.
Foster said growing up in a house full of girls with her five sisters, plus learning about the history and sacrifices made by women before her time, influenced her and provided a “spark” that led her to become a champion of women.
She was educated at Suffolk University and Suffolk University Law School, where she was the only woman of color in her classroom.
After college, she ran a number of businesses, and ultimately created her unique brand and founded “A Maven’s World.” She offers an annual Women’s Conference in Boston, which has grown to other areas.
“I wanted to provide a space and platform to have equality,” Foster said.
Iva Brito, director of the Bristol Women’s Center at the Elsbree Street campus, said the first Women’s Leadership Seminar Wednesday evolved from Women’s History Month events at the college.
The event was a partnership between the college’s Women’s Center and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.
“It’s something we celebrate all year long, not just in March,” Brito said.
Events such as those at Bristol spread awareness that women are still not always treated the same as men and create a “world that is more equitable,” Brito said.
Bristol President Laura Douglas said the event made it a “great day to celebrate women and women leaders.”
She said the college provides the best environment for women to thrive through its everyday actions and its Women’s Center, which “supports all women in our community.”
Douglas said events such as the seminar help women “develop more and more confidence” in themselves and in “making the world a better place, not just for women, but for everyone.”
Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.