As we step into May 2026, we welcome a season filled with fresh energy, growth, and opportunity within our Women’s Policy Forum. This month brings meaningful moments to connect, celebrate achievements, and support one another through shared experiences and service. We hope you’ll find inspiration in the updates ahead and join us in making the most of all that May has to offer. Thank you for being a vital part of our vibrant community.

This month has many exceptional and significant events we need to celebrate:

Cultural and Religious Celebrations

• Mothers Day – May 11, 2026. May 8, 1914 – President Woodrow Wilson signs a Proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day

• Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
• Shavuot (Jewish) - May 22-23: Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and marks the vital wheat harvest in Israel.

• May Day/International Workers' Day (International) - May 1: Celebrated globally, acknowledging the struggles and gains of laborers.
• Lei Day (Hawaii, USA) - May 1: A statewide celebration honoring Hawaiian leis, symbolizing love, respect, and celebration.
• Cinco de Mayo (Mexican) - May 5: Commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla, celebrating Mexican culture and heritage.

Raising Awareness

• Mental Health Awareness Month: Dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and promoting support for those affected.
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month):Celebrates the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
• National Stroke Awareness Month: Educates the public about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
• Arthritis Awareness Month: Promotes understanding and support for those living with arthritis.

Significant Women's Events In May

• May 1, 1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks becomes the first African American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and is named Library of Congress’s Consultant in Poetry (later called Poet Laureate) in 1985
• May 5, 1938 – Dr. Dorothy H. Andersen presents results of her medical research identifying the disease cystic fibrosis at a meeting of the American Pediatric Association
• May 10, 1872 – Victoria Woodhull is nominated as the first woman candidate for U.S. president for the Equal Rights Party
• May 15, 1970 – Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth P. Hoisington officially receive their ranks as U.S. Army Generals, becoming the first women to do so
• May 29, 1977 – Janet Guthrie becomes the first woman to qualify for and complete the Indy 500 car race
• May 29, 1943 – “Rosie the Riveter” by Norman Rockwell appears on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post

To Your Success,

Dr. Di Ann Sanchez, SPHR, SHRM - SCP