In October, we recognize and celebratethe many observances that highlight the contributions, resilience, and achievements of communities across our nation. This month offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made while continuing to advocate for policies that advance equity, leadership, and opportunity for all women. October includes major celebrations: World Teachers’ Day (October 5), Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12), International Day of the Girl (October 11) and United Nations Day (October 24). There are many month‑long observances like Breast Cancer Awareness, National Bullying Prevention, Domestic Violence, Depression Awareness, Down Syndrome, and ADHD Awareness.

Notable Women’s Events in October -October is rich with milestones in women’s history, spanning achievements in science, politics, the arts, and social movements.           

• Oct 3, 1904– Mary McLeod Bethune opens her first school for African American students in Daytona Beach, Florida, later becoming a prominent educator and civil rights leader.
• Oct 23, 1910– Blanche Stuart Scott makes the first public flight by an American woman.
• October 16, 1916– Margaret Sanger opens the U.S.’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York.
• Oct 28, 1958– Mary Roebling becomes the first woman director of a stock exchange (American Stock Exchange).
• Oct 4, 1976– Barbara Walters becomes the first woman to co-anchor an evening news program at ABC.
• Oct 10, 1983– Dr. Barbara McClintock receives the Nobel Prize in Medicine for her discovery of mobile genetic elements.
• Oct 11, 1984– Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan becomes the first U.S. woman astronaut to “walk” in space during the Challenger mission.
• Oct 4, 1993– Ruth Bader Ginsburg joins the U.S. Supreme Court as its second woman justice.
• Oct 8, 1993– Toni Morrison becomes the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
• Oct 9, 2012– Malala Yousafzai is shot in Pakistan but survives, later winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. 

Please join us for our annual Symposium, "Birth to Legacy: Discussing Women's Health, Aging, and Care," which will be held on November 11, 2026, at Texas Christian University.The symposium is one of our signature events, and I encourage each of you to consider attending. If your organization is able, we would also be grateful for your sponsorship.

The proceeds from this event directly support our Mini-Grant Program, which funds organizations serving women and children in our community. These grants are making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families across our region.

We look forward to celebrating with you throughout October and seeing you at our Annual Symposium in November!

With appreciation,

Di Ann Sanchez
Chair, Women's Policy Forum