Women's History Month

Lynn Conway is remembered for her breakthroughs that helped shape modern computing. She was also a strong advocate for the visibility of women in computer science. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has this story for Women’s History Month.

It was her innovation that led to an entire industry. As part of our recognition of Women’s History Month, WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert tells us the record of Chelsea’s Mabel White Holmes, the inventor of "JIFFY," the first prepared baking mix.

Registration opens today for the Ann Arbor Fire and Police Departments’ Blaze & Blue Career Camp. The camp opens doors to young women in firefighting, first response and law enforcement. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Several structures in Ypsilanti bear the name of "Starkweather". These mark the legacy of a woman who championed social causes in the city during the 1800s. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has this story for Women’s History Month.

Katharine Dexter McCormick was a vocal supporter of women’s rights, paving the way for women to enter and excel in previously disallowed career fields. As a suffragist, philanthropist, and scientist, she broke boundaries from an early age. Born in Dexter, Michigan, she was one of the first women to graduate from MIT. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked with the Dexter Area Historical Society’s Caryl Burke and Jan Weaver about her early life and influence on women’s reproductive rights.

The 2026 Oscars are just days away now! WEMU's David Fair and Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink talk about what to expect for this year's ceremony. Plus, they chat about the new films opening this weekend and Marquee Arts' next batch of special screenings.

A group of Ypsilanti women who were avid readers in the 19th century founded a small library room. It grew over the years and moved several times before eventually becoming the Ypsilanti District Library (YDL). WEMU’s Ana Longoria has this Women’s History Month story.

Joan Sampieri, a well-known Washtenaw County advocate for civil rights and a role model to many, passed away in January. In the '70s, she ran women’s and girls’ defense classes and served at a rape care center. After moving to Michigan, she became President of the League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County. Sampieri’s daughter, Jennifer Fairfield, talked to WEMU's Caroline MacGregor about her mother’s life and legacy, including her work with the Ann Arbor chapter of the NAACP and the Western Washtenaw Democrats.

We're now into March, and new movies are springing up everywhere! WEMU's David Fair is joined once again by Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to talk about the new films, along with the next batch of special screenings and extra special events landing in downtown Ann Arbor.

In November of last year, Alyshia Dyer became the first woman to win election to the office of Washtenaw County Sheriff. She took over in January of this year and is now a few months into the first year of her first term. WEMU's David Fair talked with Sheriff Dyer about her career in law enforcement, the women that helped shape her life and career and her ambitions for breaking more glass ceilings and opening more doors for the young women to follow.