Heartwell, SowHope CEO headline International Women's Day event

The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and SowHope are teaming up to celebrate International Women’s Day by hosting a screening of a documentary about the challenges women face in the developing world.

The screening and discussion with SowHope CEO and Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will take place on March 12 in the Loosemore Auditorium on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Downtown Grand Rapids Campus. The first screening will take place at 4:30 p.m., followed by discussion with Mary Dailey Brown, CEO of SowHope; the second screening will take place at 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion hosted by Mayor Heartwell. 

“The Hauenstein Center is proud to host Mayor George Heartwell and Mary Dailey Brown to recognize the important work that women around the world are doing to improve our communities,” said Gleaves Whitney, director of the Hauenstein Center. “Among our local unsung heroes is Mary Dailey Brown, whose organization, SowHope, is making a critical difference for women whose efforts are helping sustain strong families and communities across the globe. Mary is an alumna of our Cook Leadership Academy, so we couldn’t be more proud.”

The featured panelists at the screening are experts with first-hand knowledge and understanding of the realities faced by impoverished women in developing countries. There will be a reception that begins at 6 p.m. between screenings. 

SowHope is an international, tax exempt, non-profit, charitable organization. It is one of the only global organizations focusing exclusively on the holistic needs of women living in extreme poverty.

Its mission is to inspire women around the world by promoting wellness, education and economic opportunities.

For more information, visit hauensteincenter.org.