SEED students to host ‘Herstory’ presentations

Students from the SEED program (Scholarships for Education and Economic Development) will offer presentations on women leaders of South and Central America as part of the “Herstory” program Thursday in the College Center from noon to 1 p.m.

Coordinating the event is something new for ASG bookkeeper Mary Burlingame. “This will be my first year,” she said, adding that SEED students are excited to be presenting at the event. “They wanted to work on this before they leave,” Burlingame said.

The food served at the event was chosen by the SEED students and consists of traditional dishes that the students eat in their country. There will also be music at the event with Jessie Marquez singing.

Marquez, currently living in Eugene, spent her early childhood in Puerto Rico as well as traveling frequently to Cuba. Marquez describes her music as being “a conversation between cultures. Though it’s Cuban, it has an influence of American blues and jazz.”

The Herstory events emphasize the importance of women. Marquez said, “Being a mother and musician, it’s a very difficult balance. Even in the music industry, it’s difficult to be a woman.” But, she added, “In Latin America, (women) are very powerful.”