New York State Senator Shelley Mayer recently visited Iona University for a discussion on empowerment in honor of Women’s History Month. The event, hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB), aimed to shed light on the unique challenges that women face and provide strategies for empowerment.

Senator Mayer, who represents the 37th District and has been re-elected multiple times, shared her career journey during the discussion. She highlighted the obstacles she overcame in a male-dominated field while juggling work and personal life. Dr. Alison Munsch, chief DEIB officer and associate professor at Iona, expressed gratitude for Mayer's insights, stating, “We are grateful for her valuable insights and perspectives and I truly believe this discussion will inspire both confidence and action within our students.”

Iona University, founded in 1940, is a Catholic institution known for its dedication to academic excellence and values of justice, peace, and service. With a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, Iona offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines. The university has received recognition in prestigious rankings, including being listed among "The Best 389 Colleges" by The Princeton Review and ranked #66 in the nation overall and #8 among Catholic schools by The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse.

In addition to its academic programs, Iona University recently established the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences and announced plans to open a campus in County Mayo, Ireland. The university's growth and academic achievements led to its official status change from College to University in July 2022, marking a significant milestone in its development.