Athenaeum Symposia Speaker Series
Our distinguished speakers offer timely, stimulating topics delivered by today's leading experts in international affairs, social science, the humanities, arts, politics, and economics. These events encourage meaningful conversation, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding around our collective experiences.
This year’s speakers explored the theme of Social Justice: Community Wellness. Our goal is to inspire respectful exchange of ideas among the Montgomery College community and the larger Montgomery County community, advancing the kinds of meaningful conversations that are ever-more important.
Past Presentations
Dr. Paula Stone Williams: I've Lived as a Man and a Woman. Here's What I Learned.
Are men privileged in ways they do not understand? Do women have to work harder to be seen as leaders? Do men empower each other more than women do? As a transgender woman with a doctorate in counseling, Paula Stone Williams has a unique perspective on how the differences between men and women can affect their everyday life—not only has she counseled in this area, she’s lived it. Based on her three TED talks with over 10 million views, Dr. Paula Stone Williams speaks about her experience living as a male and as a female, talking about how differently she is received as a woman than she was as a man. And yes, life is much harder as a woman.
With humor and insight, Paula answers these questions and more, using scientific data, an extensive understanding of popular culture, and her experience in both genders to explore the difference between equality and equity. Men will depart with a greater understanding of their own privilege, and the opportunities to make a difference that leverages that privilege. Women will understand the importance of standing up for themselves and working together to bring about change. Both genders will be asked to examine how we bring our privilege with us in all of our interactions.
Dr. Paula Stone Williams is a Pastoral Counselor and internationally known speaker on gender equity and religious tolerance. She lives in Lyons, Colorado, where she serves as Mayor Pro Tem. Paula has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, TED, NPR, PBS, and many other media outlets. Her TED talks have had over nine million views. Paula’s memoir, As A Woman, What I Learned About Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2021.
Archive of Featured Presentations
These events fulfill the Multicultural Diversity Training requirement for MC employees.
To reserve space for classes or to request accommodations for an event, email or call 240-567-1845.
