Symposium Description

This symposium celebrates the extraordinary lives and contributions of six outstanding alumnae from Columbia University’s Teachers College who played pivotal roles in shaping modern Chinese education and society. Against the backdrop of war, cultural upheaval, and social inequality, among many others, these women—Yinyu Yang, Minnie Vautrin, Dr. Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, Qingtang Yu, Zheng Xue, and Soo Yong—defied norms and dedicated their lives to education, equity, and progress. From shielding thousands during the Nanjing Massacre to advocating for educational rights in New York’s Chinatown, their stories are testaments to resilience and courage. They broke barriers as educators, activists, and cultural ambassadors, advancing women’s education and fostering cross-cultural understanding. This event, held on International Women’s Day during Women's History Month, honors their enduring legacy and explores how their pioneering work continues to inspire the pursuit of educational equity and social justice in China and beyond. Their luminous contributions remain a beacon for future generations.

Time

Mar. 8 (Saturday), 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location

Grace Dodge Hall 179 (Reception: GDH 177)

Keynote Speaker and Panelists

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Henan Cheng, Executive Director of the Center on Chinese Education; Teachers College, Columbia University

Panelists:

● Prof. Danke Li, Professor of History at Fairfield University, author of the award-winning book "Echoes of Chongqing: Women in Wartime China"

● Mr. Xiaowei Ke, Vice President of the Beijing Research Association on Chen Heqin's Educational Thought, Executive Director of the Chinese Society for Taoxingzhi Studies, Visiting Professor at Shaoxing University

● Dr. Wei Liu, United Nations Senior Official, Chair of the United Nations Strategic Planning Network (UNSPN)

● Ms. Sana Bao, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley

● Ms. Jie Dai, President of the US East Coast Alumni Association of Shanghai No. 3 Girls' High School, Chinese Teacher at Friends Academy

Registration

Please scan the code below for either in-person or online participation.

*Online participants: Please scan the code and enter your email address. We will send you the Zoom link before the event.