The women’s march on Washington D.C. on January 21, 2017 was the largest single day protest in United States history and on March 26, 2018 Park University had the honor of hosting Paola Mendoza, art director for the women’s march on Washington D.C., Mendoza spoke on the role she took on leading up to and during the march.

Before the program began Mendoza was seated at a table in front of the stage in the Chapel at Park University signing copies of her book and talking with anyone who walked by. During the program Mendoza talked about the Women’s March on Washington D.C., immigration issues, and how art helped shape the movement.

Mendoza started the presentation by telling a story of where she was when she heard that President Donald J. Trump won the election, how upset she was, and how she promised two young women sitting on the floor that it was going to be okay. Then she told a story about Sofia Cruiz a little five year old girl who wanted to meet the Pope, so she ran through the gates along the street and handed him a letter that she wrote herself. Sofia Cruz then went on to speak at the women’s march with her entire family beside her.

Medoza brought people together and let them speak their stories and she took time to listen.

“I found it very inspiring how Paola Mendoza was able to interconnect with the people and was able to bring out the words that they did not have the ability to bring out in themselves and thus creating a visionary leadership path toward dedication,” said Timothy Griffin, psychology senior.

The major take away from the presentation it was this: “Do what you can, where you are, when you can do it. No matter how small, do something,” said Martin Rucker who is running for Missouri state senate in district 34.