Today—and really every day—we celebrate International Women’s Day and the power of women who choose to build community together.
At TheSheLab, we believe growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in rooms where ideas are shared openly. In conversations where ambition is encouraged. In circles where women challenge, support, and champion one another.
Community is not just connection. It’s courage multiplied. It’s confidence reflected back to you. It’s the reminder that none of us rise alone.
This year, we honor the women who show up — for their work, their families, their dreams, and for each other. The leaders. The listeners. The risk-takers. The quiet strength behind the scenes.
When women gather with intention, momentum follows.
Here’s to building spaces where every woman feels seen, supported, and unstoppable.
Happy International Women’s Day.
#iwd2026 #womensmonth
Last night we saw firsthand what women in community looks like.
@margotleeshetterly reminded us that the 20th century was powered by an invisible and indispensable group of women whose brilliance quite literally launched us forward.
Their stories were hidden. Their impact was not.
And in that room, you could feel it — what happens when stories are told, when women are seen, when community shows up.
Every ticket purchased, every conversation shared, every connection made helps power @steppingstonecville mission to support women and families in our community.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for believing in education, opportunity, and the power of community.
Here’s to making sure the next generation of brilliant women are never invisible.
This event was powered by volunteers & sponsors. Thank you to our community!
Pictures by @cramerphoto
Books @commerce_street
Food and drinks @flavorcville
Special water @drinkcrunchy
Space @code.building
Tech resources @cvillewomenintech
Design @chaskiglobal
Flowers @verdenaturalflorals
Mark your calendars for February 19, 2026 to hear from @margotleeshetterly , author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race, and an Executive Producer of the Oscar-nominated film adaptation of her book.
Proceeds support @steppingstonecville , and tickets will be available soon!
Thank you for joining Tools for Living Longer and Better.
A Few Key takeaways:
• Gut health, stress, food, and movement affect all outcomes. Nutrition, sleep, and stress are essential.
• Screenings matter: get your pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy.
• Meaningful connections and community bring happiness and contribute to longevity.
Thank you to Whiteford Law, WillowTree Center, @uvacancercenter@drinkcrunchy@wineguildcville@chaskiglobal@lamichoacanacville , the incredible speakers and everyone who attended!
Meet the women shaping the future of research and care!
Join us for an inspiring conversation with three pioneering voices redefining what’s possible in science, medicine, and patient care.
-Dr. Kari Ring – Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Director of the High-Risk and Hereditary Cancer Center.
-Dr. Melanie Rutkowski – Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Cancer Biology.
-Dr. Eyleen Jorgelina O’Rourke – Associate Professor of Biology.
The discussion will be moderated by Kelli E. Palmer, founding member of The SheLab.
All ticket proceeds will benefit the UVA Cancer Center Director’s Fund.
We’re thrilled to announce the final two panelists joining the MPower Menopause event!
Our panel brings together a circle of care to support every facet of your menopause journey. These experts will share insights, strategies, and real-world advice to help you navigate this transition with knowledge and confidence.
New panelists:
Dr. Emily Huffstetler — OB/GYN at Jefferson OB/GYN, dedicated to helping women thrive through all life’s stages. She brings both clinical expertise and personal experience navigating menopause.
Dr. Emily Young, DO, MA, MPH — Psychiatrist with Active & Connected Family Therapy. She specializes in reproductive psychiatry and mental health for individuals and families navigating menopause and midlife transitions.
Sign up today!
Honored to have TheSheLab’s story included alongside so many incredible and powerful women in the Badass Women of Charlottesville book, written by @rachkpalm , edited by @debellathome and captured by the one and only @cramerphoto . When women support each other, share their stories, and lift one another up—there’s no limit to what we can create together.
We heard all your requests to bring us together to talk about menopause!
Whether you’re pre-, peri-, post-menopausal—or simply curious—this is your space to learn, share, and connect.
Join us to hear from an engaging mix of panelists who will share personal stories, lead interactive sessions, and provide practical guidance covering everything from hormones, sleep, and mood swings to sex, skincare, and workplace wellness. No topic is off-limits, and every question is welcome.
Walk away feeling informed, validated, and—most importantly—empowered.
When we talk about menopause, we normalize it. And when we normalize it, we thrive.
Appetizers and drinks included in ticket price.
@mcguirewoods_llp
“The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. Those who walk alone are likely to find themselves in places no one has ever been before.”
🌟Wisdom Bites captured during events 🌟
