BMCC Women’s Herstory Month Opening Event Celebrates Innovation and Empowerment

Students, faculty and staff gathered for the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Women’s Herstory Month opening ceremony on March 5 in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street.  The event also featured brunch as well as keynote speech from BMCC alumna Alicia Tulsee, Founder and CEO of Moxie Scrubs, a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand for nurses that has become a trusted brand in the healthcare industry.

The ceremony is the first of more than a dozen planned Women’s Herstory month events planned for BMCC, according to Women’s Herstory month committee co-chairs, Health Studies Professor Anika Thrower and Health Studies Professor Alex Evangelista.  This year’s theme is Trailblazers and Torchbearers: Women who Light the Way.

During his welcoming remarks, BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe told the audience that Women’s Herstory month not only reflects the monumental impact women have had on society but also recognizes the ongoing struggle with gender inequality.

“This year’s theme, Trailblazers and Torchbearers: Women who Light the Way, resonates deeply with BMCC’s commitment to empowering every individual to reach their full potential. It reminds us of the countless sheroes who have dared to break down barriers, challenge convention and illuminate the path forward for generations,” said President Munroe.

Keynote speaker Tulsee, who grew up in Queens, started at BMCC then later graduated with an economics degree from Harvard University, told the gathering that 15 years ago, she hardly imagined she’d be in the place she is now.

“Back then, I had pink hair, and I could be found at the front entrance of 199 Chambers street jamming with my guitar buddies,” said Tulsee, whose company Moxie Scrubs has won numerous accolades including being named one of Fast Company magazine’s Brands that Matter. “Being here at BMCC is just so profound, because this is where I found my sisterhood, my support system and I found people who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Tulsee, a child of immigrant parents, said she enrolled at BMCC because at the time, she didn’t know where she was going academically or career-wise. She knew that higher education was part of the journey to being successful. When it came time to graduate BMCC, Tulsee went to some of her professors for letters of recommendation to be used for her applications to four-year colleges.

At the time, she was applying to four-year institutions in New York City.   But one of her professors encouraged her to apply to Harvard University.  In 2015, she graduated.

Since then, her company, Moxie Scrubs has become a trusted name in healthcare—merging style, comfort and functionality to serve the unique needs of nurses across the country.  The company continues to expand its mission and vision to support nurses.

“I really want you to embrace these four, simple succinct words, Start here, Go anywhere,” said Tulsee.

Learn more about upcoming Women’s HerStory events here.