The 2019 Women for OSU scholars included (standing, from left) Caitlin Way, Rachel Terry, Courtney Keeney, Alexis Vance, Carly Bender, Lana Duke, (seated, from left) Christine Walters, Seraiah Coe, Alison Booth and Peighton Coleman.
The group also announced next year’s keynote speaker — OSU alumna and humanitarian Dr. Tererai Trent. Oprah Winfrey named Trent, recognized as one of the world’s most acclaimed voices for women’s empowerment and quality education, as her “favorite guest of all time.” Rooted in humble beginnings, Trent grew up in a cattle-herding family in rural Zimbabwe and was forced to marry at age 11. In 1998, the couple and their five children moved to Oklahoma so she could pursue an education at OSU. Through the help of Oklahoma State professors, she escaped her abusive marriage and earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and master’s degree in plant pathology. She met her current husband while studying at Oklahoma State.
Trent is an educator, motivational speaker and an award-winning author for her book, The Awakened Woman — Remembering & Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams. Trent also serves as a United Nations Global Ambassador of Education and Peace and continues to lead the global charge in the fight for quality education for all children and for women’s rights. Trent will speak at the 2020 Women for OSU Symposium, scheduled for April 23 at Gallagher-Iba Arena. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the 2020 Symposium, contact Michal Shaw at mshaw@osugiving.com or 405-385-5147. Individual tickets will be available this winter at OSUgiving.com/Women. Dr. Tererai Trent
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