On March 8, New Mexico History teacher Lisa Nordstrum participated in an event at the Capitol Rotunda honoring the contributions of New Mexican women throughout the state’s long history. In recognition of International Women’s Day, the International Women’s Forum of New Mexico (IWF-NM) sponsored a public celebration of the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program—roadside markers installed throughout the state, each celebrating courageous women who helped shape our multicultural history in pursuits as diverse as the arts, business, education, government, healthcare, and science.
The event showcased how this women-focused program is helping to inspire and empower by celebrating the unique contributions of New Mexico women of the past, present, and future. “According to the National Women’s History Museum, fewer than 11% of textbook references are devoted to specific women in K-12 state history standards and curricula in the United States,” Lisa said at the Roundhouse event. Through funding from the New Mexico legislature, she developed a K-12 curriculum on behalf of the IWF-NM, which will serve to further educate students across New Mexico on the contributions of these women to our state.