Women Title IX: An Opportunity of a Lifetime

This exhibit shows pictures of panelists who came to the museum to speak about Title IX, specifically what it means, and what it took to get it. This exhibit focuses on the local aspect of its implementation, and how Title IX affects communities.

  There is no shortage of data supporting the positive influence sports has had on girls who have participated.  Teamwork and strategic thinking as well as the health benefits of being physically active are easily identified.  But it doesn’t stop there.

On February 27, 2005, as part of its mission to provide ongoing educational programs, the Women at Work Museum and the American Association of University Women Attleboro, Inc. branch hosted “Title IX: An Opportunity for a Lifetime. The program was held at the Women at Work Museum, located at 35 County Street, Attleboro and was free and open to the public.

The event endeavored to create a forum to raise awareness about Title IX and its impact on girls and women in sports.  Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 mandated equity for girls and boys in all aspects of education, but the area of competitive sports has seen the most impact as girls have been allowed to play at a level rarely seen prior to the Amendments.  The collaboration between AAUW, the Museum and several other local women has culminated in what was a fun and informative afternoon.

Kathleen Laquale, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Director of the Athletic Training Curriculum at Bridgewater State College was the keynote speaker.  Laquale has worked with athletes at the most elite levels of competition including the Olympics, the US World Cup Soccer Championship, the US National Figure skating Championships and Extreme Games.  Her concern for athletes’ health lead her to found the Medical Advisory Board to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.

Sheila Tunstall McKenna served as moderator for the program.  McKenna’s passion for competition began as a young girl and continues as a multiple-medalist senior Olympian traveling the US to compete.  She has coached and mentored thousands of girls at Attleboro High School in basketball, tennis, field hockey, volleyball and track.  Her advocacy has lead to several awards including being inducted into the New Agenda Northeast Hall of Fame and Fairhaven High School Hall of Fame.

Nancy Dobie, a senior Olympian and multiple medalist in swimming at both the national and international level, was a special guest speaker, bringing her perspective as a competitor today.  As a Seekonk High School physical education teacher and coach for 34 years as well as a basketball official since 1964, she has had an opportunity to lead by example.  Dobie is a sought-after consultant in designing gymnasiums and competition-ready swimming pools. 

Andrea Zeigler, Head Coach of the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team at Bridgewater State College, facilitated a discussion with five of her student athletes regarding the issues facing young women today as they prepare for college sports and college admission.  Zeigler is a life-long soccer player herself, having been a three-time MVP at Curry College.