International Women's Day 2026

International Women's Day 2026

March 4 - 11, 2026

 



Events Schedule

Accessibility: UCSF welcomes all participants to our events. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event due to a disability, please contact us by emailing [email protected] xternal site (opens in a new window) as soon as possible. 


Wednesday, March 4, 2026
professional profile pictures

 

Women of UCSF Health Presents: Professional Profile Pictures at Mission Bay Campus

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are offering free professional profile pictures to support and empower women in their careers. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile or enhancing your professional presence, take advantage of this opportunity to get a high-quality picture - because representation matters!

This event is currently SOLD OUT. We encourage you to walk-in for a session as our photographer may be able to squeeze you into the schedule.

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Mission Bay Campus, Adult Hospital, Oberndorf Auditorium

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

SOLD OUT


Letters of Love Lunch Break

Take a lunch break at the "Letters of Love" table and create a card to welcome newly immigrated women to the US, supporting The Women's Building. In addition to card making, learn more about the American Heart Association's Bay Area Walk and receive a free gift (while supplies last). 

Look for us at tables located in the Hyde, Mission Bay, Parnassus, and Stanyan cafeterias. Stop by and say hello on the first day of IWD 2026! 

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Hyde Campus Cafeteria, Mission Bay Cafeteria, Parnassus Cafeteria, and Stanyan Cafeteria

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health


Opening Session: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Christina Mangurian, MD, MAS; Vice Dean of Faculty & Academic Affairs, UCSF School of Medicine

Please join us for a candid conversation with Dr. Christina Mangurian as she shares insights from her career journey as a successful woman in academia. Learn about her efforts as a researcher in implementation science to improve mental health in disadvantaged populations, as well as her leadership as the co-founder of the Public Psychiatry fellowship and the ARCHES program. She has been an advocate for women both locally, as the founder of the Warm Hearts women's group, and as a national champion for gender equity. Hear more about her current efforts to support academic faculty in her role as Vice Dean. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a Q&A session. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by her story! 

Light refreshments will be served. 

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 12:55 pm | ZSFG Campus, UCSF Pride Hall 

Presented by: UCSF Committee on the Status of Women

register here


International Women's Day Melt Method Class at Parnassus

Relieve pain, reduce inflammation, ease chronic neck and low back strain, improve alignment, and learn how to keep your whole body working better through simple self-care techniques. 

Suitable for beginners, older adults, returning exercisers, and post-rehabilitation. 

Please check in at the front desk. Class is limited to 19 participants - reserve your space early! 

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 12:55 pm | Parnassus Campus, Millberry Fitness and Recreation Center

Presented by: UCSF Fitness & Recreation and Women of UCSF Health

register here


 

The Lee Trio playing instruments

Chancellor's Concert Series, founded by Dr. Pearl Toy: Women's Day Special, ft. The Lee Trio 

Come enjoy a lunchtime concert at Cole Hall (Parnassus Campus) featuring the award-winning Lee Trio. Burritos will be given to the first 80 guests (while supplies last).

When and where: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Parnassus Campus, Medical Sciences Building, Cole Hall

Presented by: CLS Arts & Events


Thursday, March 5, 2026
professional profile pictures

 

Women of UCSF Health Presents: Professional Profile Pictures at Hyde Campus

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are offering free professional profile pictures to support and empower women in their careers. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile or enhancing your professional presence, take advantage of this opportunity to get a high-quality picture - because representation matters!

We encourage you to walk-in for a session as our photographer may be able to squeeze you into the schedule.

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Hyde Campus, Weyerhauser Conference Room  

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

register here 


International Women's Day Melt Method Class at Mission Bay

Relieve pain, reduce inflammation, ease chronic neck and low back strain, improve alignment, and learn how to keep your whole body working better through simple self-care techniques. 

Suitable for beginners, older adults, returning exercisers, and post-rehabilitation. 

Please check in at the front desk. Class is limited to 19 participants - reserve your space early! 

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 12:55 pm | Mission Bay Campus, Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center

Presented by: UCSF Fitness & Recreation and Women of UCSF Health

Register here


laughter yoga zoom picture

Virtual Laughter Yoga

Are you struggling to find ways to feel lighter and have more joy in the moment? Think about the last time you had a big belly laugh and how you felt afterward. Laughter has a powerful, immediate effect on our minds, bodies, emotions, and spirits! The key is that laughter is always in the moment, like the breath, and we can learn to use it as a skill. 

In this class, we don't tell jokes or rely on humor or comedy; we focus on classical exercises that encourage laughter, deep breathing, stretching, and clapping. The laughter exercises help facilitate a gentle deepening of mindful awareness and an easy connection with other class members. Plus, laughter is very contagious!

When and where: Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm | Virtual

Presented by: UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health 

Register here


Friday, March 6, 2026
professional profile pictures

 

Women of UCSF Health Presents: Professional Profile Pictures at Parnassus Campus

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are offering free professional profile pictures to support and empower women in their careers. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile or enhancing your professional presence, take advantage of this opportunity to get a high-quality picture - because representation matters!

This event is currently SOLD OUT. We encourage you to walk-in for a session as our photographer may be able to squeeze you into the schedule.

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Parnassus Campus, Clinical Sciences Building, CS1116 & 1117  

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

sold out


Beyond the Buzzwords: AI You Can Actually Use

Everyone's talking about AI. Very few people are actually using it well. 

In this hands-in session, we'll cut through the hype and focus on where AI delivers real, day-to-day value. You'll learn how to think about AI as a practical teammate - not a magic brain - and see exactly how it can be applied to solve real problems, streamline work, and make better decisions faster. 

We'll walk through concrete use cases, common mistakes, and simple mental models that help AI work with you instead of against you. The session includes a live build of an AI agent/app, so you can see how these tools come together in real time. 

You'll leave with a clear understanding of what's worth using today, what's just noise, and how to start applying AI immediately in your own work. 

Speaker:  Nadia Hansen 

When and where: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual 

Presented by: WIT@UCSF

register here


Lactation and career image IWD

Lactation and Career: Practical Strategies for Working Parents

This session is designed to support parents navigating lactation after returning to work or school. The conversation will focus on practical topics such as sleep, breast/chestfeeding and bottle refusal, infant behavior, maintaining milk supply, and related challenges.

Panelist: 

Sydney Jones IBCLC

Sarah Quigley IBCLC 

Susan Crowe, MD, FACOG, FABM

When and where: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual

Presented by: UCSF Lactation

register here


 

WIT@UCSF and Makers Lab: Foldable Tech Cafe

What if a single sheet of paper could upgrade your tech setup?

Join WIT@UCSF and the Makers Lab for a hands-on origami demo where creativity meets everyday function. In this interactive session, you'll learn how to transform a simple sheet of paper into practical tools for your digital life, including a phone stand, an earphone pouch, and a sleep webcam cover. 

No experience required. Just bring your curiosity, and we'll guide you step by step. Along the way, we'll explore how design thinking, prototyping, and small innovations can spark smarter solutions in our work and lives. 

Come fold with us, connect with the community, and leave with something useful you make yourself! 

When and where: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |  Parnassus Campus, Clinical Sciences Building, CS 1102&1103

Presented by: WIT@UCSF

register here


Women in Science: Impacting the Future of Academic Science and Medicine

Join us for a panel discussion with an outstanding and diverse group of women in Academic Science, Engineering, and Medicine at UCSF. 

Panelists:

Kristen Berendzen, MD, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry
Maya Graham, MD, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Maya Kotas, MD, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine 
Mercedes Paredes, MD, PhD - Professor, Department of Neurology 
Mary Prahl, MD - Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics 
Julie Saba, MD, PhD – Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Kelly Wentworth, MD - Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine

Moderated By: 

Carolyn Sangokoya, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology

When and where: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |  Virtual

Presented by: UCSF Committee on the Status of Women

register here


 

Drag Bingo with Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy

Join San Franciscan's favorite redhead for an afternoon of storytelling, song, bingo, prizes, and more!

Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy 

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Friday, March 6, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Virtual 

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

register here


Saturday, March 7, 2026

UCSF Human Milk Drive with Mothers' Milk Bank California

In honor of International Women's Week, UCSF is proud to partner with Mothers' Milk Bank California to host a human milk drive celebrating generosity, care, and the collective power of lactating birth parents supporting families during their most vulnerable moments.

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | Mission Bay Campus, Child Development Center, 727 Nelson Rising Lane

Presented by: Mothers' Milk Bank California, UCSF Family Services, UCSF Nutrition and Food Services, UCSF Family Health Care Nursing, and UCSF Women's Health Resource Center

more info here


Monday, March 9, 2026
professional profile pictures

Women of UCSF Health Presents: Professional Profile Pictures at Oakland Campus

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are offering free professional profile pictures to support and empower women in their careers. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile or enhancing your professional presence, take advantage of this opportunity to get a high-quality picture - because representation matters!

We encourage you to walk-in for a session as our photographer may be able to squeeze you into the schedule.

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Monday, March 9, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Oakland Campus, Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Bertha Wright Boardroom  

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

register here


Threading the Needle: Self-Compassion and the Call to Care for Others

This session explores how self-compassion, connection, and inclusion support resilience and sustainable excellence in high-performing professional environments. Participants will examine how self-compassion strengthens emotional regulation rather than lowering standards, and how imposter syndrome, common yet often unspoken, can be reduced through open dialogue and shared experiences. The discussion will also highlight the importance of active inclusion and engagement in fostering a sense of belonging, as well as the ways professional lives intersect through family responsibilities, cultural contexts, and evolving social pressures. Together, these perspectives offer practical approaches to supporting well-being while maintaining high levels of care and performance. 

Christine Chung, MD

When and where: Monday, March 9, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual  

Presented by: WIT@UCSF 

Register here


Hydronovo: Lab to Launch - A Fireside Chat on Women, Science & Startups

Join us for an inspiring and candid conversation with two groundbreaking women scientists who transformed an interdisciplinary UCSF research project, sparked by C-DOCTOR (Center for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Tissue & Organ Regeneration), into the biotech venture, Hydronovo. Bringing both scientific rigor and bold leadership to today’s fireside chat as moderator, Dr. Diana Laird is a Professor of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences at UCSF, leader of UCSF Ceiling Breakers, and a pioneering germline biologist whose research integrates imaging and genomics to understand gamete development, infertility, and healthy aging. This fireside chat will feature Hydronovo founders Drs. Sarah Knox and Chelsea Bahney, who will share their journey of bridging lab discoveries to real-world impact. Learn how they navigated the challenges of commercialization, secured critical early support, and built a company from the ground up.

Discover lessons on innovation, resilience, funding pathways, and what it takes to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. This event is perfect for researchers, trainees, and aspiring founders ready to bring their science beyond the lab. 

When and where: Monday, March 9, 2026 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Hybrid Event - Parnassus Campus, Clinical Sciences Building, CS 1102 & 1103   

Presented by: WIT@UCSF and Orthopaedic Surgery

register here


Tuesday, March 10, 2026 
professional profile pictures

Women of UCSF Health Presents: Professional Profile Pictures at Mount Zion Campus

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are offering free professional profile pictures to support and empower women in their careers. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile or enhancing your professional presence, take advantage of this opportunity to get a high-quality picture - because representation matters!

We encourage you to walk-in for a session as our photographer may be able to squeeze you into the schedule.

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Mount Zion Campus, Hospital, Herbst Hall  

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

register here 


NAHA Fireside Chat:  Community, Culture & Connection

Join us for an engaging fireside chat with the Women of NAHA (Native American Health Alliance) as they share the mission, history, and impact of the Native American Health Alliance (NAHA) at UCSF. Learn how NAHA fosters cultural understanding, raises awareness of health disparities affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, and drives meaningful campus engagement through education and advocacy. This session will highlight NAHA's efforts to promote equity and inclusion, celebrate the resilience of Indigenous women in our culture, language, and leadership, so we can strengthen our communities. 

Panelists:

Lena Rivas, Co-chair of NAHA, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine

Malinda Walker, Co-chair of NAHA, Department of Laboratory Medicine

Tasce Bongiovanni, MD, Co-chair of NAHA, Department of Surgery

Shira Rutman, MPH, Co-chair of NAHA, Division of Geriatrics

Moderated By: 

Brooks Bigart, Office of Opportunity and Outreach

When and where: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Hybrid Event - Mount Zion Campus, Cancer Research Building, 2340 Sutter Street, 1st Floor, Lurie Room 

Presented by: WIT@UCSF and NAHA

register here 


Accessing Family Building Services and Infertility Benefits at UCSF

Family building, fertility services, and UC insurance coverage.

Sue Forstat

Alisha Tolani, MD 

When and where: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am | Virtual

Presented by: UCSF Center for Reproductive Health (CRH), UCSF Health Care Facilitator Program, and UCSF Family Services

register here


Heart to Heart: Advancing Women's Heart Health at UCSF & Beyond

Women's cardiac health clinicians, researchers, and leaders come together to share their expertise on women's heart health and advocacy on this virtual panel. 

Amanda Schnell Heringer will lead an engaging discussion with panelists exploring the most urgent and impactful heart health topics affecting women today. 

Panelists: 

Phoebe Ashley, MD, MS, FACC, Professor of Medicine 

Amy Lin, MD, PhD, HS Assistant Clinical Professor

Angela Fong, Dietitian

Megan Mclaughlin, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Medicine

Nimaljeet Tarango, DNP, MSN, RN, GNP-BC, Administrative Director, Advanced Heart Failure 

Lisa Suennen, Managing Partner, American Heart Association

Moderator:

Amanda Schnell Heringer, MSc, RN, CNS, Cardiology Nursing Director 

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 12:10 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual 

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

register here


AANHPI Leadership Panel v3.png

AANHPI Leadership Panel

Join us for a lunchtime conversation highlighting the leadership journeys of AANHPI women staff at UCSF. This panel will explore how the intersection of gender and AANHPI identities shapes career pathways, professional growth, and influence within an academic health system. Panelists will share insights on navigating hierarchy, building credibility, and fostering inclusive leadership. All staff are welcome.

Panelist: Jessica Blair-Driessler; Pamela Hudson; Amy Pradhan; Michelle Stevens

Moderator: Wylie Liu

When and where: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | In-Person| Mission Bay, Mission Hall MH-1401

Presented by: Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance (APASA)

register here


Core Confidence: Pelvic Health in Perimenopause and Menopause

As people enter perimenopause and menopause, things can change "down there". Tune into this webinar with educator and physical therapist Jennifer Kinder, PT, MS, DPTSc, to learn how to strengthen your pelvic floor and core to combat common peri/menopausal conditions like urinary urgency or frequency, pain with intercourse, and decreased overall fitness. Dr. Kinder, a Board-certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, is an Associate Professor in the UCSF Departments of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science and Anatomy. 

When and where: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Virtual

Presented by: The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science + CLS - Family Services and the Age Awareness Action Coalition (AAAC) at UCSF

register here


Wednesday, March 11, 2026
professional profile pictures

 

Women of UCSF Health Presents: Professional Profile Pictures at Stanyan Campus

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are offering free professional profile pictures to support and empower women in their careers. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile or enhancing your professional presence, take advantage of this opportunity to get a high-quality picture - because representation matters!

We encourage you to walk-in for a session as our photographer may be able to squeeze you into the schedule.

Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Stanyan Campus, Morrissey Hall  

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health

register here  


Breathwork & Meditation for Clarity, Energy, and Inner Balance

Discover the essence of well-being in this interactive breathwork and meditation experience led by Bhairavi Tolani, PhD

In this welcoming and informative session, you'll explore simple yet powerful yogic breathing techniques -- including information about SKY Breath Meditation (TM) -- along with meditation, gentle relaxation, and practical tools to calm the mind and restore balance. 

Drawing from both ancient wisdom traditions and modern science, Bhairavi integrates evidence-based insights with experiential practices designed to: 

  • Release stress and mental fatigue
  • Increase clarity and emotional resilience
  • Reconnect you with your natural energy
  • Cultivate sustainable well-being in daily life

Participants will also gain insight into the nature of the mind, the science of breath, and how conscious breathing can positively impact focus, mood, and overall health. There will be space for reflection, questions, and direct experience of these transformative practices. 

This session is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Open to people of all genders.

When and where: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Virtual 

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health & Dr. Bhairavi Tolani, PhD

register here


Psychological Skills for Managing Stress and Change

Many people are navigating a complex mix of national events, workplace demands, and personal responsibilities. It's understandable that this can lead to feelings of overwhelm, uncertainty, or even helplessness. In this webinar, Dr. Ana Dolatabadi will share practical skills to help you regulate stress, maintain perspective, and access your thinking during challenging times. The session will explore strategies for staying steady amid multiple stressors, caring for yourself sustainably, and finding moments of connection and meaning within the community. Participants will leave with concrete tools to support their well-being while continuing to meet the demands of work and life. 

When and where: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Virtual 

Presented by: Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

register here 


Women Leaders in Healthcare: Challenges, Successes, and Lessons Learned

Please join us for an inspiring conversation with three exceptional women leaders at UCSF: Dena Dubal, MD, PhD, Catherine Park, MD, FASTRO, and Eunice Stephens, MPH, MHA. They will share their personal stories, perspectives, and discuss the intersection of race and gender.  

When and where: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual 

Presented by: Women of UCSF Health 

register here 


 

Preparing to Take Care of Aging Parents: An Overview of Legal and Financial Planning

As people age, most will need someone else to help them make decisions about health, money, property, and more. Legal and financial planning can relieve stress, ensure adults' wishes are respected in the future, and provide support and guidance for caregivers in their roles. Join Elizabeth Peters, JD, MPH, for this webinar on supporting aging parents with legal and financial advance planning. Elizabeth is the Medical-Legal Partnership Attorney with the UCSF/UC Law Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy. 

When and where: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual

Presented by: Campus Life Services - Family Services and the Age Awareness Action Coalition (AAAC) at UCSF

register here


Making the Most of the UC Retirement Savings Program

This class can help you understand how much money you'll need to retire comfortably and how much you can save through the UC Retirement Savings Program. Additionally, the class provides additional ways to save as well as strategies to help you protect and grow your savings. 

Nancy Pargot 

When and where: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Virtual

Presented by: UCSF Committee on the Status of Women

Register here 


 

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WIT@UCSF and Makers Lab: Foldable Tech Cafe

What if a single sheet of paper could upgrade your tech setup? 

Join WIT@UCSF and the Makers Lab for a hands-on origami demo where creativity meets everyday function. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to transform simple sheet of paper into practical tools for your digital life, including a phone stand, an earphone pouch, and a sleek webcam cover. 

No experience required. Just bring your curiosity and we’ll guide you step by step. Along the way, we’ll explore how design thinking, prototyping, and small innovations can spark smarter solutions in our work and lives. 

Come fold with us, connect with community, and leave with something useful you made yourself!

When and where: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Mission Bay Campus, Genentech Hall (second Floor), Cafe 24

Presented by: WIT@UCSF and Makers Lab

REGISTER HERE