Women's Leadership Alliance: A Luncheon and Book Discussion

Women's Leadership Alliance Luncheon: Celebrating What Had Happened Was with Professor Therí Alyce Pickens

Join The Third Place for an inspiring afternoon of connection, creativity, and community at our Women's Leadership Alliance Luncheon, featuring acclaimed poet and scholar Professor Therí Alyce Pickens. We’ll celebrate the release of her debut poetry collection, What Had Happened Was, published by Duke University Press in March 2025.​

In this powerful collection, Professor Pickens explores the intricate structures of Black storytelling, weaving together themes of Black life, popular culture, history, emotion, love, and chronic disability. Her work delves into the lives and legacies of figures such as Harriet Tubman, Mary J. Blige, Lil' Kim, and Breonna Taylor, blending everyday Black vernacular with cultural criticism and disability studies to craft a unique poetic voice .

Professor Pickens is the Charles A. Dana Professor of English and Africana at Bates College, specializing in African American, Arab American, and disability literatures and theories . Her scholarship and poetry have been featured in prominent publications, including Ms. Magazine, The Root, and Medium .​

This luncheon is designed to be a joyful and engaging space for Black women to connect, reflect, and celebrate the richness of our stories. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Professor Pickens's work or new to her poetry, this event offers an opportunity to engage with her insights and connect with a vibrant community.

This event is free to attend. Lunch is provided. Registration is required.

What to Expect:

• A reading and discussion with Professor Therí Alyce Pickens
• Opportunities for networking and connection
• A delicious luncheon celebrating Black women's leadership and creativity

Come ready to be inspired, to share, and to celebrate the power of Black women's voices.

Who Should Attend This Session:

• Any woman who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or an individual in the global majority seeking thoughtful dialogue and connection to other women

About WLA

Women’s Leadership Alliance is a quarterly gathering of Black females in business, civic, and nonprofit leadership. These gatherings focus on supporting female leaders in their ongoing self-care and personal and professional development. These facilitated gatherings are opportunities to learn from guest speakers, engage in critical group dialogue, and pursue self-exploration. While we prioritize this space for women leading in external capacities, this space is open to women who are leading in other areas.

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