The DHS clubs WILD (Women In Leadership Development) and Women in STEM as well as the Durango club, GIRL (Girls Inspiring Resilience and Leadership) all helped to put on a movie night showcasing the film “Hidden Figures” at the Powerhouse Science Center on March 30th, 2024. 

The main organizer for the event, Bryn Aggeler (DHS junior and co-president of WILD), got the idea to put on a movie from “…Alyxx (Ford), who got it from another club called GIRL and then also Women in STEM are kind of a part of that, like Ellie Casias and Elena Forrest.” 

The people involved in setting up for the night all emphasized the importance of it being a community event. Aggeler said that, “It was kinda their (aforementioned people) idea because it can include all community members, not just club members, which we definitely wanted to include the whole community.” Lucy Vanbuskirk, a DHS junior and WILD Activism leader, who attended the movie was excited about the occasion because, “Just like celebrating women and women’s history as a whole, to like come together at a community event.”

The film they showed, Hidden Figures, was released in 2016 and was nominated for Best Picture. Based on real events, it follows three women who work at NASA during the 1960s space race and their struggles and triumphs. Aggeler explained why they chose to show it, “We wanted to put on an inspiring movie because it’s entertaining but it also leaves people with…hope for women and understanding.” Alyxx Ford, a junior and co-president of WILD added that, “I think it’s super important to be showing films like this and having representation for women and…having a community event where we can really recognize that and appreciate that and really celebrate it.”

Peyton Cioppa, who is also a DHS junior and is an Outdoor Recreation leader for WILD said that the club, “…also tried to like recognize women in our community this month by…[making Instagram posts and interviewing DGO women.]” Ford joined in saying that, “Because there are a lot of strong and excellent women in the community, we wanted to honor them and kind of like show people what our community has and what women do for it.” Aggeler ended by stating, “It’s just important to reflect on the history of women and where we are today.”