Jodie Foster, Chelsea Clinton and Ava DuVernay to Headline Women’s History Month Symposium

The Making Their Mark Foundation is set to launch its inaugural Women’s History Month Forum in Washington, D.C., bringing together some of the most influential voices in culture, film, and advocacy. Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster, former First Daughter and global health advocate Chelsea Clinton, and acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay will headline the three-day event.

A Celebration of Women’s Achievements

The symposium will run from March 5–7, coinciding with the foundation’s exhibition Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA). The exhibition highlights groundbreaking works by women artists, aiming to correct their underrepresentation in public collections and art history.

The forum will open with a private viewing of the exhibition, followed by panel discussions, keynote conversations, and poetry readings. Artist and activist Samia Halaby will perform, adding a creative dimension to the program.

Visionary Voices

Foster will deliver the Visionary Voices Keynote in conversation with Rajendra Roy, Chief Curator of Film at The Museum of Modern Art. DuVernay will join curator Adrienne Edwards for a dialogue on storytelling and representation. Clinton will speak with Dr. Sarah Lewis, exploring how culture shapes policy, how personal narratives inspire collective action, and how the arts remain vital to movements for gender equity and justice.

Clinton emphasized the importance of the event: “Too often, what we think of history or art reflects a partial record based on who was seen, supported, and then remembered. The Making Their Mark Forum and exhibition widen the frame to include and center women, creating conditions for lasting change.”

Building a Legacy

Founded by Komal Shah, the Making Their Mark Foundation supports scholarship and public engagement to highlight women’s contributions to the arts. Shah praised the lineup, saying: “Ava, Chelsea, and Jodie each bring unparalleled depth of experience as visionary advocates for women, not just in the arts but in our broader culture.” By combining art, activism, and dialogue, the symposium aims to foster critical change while celebrating excellence among women.

Looking Ahead

With its blend of cultural programming and thought leadership, the Making Their Mark Forum is positioned to become a cornerstone event for Women’s History Month. For attendees, it offers not only inspiration but also a call to action—redefining how women’s voices and achievements are recognized in society.