LA MIRADA, CALIF. --- Biola University celebrates National Women’s History Month with the second annual Ruby Slippers Luncheon event. Biola will be honoring international women through the theme, “In Her Shoes: Walking in the Footsteps of Women Around the World”.

Last year at the first annual Ruby Slippers luncheon Grammy nominated recording artist Crystal Lewis performed for the 300 guests. Jonalyn Fincher, Biola alumni and author of the book, Ruby Slippers: How the Soul of a Woman Brings Her Home, spoke about her book that inspired the event. Fincher believes events like Ruby Slippers are essential to a flourishing community.

“There exists such variety of people in the body of Christ, an oft-overlooked diamond in our midst,” said Fincher.  “When we notice this diamond, intricately cut, strong and yet beautiful, when we attend an event that helps us put the priceless array of difference in God's church front and center, we get a chance to appreciate what God does.”

This year the luncheon will feature speakers from Biola faculty, staff and students dedicated to understanding the perspectives of women around the world and walking in their shoes. Donna Thoennes, Torrey Honors Institute professor, will be the keynote speaker of the event and will discuss her studies in India in recent years.

Women from the Middle East, Africa, China, America and India will be represented by five international Biola students chosen to speak about either their personal story or that of a typical woman in their country. Guests will get a glimpse of different women’s struggles and joys as they listen to the voices of a diverse body of women and gain an understanding of their lives.

The Second Annual Biola Ruby Awards will be presented at the ceremony. Members of the Biola community were invited to submit nominations to the Ruby Slippers Committee on behalf of women exemplifying Godly traits and values that also align with women in the Bible and Biola’s values of truth, transformation and testimony. Biola has chosen three Biblical women to represent the awards. The Priscilla award will honor excellence in teaching and mentoring, the Deborah award tributes leadership and wisdom and the Esther award recognizes obedience and servanthood.  

The cost for attendance and lunch is $10 per person, and $7 per student. The luncheon will take place March 11 at 11:30 a.m. on Metzger Lawn at Biola University.

Visit the Ruby Slippers website for reservations, or call Kim Wise at 562.903.4736.