All News & StoriesAs we enter Women’s History month in March, we took some time to talk about the women who inspire us. Whether in our work or personal lives, these women created opportunities for us and continue to shape our work now and into the future.
Sarah, Community Engagement Specialist
I have so many, because like Laurel Thatcher said “well behaved women seldom make history”. There is a sign hanging in my cubicle of some pretty phenomenal role models like Michelle Obama, Frida Kahlo, Maya Angelou, Ruby Bridges, and Malala. I am most in awe of two women – the notorious RBG (rest in power) and Bisan Owda. Both of these incredible women made / are making waves in destroying the ceiling and speaking truth into power. They both brought so much to intersectional feminism and bringing light into dark places. I’d be so honored to even come close to making the same impact that any of these remarkable women made / are making on our world.
Eunice, Multicultural Community Engagement Specialist
My childhood was profoundly shaped by the powerful stories of women in the fight against slavery. This was only natural, as both my parents were educators. They made it their mission to introduce us to the remarkable figures we should look up to as role models. My father often shared stories of “Grann Cecile,” his great-grandmother, who fought in the KAKO wars in Haiti. She served as a constant reminder to us to reject the notion that a woman’s place is confined to the home. They also spoke with great pride about Marie-Jeanne Lamartiniére, a Haitian soldier and nurse, celebrated not only for her bravery but also for her intelligence and battlefield strategy. Dressed in a male uniform and fighting alongside the men, she earned deep respect. Lamartiniére played a crucial role in the famous Battle of Crête-à-Pierrot in 1802, where she stood firm against the French forces.
Skylar, Administrative Assistant
As I become a mom for the first time this year, I have often struggled with the thought of how will I balance work and my home life. While I know that there will be times I do not succeed, there are two women taking the world by storm that show me that maybe you can have it all at different times.
One of those women is Emily Calandrelli. She is the host of Emily’s Science Lab which premiered in 2020. Fun fact -0 she was nine months pregnant with her daughter while filming. Once Netflix dropped the show, she moved it over to YouTube to inspire more kids to love science. She has also published two children’s books. In 2022, Emily experienced an issue with the TSA. They expected her to check her breastfeeding supplies, which are on the TSA approval list. She contacted a representative in order to have legislation started so that no mom would have to experience that again. She was also the 100th woman in space last year.
The other woman is Kellie Gerardi. She was also one of the first 100 women in space. She is scheduled to lead an all-female sub-orbital spaceflight in 2026. Kellie has been vulnerable on social media with her struggle with secondary infertility. She has not shied away from a topic that many still find taboo. As of her last update, IVF worked, and she is pregnant with who she lovingly refers to as “Space Baby.” While I may not be able to have it all, I know I can do anything that I set my mind to. Life does not stop when you become a mom and you can still accomplish incredible things outside of your home.
Jamie, Family Engagement Specialist
I was lucky to have a mom who was a pioneer in her own right. She graduated from her class in the 1970s with an engineering degree, along with only a handful of other women. She made sure to teach me about women who forged a path before her, like Lillian Gilbreth, a psychologist and industrial engineer from the 1940s. As I grew in my own passions, I began to learn about women who have impacted my own field of work. This includes, Ruby Bridges, Malala Yousafzai, and Stella Young, an Australian disability activist. These are just a few of many!
Mollie, Executive Director
Harriet Tubman’s story is a powerful example of bravery and strength. As a child, I was amazed by her escape from slavery. Yet. her repeated risk of life and freedom to help others escape left an impression on me as well. Though I couldn’t relate to her experiences as a young person, her story became a deep source of inspiration. It truly shaped my understanding of determination and perseverance.
Kristin Kahl, Communications Manager
Lately, I have been learning much about the suffragettes and suffragists – did you know there is a difference? Most stories reference Mary Wollstonecraft, a nineteenth century writer. Her writing inspired not only Jane Austen but many of those who fought for equal rights (including the right to vote). It amazes me how it really wasn’t that long ago that women did not have a voice in our government. That makes me better understand why my grandmother and mother found it so important to volunteer as poll workers. They all inspire me to never take for granted my privilege to be able to vote and share my voice.
Rosy, Multicultural Family Engagement Specialist
I love reporters who go undercover to discover hidden truths. I stumbled upon a show a few years ago based on Elizabeth Cochran’s book Ten Days in a Mad-House (under the name Nellie Bly). In it, Elizabeth wrote about the atrocities patients were subjected to inside the asylums in the late 1880s. Only a kind and brave soul like Elizabeth could have the wherewithal to befriend those forgotten or shoved aside by society. This especially includes recent immigrants and women. Most of the people she wrote about were not mentally ill and were, in fact, sound of mind. After exposing the asylums, changes were made almost overnight to ensure patients were screened properly (as well as they could for that time). Changes also allowed them receive proper care through fresh food, water, a clean facility, decent showers, etc. She isn’t well-known and deserves more credit for the stories she uncovered in her era. I secretly hope a producer out there makes movies or a mini-series based on the amazing work she did during her lifetime.
Mrudhula Thumu, Data/Assessment Specialist
In my childhood, my mom used to tell me so many stories. One that always stood out was the story of Rani Lakshmibai. She quickly became my favorite historical figure because of her bravery and determination. Her fearless fight against British rule and her unwavering spirit taught me the importance of standing up for what is right, no matter the obstacles. Her story has always inspired me to be strong, resilient, and confident in facing challenges, both in my personal and professional life.
Lauren George, Family Engagement Specialist
I’ve always been deeply fascinated by World War II history, particularly the stories of resistance, resilience, and courage during the darkest moments of the Holocaust. As a child, Anne Frank represented a powerful symbol of hope and the human spirit. Through her diary, she documented her time in hiding, revealing not only the brutal realities of persecution but also her dreams, ambitions, and unwavering hope for a brighter future. Anne’s story is a testament to the strength and dignity of women in the face of unimaginable adversity, reminding us of the enduring importance of tolerance, compassion, and standing up against injustice.
