Women’s History Month
by Toni Kauffman
This is adapted from a speech recently given by Toni, who is one of our Board Members.
I had an aha moment! Ever had one of those?
Suddenly something becomes so clear you have to wonder why you didn’t see it before?
I sat with tears running down my face as I watched one of the Tuskegee Airman movies based on the stories of the decorated Tuskegee Airman. In 1941, Eleanor Roosevelt had the audacity to ask, why the “Negro” pilots were not in the WWII battle, defending their country. She did an hour-long flight with one of them. The press coverage of her adventure helped advocate for the competency of these pilots and boosted the Institute's visibility.
I began making a list of other women leaders, our heroes, my personal heroes!
You know their names! These are the women who blazed trails, influenced, and changed the course of history for other women.
I had women heroes close to me in my early years. While I always knew they were strong, compassionate women, as I became an adult, I better appreciated and understood their struggles, what they endured, even the small victories and how they equipped me to become who I am today.
As I reflected on some of those women, my grandmother immediately came to my mind. In my earliest recollections, she walked to and from work as a housekeeper, caring for the children in the household, cooking meals and cleaning their home. She was a very proud woman, who I often quote. She promised me I could learn something new every day. I do!
A breast cancer survivor, long before breast reconstruction was a normal practice for women, my great aunt is one of my heroes too! She was a victim of domestic abuse, with no options to remove herself from a troubled existence. BUT she continued as a wife and mother and found many other ways to bring joy into her life.
In 2023, so many women are becoming leaders!
I encourage you to be a part of something bigger than yourself! It may even be something that is leading you far beyond your comfort zone. Young women are looking for the path to be paved for them, like many did for us. Look in the mirror, call out the name of a woman who inspires you. She will be standing beside you, encouraging you to be the best you can be!
Then say, “You are my Hero!” The person looking back will be YOU!