While we recognize 8 March 2025 as International Women’s Day, there is much work to be done. That statement isn’t just true for women; it applies for people of color, for the LGBTQIA+ community, for people with disabilities.

With so much to be done, I recognize that I am fortunate to have been empowered through my lifetime by female teachers, mentors, bosses, and coworkers. I’m holding fast to those lessons and hope to carry them forward even in uncertain climates.

1. Inspiration: I’ve worked with immensely talented women across the world. From my first cautious steps in Communications to my current role in Marketing, I’ve been surrounded by coworkers and outside connections who are standouts in their professional work, unwavering in their values, and fierce in their determination to make a difference.
2. Education: I make no apologies for my passion for education, and that’s is largely due to the presence of female leaders throughout my life. From fictional teachers in beloved childhood books like Anne of Green Gables to stellar mentors during my graduate programs who pushed me to do better every day to my fellow instructors in ESL programs to the faculty members I engage with at universities, I know education opens doors for everyone, and it is my responsibility to pay it forward.
3. Progress over Perfection: As a self-diagnosed perfectionist, I’m loathe to make even the smallest mistakes. The best leaders I’ve had are those who’ve made it clear that they are not infallible and that mistakes are inevitable. The majority of these leaders have been women, and it is a boon to my confidence to watch them be willing to make progress over perfection.
4. Proactivity: Taking early action, being willing to fail, and being confident in their decisions, women leaders have demonstrated proactivity in professional and personal settings, making no apologies for their behavior. They act with boldness but show their colleagues empathy and transparency.