Celebrating Women's History Month With...

Since 1981, Congress has recognized the role women have in our nation's history in the form of what has become "Women's History Month."

I do worry about the current administration erasing or watering down the accomplishments and contributions of women to our society, economy and evolution as humans but the government website celebrating Women's History Month hasn't been deleted - yet.  (Did you know the words "female" and "women" is among the banned words from government documents and websites? Source: New York Times)

Capturing and sharing the impact stories of women is an imperative and our collective responsibility. Their stories offer learning, inspiration, role modeling and honor.

Since I was little, I looked up to my grandmothers with awe and admiration. They were/are (Grandma Parr is still alive) strong, determined, vocal women who were dissatisfied with the status quo so they spearheaded change. And all gender identities benefitted from their courage and innovation.

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Karen Parr, my paternal grandmother, was a teacher and an early adopter of technology. She became a consultant, teaching teachers how to use computers on one of the very first Macintosh's and then went on to hold political office and own a small retail business.

Grandma Parr became the visionary and primary fundraiser for the only independent senior living facility in Fairbanks, Alaska. She lead the development, including getting the land donated and securing millions in funding for the property, which now has 95 units, a community center, a dining room, and a performance stage. 

Grandma Parr has taught me that I'm never too old to stop learning.

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Helen Fischer, my maternal grandmother, was a staunch advocate for women's rights and served in the Alaska legislature for several terms, was a member of the Democratic National Committee, and was a leader in bringing Alaska into statehood. 

When addressing President Kennedy at the Constitutional Convention she stated:

"Mr. President, I think "sex" definitely should be in this proposal because there are still states in the Union where women are not allowed to serve on juries."

My Grandma Helen taught me to be strong and use my voice for good.

In 2009, she was inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame, thirteen years after her death.

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Cheers to all the women that have made and are making a difference in our world!

Let's shout their stories from the rooftops!