March is Women’s History Month and SPS is excited to join in on the celebration of women everywhere. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are sharing stories about the women who have inspired them in their academic pursuits or professional careers. Whether they are family members, authors, leaders in business, politics, academia, or all of the above, these inspirational women paved the way for new generations, disrupted old ways of thinking, and contributed great new things to the world.
“In the 6th grade, our final project was to research (and ultimately role play) a ‘notable.’ This ‘notable’ could be anyone who was considered successful, famous, or visionary. I selected Eleanor Roosevelt. I can certainly list all of her noteworthy accomplishments as a First Lady, diplomat, and activist; however, what I've taken from her—after all these years—is this quote: ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.’”
– Sabrina Romulo ’22SPS, Strategic Communication
“The late Margaret Thatcher was my icon of a strong, smart, and resilient woman. My favorite quote from her is, 'Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.'”
– Sarah Oleng', ’22SPS, Strategic Communication, and Student Representative, SPS DEIA Committee
“A woman who has inspired me and generations through the power of a story is Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. From the tales of Pippi Longstocking to Ronja The Robber’s Daughter and the Brothers Lionheart, Astrid inspired children all over the world to be strong, to be brave, and most importantly, to be kind. Her stories will live on forever and continue to inspire generations to come.”
– Matilda Ivarsson, ’22SPS, Strategic Communication
“I am inspired by all the women who have, and are continuing, to pave the way for women in business. For 50-plus years, many women have worked tirelessly to ensure equality for future generations, and if it were not for them, 2022 would have looked much different for women in business.”
– Olivia Paxson, ’22SPS, Enterprise Risk Management
“All my life I have had very many women who have inspired me. Being born and raised in Kenya, there were a lot of events and challenges that women faced. The following women inspired and motivated me, and I have to thank them for making me who I am today. My mother, Mary Ndungu, was a spinal cord nurse in Nairobi. She balanced being a mother to five children and four stepsons, and opened up a hardware store and her own clinic in the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya once she retired from the hospital. She is turning 78 this year. She spent all her time always contributing to society and giving back to the community. She opened up the clinic and made sure that healthcare was available to those who would never have had it otherwise. She inspired my professional career by ensuring that every interaction I had, whether in business or at home, would always be kind and helpful. She was a firm believer that if you don't think you have a purpose, you should start helping your community while you figure it out. Take your time--no pressure.
“My aunt Margaret Rumba dedicated her life to working with children, and her whole adulthood to working for World Vision and traveling to war-torn areas to help children in Africa. She helped me with my homework in primary school, and inspired me to get my Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. (coming soon), as she had worked tirelessly on her education. She always said that there are two things people cannot take away from you, your memories and your knowledge. She told me that if I don’t know what I want to do yet, just learn everything I can, and be ready to teach it. Share your knowledge as readily as you share your food (this is from African culture). So I decided to add to the list--that people cannot take away your option to be kind. As she is always kind to strangers, and always ready to teach. Her dedication to education in children and the importance of having an educated population, inspires me every day to teach.
“To my sister Janet, who helps in her church and ensures that women are empowered in making great accounting decisions, and are always prepared for the risky parts of life.
“As an adult, and moving in corporate and small business circles, the league of impressive women grew. From the first manager who ever gave me a chance when I came to this country, Lori Traboldt. Letting me be a server at a buffet, and helping me maneuver my 14-year career in the hospitality industry, from a server to Dual General Manager. Not knowing at the time that she was being an ally in every sense of the word, and pushing me as a woman, an African migrant, and most importantly, seeing me as a person to whom she can impart her wisdom.
“Lastly, to a small business cheerleader who resides in my heart among all these people is Tisha Hammond. When I decided to open my own KindnessInspired company, I was (excuse my French) freaking scared! I felt alone and unsupported. She took me under my wing and mentored me. Showed me the importance of being authentic while networking, and figuring out how mistakes are great for you. She has mentored me through my toughest times.
“The toughest being joining this school. Imposter syndrome is heartless. And receiving the acceptance is only the first step--figuring out payment (and this was so scary!), balancing home life, work life, and most importantly, having fun in each class. She always reminded me that I needed to have fun in each interaction and celebrate our different cultures. She helped me realize the importance of ‘ubuntu’ (I am because we are)--she is a woman who inspires me as she runs her business on the principles of Kwanzaa.
“My life is a collection of powerful people in this world. I would not exist today, be part of the student government, champion for knowledge and sustainable goals, striving to help others through education… I would not exist without these people in my life.”
– Elizabeth Ndungu, ’22SPS, Information and Knowledge Strategy
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