International Women's Day

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is #choosetochallenge. While we may not have asked for it, the past year presented a challenge unlike anything we could have anticipated, and the impact of the pandemic on women in particular cannot be understated. We were professionals, teachers, caregivers, moms, partners, sisters, daughters and friends, all while still trying to be ourselves. While we take a moment to reflect on the impact of Women in our history, I can’t help but wonder through what lens the role of women during this last year will be viewed. We all deserve a moment (okay, a week!) to catch our collective breath.

Keeping with the #choosetochallenge theme, it is fitting to celebrate the women who have broken down barriers so that the path for future generations is a bit more well-traveled.

Frances Perkins became the first female presidential Cabinet member in 1933. Nearly 90 years later, America has its first female Vice President, Kamala Harris, and President Biden’s Cabinet includes 12 women – the most of any presidential Cabinet ever. As it has been said across the internet, watch your step ladies, that glass is everywhere.

Nearly a century ago, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Today, one of Capstone’s female team members moonlights as a pilot while practicing law during the day - you can guess which is more exciting! 

Point being, someone has to be the first to do something in order for it to become the norm, and while the trailblazing of the likes of Amelia and Frances has made progress for present-day females, there are still many firsts ahead of us. You don’t need to be flying around the globe to challenge the norm. It can be as simple as choosing to speak up in a meeting, raising your hand to start a Women’s group, or asking someone to grab a coffee to hear her story. 

Happy International Women’s Day and I hope you continue to #choosetochallenge each day.