March marks Women’s History Month
By Jazmine Knight
March is coined as Women’s History Month.
During this time it’s important to uplift the memory and strides of past women, the resilience of current women and inspire the next generation of young girls.
Here in St. Joseph, two local organizations shared their opinion on why uplifting women is so important in today’s climate.
Stephanie Hartley, president of the Junior League of St. Joseph and Danielle Brown, CEO of the YWCA, both agree that women’s history month has a special meaning.
“So whether it be internationally, nationally, or within our own community, being able to uplift women who have been trailblazers to where we are today,” said Brown.
“Where we can do the positions that we have right now and we’re able to have a voice.”
Hartley says this month for her means bringing the community together and valuing the relationships in our lives.
When it comes to the question of female role models, answers vary. Brown says she has so many that it’s hard to choose from.
“I’ve had a lot of role models. And whether it be teachers, my mom, other influences in life, bosses or coworkers, things like that. I don’t know that there’s necessarily been ‘one’ role model,” said Brown
Hartley says her role models would be the women in her family.
“I’m really lucky that I have a close knit group of women, aunts, grandparents, my mom, who have been there all the time. Who are sometimes there too much.”
In the future, Brown wants to see women continue to “take a stand.”
“I’m proud that we don’t quit. Women tend to have a tenacious inner spirit that says we are going to do this and we’re going to find a way,” Brown exclaimed.
“Whether you just want to accomplish a small little goal for yourself, a personal accomplishment, or you really want to make a stand.”
Hartley wants to see women achieve happiness.
“By that, I mean comfortable in ourselves. Confident in what we’re doing, stable and educated, where we feel like what we do matters.”
Hartley believes as women, one of the hardest things for them to do is to ask for help.
“Those are things that take a lot of courage. They take a lot of bravery, and it’s really easy to just kind of push them to the side because they weren’t easy.”
As far as advice to the younger generation, both Brown and Hartley gave inspiring words.
Brown wants girls to remember that life isn’t easy and working hard is the only way to get closer to your dreams. However, with perseverance, you will never fail.
“Any time where you can take a young girl and say, hey, you can be anything that you want to be, you just have to work hard,” Brown said.
“Whoever you are, you can make great accomplishments in life.”
Hartley encourages the youth to keep trying even when they fail.
“Nobody’s perfect, right? We are all fallible people, and it’s really easy to feel like if you don’t do something well the first time that you’re no good at it.”
The YWCA is a local organization whose mission is to empower women and eliminate racism.
“It really is based around domestic violence and sexual violence,” said Brown.
“Making sure that no matter what the situation has been and why you come to us for services that you know, that life can be different and that you can be just as empowered as everybody else that just takes steps to get there.”
The Junior League of St. Joseph focuses on supporting the needs of women and children while building literacy within the community. They will also be hosting their first annual women’s forum at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Registration can be found on their website at www.juniorleaguesj.com
To all the women, continue to make strides especially during Women’s History month. In the words of Danielle Brown, “We don’t give up. We make things happen…hold your head up high and look good. Put on that smile and make it happen.”
