Celebrating women who have made positive changes in our world.
By Linda Commito
I have always loved supporting the accomplishments of women, acknowledging the long, hard roads they’ve paved, or taken, to achieve equality and success, especially when they’ve then created opportunities for other women.
It would be impossible to write about all of their history and achievements in this article, but I want to share some of the women who have informed my life and to honor them for how they have made positive changes in our world and given hope and support to others
During the 60s, we didn’t have computers and cell phones to access instant information, but we did have TVs and could watch and be inspired by women who were chiseling away at glass ceilings. We laughed at Lucille Ball, while witnessing how successful a female comedienne and business woman could be. And we enjoyed watching Mary Tyler Moore’s hat toss in a totally different version of life as a modern American woman.
Who didn’t love Audrey Hepburn, an amazingly talented and versatile actress. At a young age, she had worked for the Dutch Resistance. And in her later years, Audrey was a special ambassador of UNICEF, helping children in Latin America and Africa, for which she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I love her quote: “Nothing is impossible . . . the word itself says, ‘I’m possible.’”
And for those of us watching in 1963, I will forever have embedded in my memory the image of Jackie Kennedy after her husband John was assassinated, standing in her blood-spattered, pink suit, with a calm strength that our nation needed, just as her children did.
Mothers are often a major source of inspiration and support. I witnessed my mom helping my dad to open their variety store each morning at 6:00 a.m., getting us children fed and off to school, making dinner, listening, loving and teaching us about kindness. . . to be repeated every day for years with their 365 days-a-year business. Although she had to quit school at 16 to help her family, Mom was totally supportive, as was Dad, in seeing that their children had an opportunity for an education. We were blessed.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my gratitude to the suffragettes, who paved the way for women’s rights to vote. And later, others helped to guarantee that women were paid a fair wage. Heroines like Rosa Parks, NAACP Secretary and civil right activist, who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, risking her well-being to ensure that people of all colors were given the same rights and opportunities. Rosa said: “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” And she did that with immense courage.
Speaking of courageous, Mother Teresa went beyond what most people would even consider doing, living amongst the poorest of the poor, looking after abandoned babies and giving care and solace to the dying on the streets of Calcutta. I was in total awe of this humble woman, who received the Nobel Peace Prize and was an inspiring example of the best of humanity.
Many powerful women have become change agents, who not only express their voices, but make it possible for other women to express theirs. Oprah Winfrey inspired women through her talk shows and continual philanthropic efforts. And Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a stellar example of support for women’s rights and racial equality. Even young girls, such as Greta Thunberg, know, “No matter your age or size . . . you can make a difference.” Thankfully, she does that by alerting us to the negative effects of climate change for future generations.
There are so many more examples of courageous women who have changed our world. In my profession, I was fortunate to have worked with many successful women business owners in Colorado. And now, I am grateful to celebrate the amazing women in my life who inspire me every day.
May each and every one of us continue to share our insights, wisdom and hope in our own unique ways. We need a future we can believe in.
