With March being Women’s History Month I thought it appropriate to ask some of Idaho’s most powerful, influential and inspiring women for their thoughts on the occasion.
“Last year, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. It was a great reminder for how far many women have come, as well as how far we all still have to go. I hope we have learned the valuable lesson to create space at the table for all women who represent diverse life experiences across cultures. When one of us suffers from discrimination and oppression, we all are diminished. Let us stand up for diversity, inclusion, and representing a variety of voices, so all individuals living in our communities can finally be heard.”
-Senator Melissa Wintrow
Boise, District 19
“Women’s History Month is a chance to look back and honor the women who have shaped and nurtured our lives and our world. For me, it’s an honor and privilege to be able to carry the torch they’ve passed on—and hopefully I can leave the world just a little kinder than the way I found it.”
-Natasha Williams
Journalist, Idaho News 6
Women’s History Month emboldens us to learn from the past and empower future young women to lead.
-Representative Laurie Lickley
Jerome, District 25
“Effective women leaders are strong in all the characteristics you would expect in any leader: Integrity, trustworthiness, visionary, effective communicator, influencer, strategic and financial acumen, passion, understanding, team player, collaborator, self-reflective, ability to learn and grow from experiences and humbleness. Providing leadership in an industry predominately made up of women requires them to be at the table and engaged in creating change that is fueled by their commitment to a diversified workforce not only reflective of gender, race, and ethnicity but diversity of thought and perspective.”
-Odette Bolano
President & CEO, St. Alphonsus
“Every day is amazing, let learning never end, open your eyes, your heart and let what you learn make a difference.”
-Representative Sally Toone
Gooding, District 26
“I have been blessed to have come of age at a time where women have had so many opportunities that my grandmother would never imagined 100 years ago. I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice as they paved a path forward for someone like me.”
-Representative Barbara Ehardt
Idaho Falls, District 33
“It is a true honor to work alongside many strong, intelligent women in the Idaho Legislature. For so long, women were absent from politics and positions of power. We are seeing cracks in that illusive glass ceiling, but there is more to be done.”
-Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
Boise, District 18
“When we consider the extraordinary accomplishments of women it is a reminder that we all have something worthwhile to contribute and nothing should stop us from doing what is right and good—not for recognition or fame, but because giving of ourselves makes the world a better place. I will always be thankful that women were willing wage a long, unpopular campaign to ensure my right to vote. I hope to display that same purposeful determination as a legislator.”
-Representative Julie Yamamoto
Caldwell, District 10
“Women have a storied, recent history which brought us to a place where we have a seat at the table. We still have a ways to go, but our voices are needed now more than ever.”
-Senator Ali Rabe
Boise, District 17
“Women’s History Month gives me a profound sense of gratitude for the women who blazed a trail before me, and a lot of hope for our daughters’ futures. It’s important for our daughters to see examples of women and their contributions throughout history so they can see all that is possible. History is not as far as it sometimes seems… In my industry (in finance), I was mentored by tremendous women leaders who blazed a trail and showed me how to succeed and be true to myself. They joined trading desks on Wall Street, and in most cases in the 70’s and 80’s they were the only women on their teams. They endured and sometimes thrived despite a very challenging environment. As I rose thru the ranks in my career, there was a point where it became my turn to carry that work forward. That is why collaborating with, hiring, being friends with, and mentoring talented women has always been an important focus for me whether it’s in the context of business, brainstorming over shared mom challenges in the pandemic, or finding new women who are brave enough to run for office. History is great but we must continue through action paying our history forward.”
-Liz Strader
Meridian City Council Member
Jessica Specht 