International Women’s Day – Our Daughter

Continuing with our series this week, we’d like to introduce our daughter, Dana Wilson. As you can imagine, it’s difficult to explain how proud we are of her accomplishments. Dana possesses a certain inner light, and exudes energy while keeping very busy as a wife, mother to our beautiful grandchildren, with a full-time work schedule (plus more) as a manager in public health. Somehow, Dana manages to squeeze three days out of every 24 hours. Thank you, Dana, we love you back.

International Women’s Day is a day when I am humbled and inspired by the bravery, dedication, and accomplishments of women throughout history and today that have made a difference in support of the rights of women and girls everywhere. I think of my mom and other mentors and role models throughout my life that I have learned from and who have encouraged me and I feel immense gratitude. 

This day also reminds me that there is more to do and that I have a role to play in the path forward. I have come to reflect more on my own privilege in my adult years, which is something I did little of as a young adult. The wage gap between men and women persists, and many women today still strive to reduce basic power imbalances while facing multiple intersecting forms of discrimination. This day encourages me to do better – to celebrate of course, but also to continue to learn, to connect, and find ways to support and amplify the accomplishments, complexities, and challenges of women everywhere.

Today is a day to celebrate this important global movement and a day to celebrate you! Happy International Women’s Day.