I’m always reminded of the fact that I stand on Patsy Mink‘s shoulders because I now hold [her] seat.
–Rep. Mazie Hirono, honoring the legacy of the women that have come before us, while speaking at BPW Foundation’s Policy & Action Day reception.
Archive for the ‘Women’s History Month’ Category
One Last Misbehavin’ Woman for Women’s History Month
Posted by gansie on March 31, 2010
Posted in Women's History Month | Tagged: Mazie Hirono, Patsy Mink, policy and action, Women's History Month | Leave a Comment »
Where is the Women’s Basketball Coverage?
Posted by sherrysaunders on March 29, 2010
UNCWSports/Jason Barnette
People may ask why women’s history month? Well until we can get equal notice in the media we need to speak up for ourselves. Is anyone else as frustrated as I am about the lack of coverage of Women’s March Madness. This past weekend games were played to determine the Elite 8 for women and the Final 4 for men. This morning my local paper – The Washington Post - had not one word about the women and two pages on the men. On NPR, there was at least a mention of the Women’s Basketball games but it was done so quickly the first time there was no way to figure out who remained and the next mention later in the hour only noted that UConn was continuing. These women are playing their hearts out and are true athletic scholars and yet get short shrift (or no shrift) by the media. I for one will be watching the women’s games. I have to, since I am sure there will be no other media coverage.
We need to let the media know that we want to see women’s sports covered. The number of women professional athletes has been growing and because of Title IX the number of women playing in college has exploded. Yet the majority of commentators and sports reporters remain male. When young girls watch TV they don’t seem themselves playing. This only sends the message that women are not as important. We are more than 50% of the population and 49% of the workforce. We need better coverage of all of our accomplishments including sports.
Posted in Feminism, girls, sports, Woman Misbehavin', Women's History Month | Tagged: Basketball, gender roles, Media, sports, Title IX | 2 Comments »
Celebrating Misbehavin’
Posted by joyinhome on March 26, 2010
In honor of her birthday (March 26, 1930), today’s Misbehavin’ Woman is Jurist Sandra Day O’Connor, the 102nd Supreme Court Justice and the first woman to hold the position.
Appointed by Ronald Reagan, O’Connor served from September 22, 1981 – January 31, 2006. Although known to have an open mind and rule on a case by case basis, O’connor received mixed reviews on her decisions. She was known as a moderate voice and was known to be the swing vote in some cases. On August 12, 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the United States, by POTUS MAXIMUS Barack Obama.
Concerned about the lack of knowledge among most young Americans about how their government works, in February 2009, O’Connor launched www.ourcourts.org, to offer interactive civics lessons to students and teachers.
“Having family responsibilities and concerns just has to make you a more understanding person.”
Posted in Advocacy, BPW, Diversity, Economy, girls, Global, Politics, Uncategorized, Woman Misbehavin', Women's History Month, YWM | Tagged: Career Advancement, gender roles, hero, history, Politics, power, women, workplace diversity | Leave a Comment »
Celebrating Misbehavin’: Congressional Style
Posted by joyinhome on March 25, 2010
Today, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi hosted a Women’s History Month celebration in Statuary Hall. Guest of honor…Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
It was a great event and the speakers (including Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)) spoke about those women who misbehaved throughout history; some whose names we know and many more whom we will never know.
Clinton talked about how women have always made history but commented however that there “were not many women in Statuary Hall.” Both Clinton and Pelosi talked about the dedication last year of the Sojourner Truth bust in the rotunda of the Visitor’s Center (which by the way, my co-worker wanted to see but we weren’t allowed to go – another post for another day).
The Secretary also thanked Woolsey for her leadership in keeping the impact on women forefront in the healthcare reform debate and, of course, Pelosi for leading the charge to get the legislation passed.
Today is a celebration of ALL women and girls…who will be making a difference for generations to come…As Women’s History Month comes to a close, let’s all redouble our efforts.
Celebrate women who made history and those who will – donate to change the lives of working women and their families.
Photo credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America
Posted in Advocacy, Career Advancement, Diversity, Economy, girls, Global, Uncategorized, Woman Misbehavin', Women's History Month, YWM | Tagged: Career Advancement, Diversity, equality, gender roles, health prevention, obama administration, women, women's health, Women's History Month | 2 Comments »
Celebrating (Misbehavin’) Women’s History Month
Posted by gansie on March 25, 2010
As an organization proud of its legacy of supporting working women, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation honors today’s trailblazing women as they lead the way.
This Misbehavin’ interview is one in a series as BPW Foundation commemorates Women’s History Month.
Name Leslie Stein
Title/Organization President, Full Circle Inspiration AND Program Manager of Veteran’s Initiatives, BPW Foundation
Leslie spends both her work-life and play-life finding inspiration in the world around her. From big things (like the Chinook helicopters she used to fly) to little things (like her obsession with pennies chronicled on her blog, The Penny Project), she believes all people, but especially women, are capable of anything and is inspired by leaders who help them achieve that ideal!
My favorite woman in history is… I’d venture to guess that my FAVORITE women didn’t make history…they were too busy out in the world living fantastic lives and supporting causes, big and little, they believed in.
Army Capt. Kimberly N. Hampton
One of my most respected women in history is CPT Kim Hampton, the first female military pilot in United States history to be shot down and killed as a result of hostile fire. I was lucky enough to serve with her for a brief time and know that she is the epitome of a leader. Her bravery, along with that of thousands of other women who serve, is what allows us to live the lives we choose to live here in the US…and for that I will always be thankful.
Women have helped me succeed in my career by… helping me laugh during the hard times! My mom, my sister, my girlfriends and even my last boss were always there for me when things got tough.
Whether it was a supportive text message, and phone call to check in and see if I was ok, or a stiff drink at happy hour, the women in my life have always known how to be there for me and encourage me to take big risks in my career when it was time to do so. Without them…who knows where I’d have ended up. All I know is if they weren’t there, it would be a sad place!
I support Business and Professional Women’s Foundation because… I feel the work they are doing to help the female veteran population is so important! When I read their Women in Transition study and realized that I wasn’t crazy for taking five years to feel fully acclimated to the civilian lifestyle, I knew I had to help spread the word that transitioning out of the military is very different for women than it is for men. I’m proud to be part of the team spreading that message!
I’m proud to be a Misbehavin’ Woman by… speaking my truth even when it’s not the most popular idea in the room (because often times, it’s not). Speaking the truth has gotten me in trouble at times…but I can always look myself in the mirror and be proud of who I am when I know I didn’t say what was easy just to be popular.
This is best stated in one of my favorite quotes, “It’s better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you are not.” –Andre Gide
Although, I like to be loved for who I am…which is pretty fantastic most days!
You too can celebrate a woman in your life by making a $50 donation in her honor to BPW Foundation.
Posted in Women's History Month | Tagged: Andre Gide, Army Capt. Kimberly N. Hampton, BPW Foundation, Chinook helicopters, Full Circle Inspiration, Leslie Stein, The Penny Project, women veteran | Leave a Comment »
Celebrating Misbehavin’
Posted by joyinhome on March 24, 2010
Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was born today in 1912.
Dr. Height is a civil rights and equal rights activist, educator. She is a leader with a legacy of work that we should all strive to emulate in our lives and communities. Height has advised presidents, served as- dare I say it- a community organizer and is a winner of the Congressional Medal. 
Currently, she serves as Chair and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. and Executive Committee of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
Dr. Height turned 98 today and is recovering in the hospital. Let’s keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers. We need leadership like that given by Height in order to continue fighting for progress– even in 2010.
Posted in Advocacy, Career Advancement, Diversity, Education, Families, Feminism, girls, Uncategorized, Woman Misbehavin', Women's History Month, YWM | Tagged: equality, Gen X & Gen Y, gender roles, hero, history, Politics, race, women, workplace diversity | 3 Comments »
Celebrating (Misbehavin’) Women’s History Month
Posted by gansie on March 24, 2010
As an organization proud of its legacy of supporting working women, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation honors today’s trailblazing women as they lead the way.
This Misbehavin’ interview is one in a series as BPW Foundation commemorates Women’s History Month.
Name Velma R. Hart, CAE
Title Chief Financial Officer
Organization AMVETS
Velma is an established financial professional, successful community leader and BPW Foundation Trustee.
My favorite woman in history is…Eartha Kitt because she never gave up on her dream even when others around her did not think she could, should or would achieve it. That passion is the type of passion that should inspire us all.
Women have helped me succeed in my career by…My mother helped me succeed in my career without even knowing it.
I support Business and Professional Women’s Foundation because…As the mother of two young girls, I realize that without organizations like BPWF, their ladder to success will be limited. I appreciate the fact that BPWF makes sure the interests of women in general and specifically those interests in the workplace are cared for and protected. This is my small way of “paying it forward” to the women leaders of the future.
I’m proud to be a Misbehavin’ Woman by…making sure I give voice to injustice in the world wherever I see it and not waiting on or leaving it to someone else. That courage comes from within but is fostered by BPWF because that is what they fight for every day.
You too can celebrate a woman in your life by making a $50 donation in her honor to BPW Foundation.
Because she never gave us on her dream even when others around her did not think she could, should or would achieve it. That passion is the type of passion that should inspire us all.
Posted in Women's History Month | Tagged: AMVETS, Eartha Kitt, Velma Hart, Women's History Month | Leave a Comment »
What You Can Find in a Dusty Corner
Posted by leadlikeagirl on March 23, 2010
Bernice "Bee" Haydu was one of the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Here she is proudly showing off her recently awarded Congressional Medal.
Women’s History Month is full of celebrations for the role women have played in our past AND the role they will continue to play in our future.
One of the events I attended this month was the Pentagon’s Women’s History Month Observance.
Being at the Pentagon and having access to all sorts of military folks who know how to add just the right amount of pomp & circumstance to an event…it was something I will never forget.
First we heard from a few big wigs, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and after we were lucky enough to hear from some amazing women who have not only made history…but are still in the process of writing their stories.
One of these women is Lieutenant Colonel Nicole M. E. Malachowski, the first female pilot on the Air Force’s elite Thunderbird flying team. Her message was not one of “look at me and what I’ve accomplished” (which it easily could have been given her story.) Instead, she spent time talking about the other guests of honor: the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), who were recently awarded Congressional Medals for their service to the nation during World War II.
Nicole spoke about growing up and realizing at age five she wanted to be a fighter pilot. It wasn’t until she was almost 12 that she realized there were actually laws preventing her from following her dream. Disappointed, she temporarily gave up the idea that she would ever fly high and fast like she had dreamed of as a little girl. That was until she vacationed with her family in Washington, DC and visited the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum.
Lieutenant Colonel Nicole M. E. Malachowski, USAF, is the first female Thunderbird pilot in the Air Forces elite flying team.
There, in a dark and dusty corner, was a display dedicated to the WASP history. Amazing feats of women pilots way back before it was something “acceptable” or “in the norm.” Seeing this revived Nicole’s dream. And it’s a good thing because as America’s first female Thunderbird pilot, SHE will someday be the one that inspires little girls to follow their dreams and take to the sky.
Because of her gratitude to these women and the path they forged back in the 1940′s, Nicole participated in writing the legislation that led to the WASPs finally getting the recognition they deserve for their service. It was her way of giving back to these women who forged the path that she later followed.
So whenever you think your dream is not reachable or there are just too many obstacles in your way, think back to Nicole and how she stumbled across the WASP display in that dusty corner of the Air & Space Museum. And how even though laws at the time said she couldn’t fly jets…she found allies in women from another generation who silently told her…YES YOU CAN!
Don’t listen to or surround yourself with the people who tell you your dreams aren’t possible or that you should pick another dream. Find the ones that say, “Yeah, I can see you doing that!” and fill your corner with those!
Posted in Woman Misbehavin', Women's History Month | Tagged: Air and Space Museum, Congressional Medals, Pentagon's Women's History Month Observance, Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, Smithsonian, Women Airforce Service Pilots, Women's History Month | Leave a Comment »
Celebrating (Misbehavin’) Women’s History Month
Posted by gansie on March 23, 2010
As an organization proud of its legacy of supporting working women, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation honors today’s trailblazing women as they lead the way.
This Misbehavin’ interview is one in a series as BPW Foundation commemorates Women’s History Month.
Name Janine Ting Jansen
Title Legal Recruiting Coordinator
Organization Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Janine Ting Jansen is a Legal Recruiting Coordinator with a background in public policy. She is actively involved in her community and strives to mentor those seeking access to a higher education or to advance their careers. Janine is also a member of the Technical Advisory Group for BPW Foundation’s Gen Y research.
My favorite woman in history is… Alice Paul for her dedication to the women’s suffrage movement. She was an amazing leader and broke from the mold when so many others would not. May she set an example for today’s leaders that “Si Se Puede” (Yes, we can!).
Women have helped me succeed in my career by… being role models both in the workplace and at home. I was the first to attend college in my family but that did not prevent my mother from instilling the will to succeed in me from a young age. Her pressure motivated me to accomplish so much in my life and continues to inspire me. She encouraged me to seek out internships in college where I encountered many women who mentored me and created the foundation for my career today.
I support Business and Professional Women’s Foundation because… it is important that we keep the wheel turning by mentoring those just starting their careers. It is never too early to mentor someone. The earlier and more women we mentor and network with the more barriers we will overcome together.
I’m proud to be a Misbehavin’ Woman… by contributing to the group and promoting it among my professional network as well as my friends. Every woman is a resource and I’m honored to be working among such strong women to make a change.
You too can celebrate a woman in your life by making a $50 donation in her honor to BPW Foundation.
Posted in Women's History Month | Tagged: Alice Paul, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Janine Ting Jansen, Mentoring, Si Se Puede, Yes We Can | Leave a Comment »
Celebrating (Misbehavin’) Women’s History Month
Posted by gansie on March 19, 2010
As an organization proud of its legacy of supporting working women, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation honors today’s trailblazing women as they lead the way.
This Misbehavin’ interview is one in a series as BPW Foundation commemorates Women’s History Month.
Name Stefanie Gans (gansie)
Title Program Manager
Organization Business and Professional Women’s Foundation
Stefanie spends her 9-5 convincing the world, that well, 9-5 needs to be more flexible. Besides advocating for women’s equity in the workplace, she obsesses about food at her blog, Endless Simmer. Other interests include: avocados, nail polish, abundant sunshine, reiteration, Shane Victorino, Michelle Obama and never forgetting the wonders of Brian Westbrook. I will miss you #36.
My favorite woman in history is… Ellen Malcolm. I was an EMILY’s List intern while in college and was trained for political campaign’s through EL’s Campaign Corps program (I was in their inaugural class.) I credit Ellen and EL for my real start in politics (re: Annise Parker) and fostering my love for progressive ideals. Plus, I’m in total agreement that the country should be run by Democratic, pro-choice women.
Women have helped me succeed in my career by…I’ll bring it back to EMILY’s List. Working with so many powerful and influential women, I realized that the notion of cat fights only exists in men’s brains. Women really do get along. I swear.
I support Business and Professional Women’s Foundation because…girls gotta make a living. Oh. And, it’s total crap that it takes women 16 months to earn what it takes a man to earn in a year. Total crap.
I’m proud to be a Misbehavin’ Woman by…Not keeping my opinions to myself. I might be horribly wrong, or swear too much, or yell too loudly, but you will know that I care.
Posted in Women's History Month | Tagged: avocados, Brian Westbrook, Campaign Corps, Ellen Malcolm, EMILY's List, Endless Simmer, michelle obama, nail polish, Shane Victorino, Stefanie Gans | Leave a Comment »
