Hello, Pearl Team.
Welcome to March and the launch of Spring. Many of us are happy to see the arrival of warmer weather. While there are many observations this month, I would like to use this letter to honor Women’s History Month. I would not be here if it were not for the brave pioneering women that came before me to pave the way.
Most of us know the names like Ameila Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Maya Angelou. However, I’d like pay tribute to some lesser known but equally important women in American history. Their impact on our country was great; especially for their time, and while they may not have “famous” names, their work is felt and benefitted from daily.
Clara Barton is the co-founder of the American Red Cross. At the onset of the Civil War, Clara volunteered to aid soldiers on the battlefield. When the war ended, she traveled to Europe and became inspired by the Swiss Red Cross best practices. Clara returned to the US and through networking and lobbying, she co-founded the American Red Cross in 1881. She devoted her life to her mission to be of service.
Ida B. Wells was an African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist in the early 1900’s. She was born into slavery and went on to become a vocal advocate for the rights of African Americans and women. She used her journalist platform to expose the plight of the African American existence in the early 1900’s. She spent her entire life facing significant opposition and violence but continued to fight for justice and equality. Despite her incredible bravery, she was often met with resistance from other civil rights leaders of her time, but she persisted and went on to co-found the NAACP.
Frances Perkins was the first woman in history to be appointed to serve in the US Cabinet. She worked tirelessly to end child labor, start federal minimum wage and implemented social security. Through her strong will, dismissal of criticism because she was a woman, and her resolve to stand up for what was right – she changed the American workforce and opened up incredible opportunities for women in politics.
I hope you too have people who inspire you to be your best self, to be of service and to do great things. If you do not, spend some time this weekend doing some research into the areas that interest you and see if there is someone you find inspirational. Maybe you can even find some of their quotes to have readily available as a reminder of what you are capable of. Have a wonderful March, everyone.
Warmly,
Merry Korn, MSW
CEO