Queen Elizabeth I was a very strong woman in a time when strength in women was not valued or accepted. She survived a childhood where she was treated poorly and lived through numerous assassination attempts, often involving someone she loved and trusted. Yet, she stayed true to her ideals and continued to rule over 44 years. She wasn’t perfect, but what she accomplished was almost unheard of in the 1500s.
Tracy Wehner – Professional Standards Coordinator
Ever since I was a child, Helen Keller has inspired me. I have always admired her grit and determination. She overcame unbelievable odds to become a truly remarkable woman and humanitarian. In addition to her work on behalf of the disabled, she co-founded the ACLU, wrote several books, and traveled the world lecturing and advocating on behalf of people with vision impairment. She even won an Academy Award for a documentary film about her life and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon Johnson.
She has inspired me to always try harder, expand my horizons, and stay in touch with my humanity. She was bold and fearless, and I try to emulate those traits in my life. That I often come up short only reminds me of how difficult it must have been for her, and that I need to double down on my efforts and try again. Other lessons learned from her are to make the most of what life throws your way and to experience a life well-lived.
Accounting & Admin
Celina Carpenter – Finance & Operations Manager
I am inspired by the women out there who have lost a child, sadly I know a few too many. I see them get up every day and plant their feet on the ground, only to start another day of smiling when they don’t feel like it and answering the hard questions when asked. I see them hold back the tears until they are alone because they don’t want others to see their pain.
But, in this group of women, I also see the bond that no one else can share as they band together. They hold each other’s hands on days when only they can understand the pain. A unique group of superheroes who deserve to be wearing capes!
Avie Dee Xiong – Office Administrator
My mother inspires me, she always worked hard and never complained.
Member Services
Carrie Andersen – Senior Vice President
Billie Jean King inspires me. Besides being athletic, she is an equality trailblazer!
Laurie Ganz – Professional Development Director
My grandmother always encouraged me to do more and to do better.
Amy Vannurden – Member Services Coordinator
My godmother Sylvia lived until she was 103. She never went a day without making someone smile and making them feel like they were one of the most important people in her life. I miss her every day!
Kristan Waltz – Events Manager
Princess Diana is a woman in history who inspired me. Lady Di captured our hearts with her kindness and empathy, using her popularity to bring good to the world. I admire her ability to lead from the heart. Happy Women's History Month!
Political Affairs
Megan Rossbach – Director, Political Affairs
The right to vote as a woman is something that has always been an important part of not only my life, but my career in politics. I am so appreciative of the women who fought for the right to vote. I am grateful to Susan B. Anthony and the many other women activists who fought daily for the passage of the 19th amendment.
Marketing & Communications
Stephanie Teig – Vice President
I have always been inspired by Maya Angelou. She not only survived unspeakable child abuse, and constant racial and gender discrimination, but she channeled those experiences and built a life where she bloomed as a writer, poet, and activist. I am especially drawn to the fact that she felt compelled to challenge injustice—even if it left her labeled a troublemaker—a dangerous thing for a Black woman in the 1940s and 50s. Her poem, “Still I Rise,” is so powerful, and a beautiful reminder to persevere despite the people or situations that try and belittle you.