I have had the honor of knowing and working with many extraordinary women over the years. (Obligatory shout-out to my mom, who taught me about equality, civil rights, and treating people decently regardless of their color, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. She also introduced me to science fiction and turned me into a life-long C.J. Cherryh fan.)
Amazing women are all around us, and chances are they have touched all of our lives in some significant way. They’re public defenders who keep the innocent from going to jail. They’re courageous civil rights advocates who don’t let threats stop them from pursuing the truth. They’re extraordinarily patient, skilled surgeons. They’re compassionate paramedics.
They’re authors inspiring the next generation (and the current one) to do better, to question the world around them, to fight injustice, and to believe that they can make the world a better place. They’re working mothers who somehow manage to juggle a full time job and a toddler– and still find time to create art. They’re stay-at-home-moms who manage a household despite battling chronic pain and illness.
They’re professional drivers with better on-time and safe driving records than any guy I’ve ever met. They’re ramp agents who run the most professional ground operations at their airport. They’re essential personnel who never miss a day of work.
They’re students working three jobs to pay for college. They’re airline pilots, astronauts, and scientists. They’re heavy equipment mechanics, groundbreaking artists, and fearless explorers.
In honor of International Women’s Day, I would like to say thank you to all of the great women out there. We would not be where we are today without your contributions. I look forward to a future where you and your accomplishments are awarded the respect they deserve.
And for all the future great women: don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to stand out, stand up, and speak against injustice. You can do this!
