HERstory Unveiled: Reflecting on Women's History Month & International Women's Day

When I embarked on the journey to start this magazine, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I’ve been asked by numerous people about how I started it and most are totally surprised to hear that there was only supposed to be one issue; for my women’s empowerment retreat that I was hosting. And since I was creating it, I figured I would use it to get visibility on everything. To do this, I featured 22 amazing women that were in my circle for Women’s History Month, 2023.

Little did I know that three days later someone would call wanting to get a print copy of the magazine. Shortly after that, a dear friend and colleague of mine reached out to me to inquire about the longevity of the magazine, “was this a one and done or would there be more issues?” To my surprise, she continued to express that she knew numerous people creating magazines and they paled in comparison to what I had.

Fast forward to this year, I’m reminded of the excellence of the female entrepreneurs I know and continue to meet. With that being said, I’m excited to celebrate our first anniversary of the magazine with Women's History Month and the impact of International Women's Day on March 8th. It's crucial to delve into the profound significance of these observances for female entrepreneurs. But let’s put this into context, to understand the power of women’s history month, you need to understand its origin. Originating in the 1980s, Women's History Month was conceived to illuminate the often-overlooked accomplishments of women throughout history. Simultaneously, International Women's Day emerged over a century ago as a platform advocating for women's voting and employment rights, evolving into a global celebration of women's achievements and a platform for addressing persistent gender biases and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Over the past century, International Women's Day has served as a beacon, acknowledging women's cultural, political, and socioeconomic triumphs. Initially a socialist political event, it now encompasses a broad advocacy for women's rights, shedding light on issues like equal pay, reproductive rights, voting rights, education equality, violence against women, women in leadership roles, and more.

Despite significant strides, gender bias and inequality persist in various forms. Women continue to encounter discrimination, harassment, limited access to education and healthcare, and are often underrepresented in business, politics, and other traditionally male-dominated sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges as women disproportionately shouldered caregiving responsibilities, including childcare and homeschooling.

This year's International Women's Day embraced the theme #BreakTheBias, highlighting and addressing discriminatory barriers hindering gender equality, from harassment and inadequate healthcare to underrepresentation in boardrooms and politics. The legacy of Women's History Month and International Women's Day calls upon us to dismantle these barriers, advocate for women-led initiatives, and propel more women into influential positions. It's a collective endeavor that promises progress and demands our continued commitment.

Uplifting Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders

The Possible Woman Magazine celebrated its first anniversary on March 8th, introducing HERstory Unveiled: Celebrating Leading Women. Eleven trailblazing women were featured in this momentous special issue and celebrated on New York Times Square Billboard (Alejandra Rojas, Alexa Stimpfel, Dannelle Stratton, Jean Lavallie, Jen Loving, Kathi McCarty, Laura Navaquin, Rina Shah, Sally Wurr, Shaara Roman, and Sharon Ringier) in hopes inspire and empower future generations of female leaders. These women are not just business owners; they are trailblazers, advocates, and catalysts for change.

Their journeys inspire more women to boldly pursue their ambitions, launch startups, seek promotions, run for office, own their worth, and drive positive change.

Of the eleven women, seven incredible women entrepreneurs—Sharon Ringier, Dannelle Stratton, Jean Lavallie, Kathi McCarty, Laura Navaquin, Rina Shah, and Shaara Roman—gathered in the iconic NY Times Square for a photoshoot experience. The day was not just about capturing images; it was about symbolizing the strength and unity of women in business. These women represent a diverse range of industries and backgrounds, showcasing the multifaceted talents and contributions of female entrepreneurs.

The presence of TVAsia News added another layer of significance to the event, highlighting the media's recognition of women's achievements in entrepreneurship. The "HERstory Unveiled: Celebrating Leading Women" campaign, further amplifies the voices of women entrepreneurs. By showcasing the journeys of 11 extraordinary women, including myself, the campaign not only celebrates our achievements but also sheds light on the challenges we face and the resilience we embody.

Supporting women business owners not only celebrates their remarkable achievements but also draws attention to the unique challenges they face, directing more resources and backing towards women-owned enterprises. These stories of resilience and success serve as beacons of hope and motivation, inspiring future female leaders and entrepreneurs to aim high and shatter glass ceilings.

The Ongoing Fight for Equality

While Women's History Month commemorates past and present heroism, it also urges us to dismantle barriers on the path to full equality. Supporting women-led initiatives and campaigns is crucial in this ongoing fight, propelling more women into influential roles across all spheres of life. Our collective HerStory resonates throughout this month, calling us to continue the unfinished work for equality with unwavering determination and a promise of progress.

To all women marking this month, our shared HERstory serves as a call to action. Each of you is writing the next inspiring chapter in our collective journey towards equality. Let's unite, empower, and advocate for a future where every woman can thrive, lead, and make history. Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work!