March 2021 - Reflections on Women’s History Month
March 2021 marked milestones for many in the WID community. It was one year ago that the Coronavirus pandemic began to take hold, as many of us faced canceled galas, events, meetings and then suddenly found ourselves under total lockdown. We then began to embrace what you likely know I call the “now normal,” a virtual lifestyle which included everything from a fully-virtual workplace to homeschooling children. I know several from the WID community who were personally impacted by COVID and those who went from being Directors of Development to direct services, as it was truly an all-hands-on-deck situation.
WID has embraced the virtual realm and worked hard to provide our community with quality programs, despite our not being able to be together in-person yet. This programming included the Virtual Forum, on March 16th, where nearly 200 women came together to learn, grow and connect. It was a sight to behold and an honor to be with you on that momentous day. A very special thanks to our Virtual Forum sponsors: CFRE, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Philanthrotees.
We also witnessed this year’s Women’s Equal Pay Day, where we were once again reminded of the importance of remaining vigilant in our fight for women’s pay equity. And in a heartbreaking turn, WID stood by its AAPI members in absolute solidarity against the recent rise in anti-Asian racism and violence. I want to personally reiterate that for all of our members, if there’s any way we can support you as a member of the AAPI community or as an ally, please let us know.
2021 also saw the passing of the late, great, Naomi Levine, and I’m particularly touched to see the retrospective Member Spotlight on her life, work, and impact on WID. She will surely be missed.
Indeed, WID is an incredible community of incomparable women. As I said at the Forum, you wear many hats, from mothers, daughters, directors, assistants, spouses, partners, sisters, colleagues, and more – and you wear them all so very well. And for this, I salute each woman of the WID community, for the inspiration you bring to our sector each and every day. As I look back upon this year’s Woman’s History Month, I am proud and grateful to lead such an extraordinary organization.
Onward, Upward, Forward,