March 8 marks International Women’s Day. Women have made remarkable achievements throughout history. Locally, here in Rochester, there was Susan B. Anthony, a leading suffragist who impacted women’s rights fighting for the 19th Amendment. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, from Seneca Falls, was another prominent leader in advancing the rights of women in the United States. Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and spent her life as an abolitionist and political activist, dedicated to helping others. Her legacy lives on today. 

The battle for women’s equality isn’t over, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t incredible forces of nature. 

Being a woman means something different to every female out there. I consider myself a work-in-progress, but I consistently strive to acknowledge and recognize my inner and outer beauty. With social media, it’s difficult not to compare yourself to other women you see on platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok, both in accomplishments and physical appearance, so I work to constantly remind myself that I am my own person and my path is different from any other person’s on the planet. 

I celebrate independence within my womanhood. I understand that it’s okay and necessary to ask for help in many situations, but overall I am growing more and more confident in myself and my abilities as I age and learn more about myself. 

I have countless female role models in my life who I look up to: my mother, my aunts, my cousins, my sisters, coworkers, friends--the list is endless. I am grateful for all of the incredible women in my life, and I hope to live my life in a way that inspires other women and the younger generation as so many women have inspired me throughout my life. 

Happy International Women’s Day, and remember: 

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." -Michelle Obama