Today, March 8th, International Women’s Day is being celebrated all over the world and here on the North Fork of Long Island, we have the hard work of many local women to recognize. When considering International Women’s Day, we must also recognize the many women who came before us who made our access to education, the right to vote, to ability hold public office and have a chance to earn as much a as man, more or less, a possibility. The question is, what do we do with those choices and how do those choices affect our community as a whole? Now, more than ever, women from all walks of life can choose the life they want to lead but it doesn’t mean that the path will be without sacrifices or detours. If you have young daughters who ask where the role models are, you can send them the links below to the examples of women who are innovating and excelling despite the challenges. If you have others asking, where the opportunities are, you can send them the links below that tell the stories behind women who created their own opportunities.
Regardless of your political persuasion, we need to accept the responsibility that comes with the privileges of being born in a developed nation. Whether it is the responsibility to vote, take a seat on a school board, volunteer for a Village committee, take on interns to mentor them, lead a girl scout troop or assume a role in an environmental or community cause, the only way to secure our futures, and that of our daughters, is to take a seat at the table. If you review the names and the links below, you will see we have many examples of success; from farmers like Karen Rivara, Karen Lee, Carol Sidor and Holly Browder. We have authors, teachers and community activists like Yvonne Lieblein, Claire Copersino and Lara McNeil. We have cultivators like Kelly Urbanik Koch and Laura Klahre and so many more great women, but what makes them all similar, is that they have all served their community in one way other another.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women in my life, starting with my mother and grandmother, Aunts and bosses, friends and collaborators, and also to all the young women who have worked with me throughout my entrepreneurial ventures over many years. I have learned so much from all of you and could never have accomplished the impossible without your support! Thank you!
Sincerely, Deborah Pittorino, SeasonedFork
