As I write this, it’s early March, and Women’s History Month. It’s one of my favorite times of year to think about the women who have helped pave a path for others like them. Some do it quietly through everyday actions that change lives even when they don’t know it. Others aren’t afraid to get loud. I am grateful for both.
Without these people, many of us wouldn’t be who and where we are today. I will never forget how important it is to exercise my right to vote, thanks to the suffragists who made it possible. After all, they say that well-behaved women rarely make history.
At the time, some of these disruptors and change makers were seen as radical. Many believed they needed to learn their place. But it’s thanks to their courage and confidence to do something different that changed the game, leveled the playing field, and allowed others to invite themselves to tables they weren’t previously allowed at.
I’d like to tell you about one of the women who means the most to me.
The earliest memory I have of my dad’s mom is riding in the car as Nana would give me pop quizzes on spelling. As it turns out, a knack for English runs in her family, and I’m so happy it made its way down to me.
When I recently started doing genealogy, I found a few newspaper clippings featuring my Nana. In 1959, she was pictured as one of five new officers of the YWCA Modern Mrs. Club (she was secretary, of course). And in an opinion poll from 1987, she weighed in on the topic if women should be allowed to join men’s service clubs. Her answer: “I don’t think they should have any restrictions. It’s a free country. But I don’t think that I’d want to belong to a group that didn’t want me.”
Proud granddaughter moment.
And yet, these clips weren’t surprising. I knew Nana was heavily involved in her community. We would regularly go on walks around the neighborhood, checking in on her friends. She loved going to church and taught Sunday School. She chaired the county’s literacy council, where she was a tutor, and was active in other civic groups.
She taught me that the people around you matter, and you should make sure they know it.
I know that sentiment is carried out every day in school transportation. We have to show up for our team members and the students and families who rely on us. We don’t do it because we have to; we do it because we want to, because we know it’s right. It’s no secret that those who do this work don’t do it for the pay or for the glory. You do it because you care and you don’t want to see anyone left behind.
Unfortunately, my grandma passed when I was 13, and she never shared much with me then about her personal life or beliefs. She was too focused on having fun in the moment (our favorite game was hide and seek; I always hid in the dryer, which she never remembered). Looking back now, I wish I had more time to hear her stories and opinions. I think we probably have more in common than either of us knew during our short time together.
When I think about the other influential women around me, I’m grateful they’re in no short supply. I’ve learned countless lessons from my mom, aunt, in-laws, co-workers, and friends. I see so many leaders who constantly inspire me and others.
I’m extra grateful for those who are different from me.
As a quiet introvert, it can be hard to put myself out there, to literally speak up, or go against the grain. But for those who do, those who challenge the status quo, thank Heavens they’re here. When we listen to their perspectives, when we ask why we shouldn’t do what we’ve always done, that’s when progress happens. That’s when we grow and learn.
That's why I beam reading about the accomplishments of our 18 Trailblazers and our Administrator of the Year featured in our April 2026 issue. They make me hopeful for our future.
And yet, I think we need to acknowledge that it hasn’t been long since some people have had a chance to shine.
Our Administrator of the Year Award was launched in 1974. It took more than 20 years for a woman to receive the honor. In fact, of the 53 total recipients, women have won it just eight times.
Granted, decades ago, there simply weren’t as many women or people of color in leadership positions. In recent years, we’ve seen greater diversity in the industry, and that’s a good thing. Representation matters. Young people need to see people who look like them in leadership so they know it’s possible for them, too.
As we work to inspire the students we serve, I hope the stories in the rest of our next magazine issue inspire you, too. The next generation of Trailblazers is already watching.
