Celebrating Women's History Month: Moving Forward Together!
Since 1995, each U.S. President has proclaimed March as "Women's History Month," a time to recognize and honor the accomplishments and contributions of women throughout history. The National Women's History Alliance selects a theme each year to guide our reflections, and the theme for 2025 is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations." This theme resonates deeply with me, especially as I look back on the powerful women who have shaped my own journey.
The first powerful woman in my life was my mother, a high school English teacher. Her influence on me was profound, not just as a parent but as an educator who taught me the importance of knowledge, empathy, and kindness. As I transitioned into my career in the nonprofit sector, I continued to learn from remarkable women. One such mentor was a Methodist minister who taught me the invaluable lesson of balancing work and family. She helped me understand the precious art of taking care of both hearts and business—a skill that sounds easier than it is, but one that is absolutely necessary for any woman striving to lead and support her community.
Throughout my career, I have continued to be inspired by women leaders like Angela Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. Angela was recently named one of USA Today's 2025 Women of the Year, a well-deserved recognition that underscores her transformative leadership, grounded in service and compassion. I have had the privilege of meeting Angela on multiple occasions, and her courage, caring, and wisdom shine through in every interaction. Angela is a perfect example of how leadership driven by empathy can create lasting change. When we inspire each other, we create ripples of change that extend far beyond our own spheres of influence, touching the hearts of others and uplifting our communities.
Women have a unique power to motivate and empower one another through shared experiences, passions, and support. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every moment of guidance helps break barriers and foster growth. In Owensboro and Daviess County, we are fortunate to have so many inspiring female leaders who make a positive impact on our community every single day. They tackle tough challenges—issues that do not have easy solutions and require a willingness to embrace change to move us forward.
I am proud to call many of these incredible women my inspirations, and in turn, I hope that I have played some small part in inspiring them as well. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's continue to empower one another, fostering an environment where all women can lead with courage, strength, and conviction. This support system—built on trust, encouragement, and respect—fuels confidence and enables women to break through barriers that might otherwise seem insurmountable.
If you know a woman who is making a meaningful impact—whether at work, at school, in your church, in your neighborhood, or even in your own home—take a moment to thank her for her contributions. Our future generation is watching, and we have the responsibility to set strong examples that they will adopt, practice, and carry forward to create an even better future for our community.
Life is full of tough decisions, and we all face struggles. No one is perfect. But it is in our collective strength, as we lift each other up, that we truly find the power to move forward together.
Happy Women's History Month!
By Paula Yevincy
President and CEO
United Way of the Ohio Valley
March 2025
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