This month I was named among Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 13th annual Women Worth Watching Award winners for 2015. Winners are featured in the September/October 2014 issue, which showcases their achievements and accomplishments in various sectors, including education.
I’m very honored to be named among so many impressive women and executive trailblazers.
When I shared the news with my 20 year old daughter over the phone, she responded enthusiastically: “Mom rocks!”. My 25 year old son gave me a BIG smile. My husband and partner said: “You deserved it!”
Four years ago, I would not have imagined such a thing happening to me. In 2010 my son was hit by a drunk driver, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. It was a private matter that happened in a public way. In response, my family pulled together. We did what was needed to get back to “normal life” and worked to help my son get his life back.
I put aside ambitions of advancing in my career, hunkered down for my family and professionally retreated. Then something happened, women in my community, those I knew and didn’t know, from secretaries to deans, mothers to student leaders, sent my family cards, food, well wishes, prayers and gifts. These wonderful acts of kindness I attribute to being on this list. If it wasn’t for their care, love and compassion, I doubt if I would have been able to emerge from such a traumatic place in my life.
To all those women who did something for me and my family: THANK YOU AND I DEDICATE THIS AWARD TO YOU!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.