When I graduated from college, my mentor wrote in a card to me, “Educate, agitate, organize.” It’s something that stems from a quote by Susan B. Anthony, and has resonated with me ever since. Back in the day, it meant, “Hey ladies, let’s tell these bros we deserve to vote.”
It’s something that’s applicable to a lot of issues we women face as a whole and individually. When something bothers you, learn everything you can about it, knowledgeably question it and tell all your girlfriends. In short, ask yourself: WWSD? (What would the suffragettes do?)
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 118 Years
We all know the fight for equality sure ain’t over, despite the fearless efforts of women past. According to a recent survey by consulting firm Mercer, we are a gobsmacking 118 years away from closing the gender gap in terms of labor-market opportunity, education, health and political clout. The good news is that your great-great-great-granddaughters may be free of the very robust, all too often unbreachable barrier currently holding so many women back.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Sarah Murphy Abbamonte, Member and Alumni Engagement Strategist for Girl Scouts of Western New York
One reason you may know about Susan B. Anthony, aside from the fact that she was one fierce female, is that women have fought to protect her memory and perpetuate her work. One of these diligent women is Sarah Murphy Abbamonte, who, until recently, was the director of communications for the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House.
Sarah has a background in tourism, community outreach and education, and an adoration for history and the arts. In her position at the museum, she handled a vast array of marketing, social media and community-engagement responsibilities.
This all gave her the skill set necessary to take on a new role, one at the Girl Scouts of Western New York, where she works to actively engage members and alumni alike, all while holding tight to the belief that girls and women deserve to be heard. As it always has been, it’s the mission of the Girl Scouts to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. And as the leading organization for girl leadership in the Western New York region, the council serves 15,500 girls and 7,000 adult volunteers throughout nine counties, so, Sarah has her work cut out for her. But as a longtime advocate for women who feels most powerful professionally when she’s able to work strategically and with purpose, she’s certainly up to the task.
Despite her dedication and hard work, when Sarah gets home from the job each day, she just wants to kick back with a good book and a cup of tea, something I think most of us busy women can relate to.
Though Sarah’s career path wasn’t obvious from the get-go, she says her winding journey from the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House to the Girl Scouts has cultivated her passion, perseverance and self-reflection. We’re sure that’s something both Susan B. Anthony and the founder of the Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, would be proud of.
QUITE THE QUOTE
Though women still have a long way to go before reaching true equality, thanks to the strides made by pioneers like Susan B. Anthony, we’re well on our way. As she said:
“The day may be approaching when the whole world will recognize woman as the equal of man.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.