CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

As March comes to an end, so does Women’s History Month. For us, every day is a good day to recognize the impact of women, but it feels especially meaningful to pause and do it intentionally this month.

Women’s History Month, as we know it today, was only established in 1987. What began as a local celebration in California in 1978 grew into a national moment to recognize the women who have shaped our communities, our work and our world.

In that spirit, we’re bringing it closer to home. This month, our At The Start team is sharing the stories of women who have influenced and supported us throughout our lives and careers.

Each of us chose women who made the kind of lasting impact that shapes who you are, both personally and professionally.

HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANT WOMEN IN OUR LIVES

LORI SMITH & SARAH

Throughout my four years at Rutgers University, I had an on-campus job supporting Lori Smith, Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership. Lori was also my advisor when I served as Entertainment Chair for RCPC (now known as RUPA), a student-led events and programming council.

She was always there for me as I navigated adulthood and helped me through some really difficult personal experiences. Lori was funny, kind, and wonderfully silly—she had a way of making everyone laugh. Our friendship continued after graduation, and we would occasionally meet up in the city for drinks or I'd pop by her office if I was in New Brunswick. A few years ago, Lori invited me to speak on a Student-Alumni Career Connect Live panel to discuss my work in HR. I was so honored to be thought of and included.

Sadly, Lori passed away suddenly in May 2025. I’m not sure I told her enough how special she was to me or what an impact she had on me during such formative years.

Thank you, Lori.

KATHRINE SWITZER & OLIVIA

When I ran the Athens marathon, we rode a bus to the starting point in Marthonas. During that ride, I just kept thinking about Kathrine Switzer—the first woman to officially run the Boston marathon. During the race, she was physically attacked several times, officials tried to stop her, but she finished!

I ran my race with so many women, and incredible people cheering me on for the 26.2 miles. I am grateful for Kathrine and so many other women who paved the way for me to be able to do what I did. My life is better because of the brave women who fought and who still continue to fight for a better world.

This is her quote: "Because if I don't finish this race, nobody's going to believe women can do it and they're not going to believe women deserve to be here. I have to finish this race."

MADDIE PEREZ & BELLA

I met Maddie Perez in a dance studio. We grew up together, spending most of our free time as kids and teenagers in the dance studio we both attended. We laughed and played and spent hours gossiping and dancing after school every day. When we both went to college, we kept in touch and continued to be great friends.

We have a running joke that Maddie has gotten me several jobs throughout my life. It started with a hosting job she recommended me for. We spent that summer working together at a beach restaurant that I would later spend 2 more seasons at. From there, Maddie also roped me into an assistant coaching position for the dance team at a high school in Manhattan. We worked there together for 2 more seasons. Fast forward to now, 2026, and Maddie has taken an idea we both dreamed about growing up, and she’s opened her own dance studio. To keep the tradition alive, Maddie reached out and asked if I’d be interested in teaching some classes for her kids.

Maddie is one of the most driven and self-motivated people I know. If she says she’s going to do something, she’s going to do it. Whether that’s opening her own dance studio, taking random trips to Germany, or coming to my 24th birthday party after spending a whole day out and about, she’s a loyal friend and someone who has determination coursing through her veins. She inspires me every day to trust in myself and shoot for the stars.

Thank you, Maddie for always dreaming big and letting me tag along with you.

TO SO MANY WOMEN, WITH LOVE - SARA

The assignment was to choose one woman who shaped who we are. And while I’m generally a rule follower, this is one rule I’m happy to break.

Choosing one isn’t possible. There are thousands of women who have shaped me in ways I see and feel every day. I can’t name them all, but here’s a start.

• The women who raised me: My mother, Mary Ann, and my grandmother, Carol, were both working women. Their paths were different, but their commitment to family was unwavering. Because of them, I never questioned what I was capable of. And along the way, my stepmother, Sheila, has shown me the depth of a woman’s strength and resilience. And just as importantly, her love and silliness.

• The women who taught me: My education and early career were shaped by women who walked different paths. Each one showed me that our differences are our strength, and even stronger together. Lauree, Rebecca, Deb, Amy, Dandy, Debbie, Trisha, Stacy, and so many more.

• The women who trusted me: Professionally, there have been women who have come into my life and put their trust in me, sometimes with a lesson I didn’t understand at the time, but always one worth learning. Lauren, N’Dea, Erin, Lia, Morgan, Sarah, Olivia, Isabel, Abby, Kim, Krystal — and hundreds more.

• The women who inspire me: Every trailblazer. Every “first.” Every woman who defied expectations and opened doors for those who came after her. Most I’ve met through books, some through Instagram; ask me for my recommendations anytime.

• The women who give me hope: The world can feel heavy, the future uncertain. And yet. My three daughters - Isabella, Ava and Emma - are the light.

We’d love to hear about the women who shaped YOU! Shout out your mentors, role models, or favorite women in the comments.