Women’s History Month Spotlight

​Reflecting on how women have shaped our perspectives and leadership

Written by Rachel Chewakin 

This month, we are excited to feature three reflections on Women’s History Month from PIC Principal Fellowship Alumna. Each leader shares their unique perspective on how women, in the various roles they have held in their lives, have shaped their views on leadership and who have served as beacons of inspiration for many. Read more below to gain inspiration from their reflections.  

​Angelia Ross
2019 Cohort Alumna & Alumni Council member 
​Currently the principal of the International Newcomer Academy in Fort Worth ISD. 
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Angelia's Bio

​Q: When you think of Women’s History Month, what comes to mind for you? 
A: Women's History Month's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories". And as I reflect on Women's History Month, I think of the many women, family members, ancestors, and male allies who have fought for the rights of women not only in this country, but all over the globe. What comes to mind as we celebrate is understanding the importance of revisiting their stories not only for this month but beyond because their stories mean something, their stories are of strengths in the midst of storms, their stories show perseverance, and their stories show humanity. As leaders, these are values and attributes we all can learn from and model. To honor those who have sacrificed and made it possible for young girls and women like me to be fearless in our endeavors, strive toward our dreams, and lead with the hope that one day others can stand on my shoulders.

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Barbara Ozuna
2019 Cohort Alumna
Currently the principal of the McLean Middle School in Fort Worth ISD. 

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Barbara's Bio

​Q: When you think of Women’s History Month, what comes to mind for you? 
A: Women’s History Month celebrates the real accomplishment of women.  Women who have become models of who we strive to be, or who inspire us to become our best selves.  Obviously, mothers and grandmothers come to mind.  And mine are certainly in the center of who I became and why I chose to serve others by being in education.  I also find historical figures inspirational, probably because I chose to become a historian!  Two especially powerful women that I think of are Abigail Adams, who lived in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and Katherine Johnson who lived in the 20th. 

One of the most famous women in history is Abigail Adams.  Because she and her husband, John Adams were apart from each other so much during the 1760’s-1790’s, there is an extraordinary collection of letters between the two of them.  Abigail is clearly a remarkable person who expected to be, and was treated as, an equal partner in their marriage at a time when women were considered to be wards of their husbands and could legally not own property.   Abigail Adams advocated for women's suffrage as the US constitution was being written, and warned that without the vote, women would never have a voice. 

Another incredible trailblazer is Katherine Johnson.  She was born in West Virginia in 1918 during the height of Jim Crow laws.  She was a brilliant mathematician, one of the first African Americans to earn a PhD.  She joined the predecessor to NASA, where she worked as a computer operator during the height of the space race and had to maneuver the subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination against African Americans and women.  Essentially, John Glenn would not have gone into space without her assurance to him that the numbers representing the orbit his craft would take were correct.  She spent her life at NASA working on the Apollo moon missions and the Space Shuttle program. In 2015, President Obama presented her with the United States’ highest honor- the Medal of Freedom.
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Both Abigail Adams and Katherine Johnson persevered, and eventually thrived, within the constraints of their societies.  They were strong women who upset the status quo, not in some flashy way, but by quietly and consistently having the courage to be true to themselves. I find tremendous inspiration in their act of bravery, and hope to instill in girls-and boys- the same determination and grit that Abigail and Katherine possessed.

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Sharon Duplantier
2016 Cohort Alumna
Currently a Leadership Coach with Big Rock Educational Services, coaching school leaders in Dallas ISD, Beaumont ISD, and Banquete ISD.

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Sharon's Bio

​Q: When you think of Women’s History Month, what comes to mind for you? ​
A: When I think of Women's History Month, I think of celebrating the myriad ways that women have contributed to the development of civilizations across the world and throughout time. Although the contributions of women should be studied and celebrated throughout the year, that is not always the reality. March becomes a time to share and spotlight the stories of women (past and contemporary) whose work, sacrifice, leadership, activism, inventions, creativity, allyship, and support have shaped the world in which we live. 
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It should also be a time when we reflect on the continued ways that women and girls struggle, suffer, are oppressed and discriminated against today so that we can take action and fight against power structures that do not offer equality, equity, and equal access. Women's History Month is not just about who or what has been, it is about what is happening today and the world we are building for the girls and women who will come after us. ​