BCFS Health and Human Services, a nonprofit organization with locations and programs throughout the world, strongly supports celebration and recognition of Women’s History Month. The organization frequently brings attention to the contributions women have made to its growth and success and to broader contemporary society. The organization recently offered some of its female staff members to discuss the positive influences they’ve experienced from various women throughout their lives.

Karen Thaxton, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, noted many women have shaped her professional and personal lives through mentorship and support. She was mentors by many friends and colleagues throughout her career. She also takes strength from women she’s never met but admires greatly including Susan B. Anthony and Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG). She admires women who are barrier breakers and worked tirelessly to have other female voices heard throughout history. She points to her two twentysomething daughters as the most inspiring women in her life. One of her daughters is a therapist and the other is in biologics, and both are committed to helping people and making a difference in the world.

The Executive Director at BCFS Health and Human Services Residential Services Division Headquarters, Sonya Thompson, credits the mentorship she received from her friend Elizabeth Guthrie for her success and ability to break through barriers. She’s also inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic win and heartened by the responses to the passing of RBG which encouraged many younger women to emulate her famous quotes and steadfast spirit.

Veronica Villa, Regional Director at BCFS Health and Human Services-Fairfield also supports RBG, especially her efforts in pursuit of the “equal protection clause” and other advocacy work. Ms. Villa respects RBG’s efforts to ensure female voices are respected and properly heard. She majored in history at university and continues to study the U.S. Supreme Court, so she has a deep understanding of Ginsburg’s work improving the quality of life for women in the U.S.