Celebrating the Last Day of Women’s History Month

Ever since 1987, Women’s History Month has been celebrated in March here in the US. The idea is to:

pay tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society.

To commemorate Women’s History Month here at WP Engine, I asked the three women on our Executive Team to name one woman they think is particularly worth remembering.

April Downing, CFO

From the first time I was first introduced to the story of Helen Keller at the age of 10 by my aunt, I have admired her ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

She was not only able to have a normal life, but went on to contribute so much to the betterment of others.

Helen Keller’s curiosity, which was sparked by her teacher (Anne Sullivan), never diminished. She used her intellectual curiosity to continuously learn and to not be satisfied with the status quo.

She didn’t use her disabilities as an excuse, nor did she let them hold her back from achieving her convictions. This character of resilience, curiosity, and belief in oneself to make things happen exemplifies traits that I believe are so fundamental for women in business today.

Heather Brunner, CEO

Love her or hate her, you cannot deny the indelible impact Margaret Thatcher had in elevating women in global leadership.

With bulldog-like tenacity and work ethic, Mrs. Thatcher worked her way up to the Prime Ministerial role after building her career from the ground up—from local to regional, from regional to national, and finally onto the global stage.

She didn’t cut any corners in her rise to the highest office of the UK, her career was a marathon. Against the backdrop of Cold War, she was tireless in defending democracy, free markets, and human dignity.

If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing. – Margaret Thatcher

Mrs. Thatcher was known for being a fierce debate opponent. She didn’t take these moments for granted, she would work to study every angle, every argument. She came to the table prepared to win, but not fearing the battle ahead.

I love argument, I love debate. I don’t expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that’s not their job. – Margaret Thatcher

I am grateful to be part of a generation of women benefiting from the ground that Mrs. Thatcher broke—and admire her for doing it with grace and strength.

Tina Dobie, VP of Customer Experience

One woman who I believe is inspiring our current generations, and especially young women, is Leymah Gbowee, the Liberian peace activist, social worker and women’s rights advocate.

She, along with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkul Karman, were awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”

I was privileged to attend her keynote address this past November 19th at the Texas Conference for Women where she shared incredible stories about the power of possibility, which really resonated with me.

The power of possibility. It’s only possible if you decide I’m going to step out and do something…It is possible for us to make a change. It is possible for us to turn our upside down world upright…You have the power. Let’s make it possible for some girl, some woman, to dream. – Leymah Gbowee

Regardless of our age, gender, nationality or other characteristics, the power of possibility is such a gift. We are all empowered to make a difference, whether it be in our professional careers, our communities or our networks of family and friends. If we believe in our hearts that we can, then we can!

Who Else Should We Remember for Women’s History Month?

Thanks to April, Heather, and Tina for sharing your choices with us!

Let’s also take a moment to remember the many unsung women of history—who might not be widely remembered, but have still quietly contributed in important ways to the world we live in today.

Which woman would you most like to remember for Women’s History Month?