WLA Members Salute International Women's Day

“Salute to International Women’s Day” event, an annual Hudson Valley tradition, was held on Saturday, March 5^th at the Walkway Over the Hudson to celebrate, reflect, and maintain solidarity with women around the world.

Although it was chilly, the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd kept us warm. We took a moment to reflect on brave women who have led the way 100 years ago by marching in New York City to demand shorter work hours, better pay, and voting rights. We gave thanks for their efforts that paved the way for future generations.

Dr. Pamela Eddington, President of Dutchess Community College, was Key Note Speaker and addressed the audience by stating that to her FIT means F for Feisty, I for Idealistic, and T for Tenacious. Fitness is an important part of our lives and as leaders we need to take the time to take care of ourselves by eating right, exercising, and getting our annual screenings. We as women tend to put ourselves last and we need to take action to change that. In addition, Dr. Eddington shared that it is important for women stand up in solidarity with women all over the world to improve conditions for all women and children. "Well-behaved women don't get heard." She further reminded us that although much progress has been made, there is a lot more work to be done.

Our theme this year was “Fit Women Make Fit Leaders”. Pari Forood, Executive Director of Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, and Krista Jones, Executive Director of Sparrow’s Nest were among the speakers who addressed that it is our job as leaders to spread the word that eating right and exercising can go a long way in making us better people not only in our professional lives but also in our personal lives. Sparrow’s Nest was the featured Women’s Leadership Alliance (WLA) nonprofit for 2015. Krista Jones then announced and passed the torch on to the WLA’s featured nonprofit for 2016 to the Girl Scouts-Heart of the Hudson.

We must continue to advocate, educate, and collaborate to improve women’s lives. Together we need to keep moving forward to make a difference, thinking globally, and acting locally by making every day “International Women’s Day”.