Every March since 1987, the United States celebrates Women’s History Month. This month is an important opportunity to laud the tremendous strides women have made in our society, teach our young women about some important role models and reflect on how we can increase opportunities for our next generation of female leaders.
I have been so fortunate to have strong women in my life and that influence, of course, started at home. When I was growing up my mom was a bookkeeper for our local public schools. She not only taught me the importance of a great education, but also offered me one example of how women can manage a career and family. In 1984, Judge Sarah Evans Barker was the first woman appointed to be a federal district court judge in Indiana. She was also a speaker at my law school commencement in 1985 and has been an influential mentor throughout my own career. From her, I learned there are no short cuts to success, especially for women, and that mentoring is one of the best ways women can give back to other women. Cecil Harden, the first female Republican member of Congress from Indiana, who served from 1949-1959, was an inspiration as I began my first run for public office.
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