Women’s History Month: A Salute
Women’s History Month is about celebrating women’s contributions to our society, past and present; honoring their strength and vision; and laying the foundation for future girls and women to soar even higher.
Below, we highlight some of the women leaders of the Urban League Movement who work day in and day out to empower communities and change lives across the country. Enjoy their gems of wisdom and inspiration!
Andrea Custis, President & CEO, Urban League of Philadelphia.
What does Women's History Month mean to you?
This month offers an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the women who came before us and work toward a future where African American women and girls are respected, valued, and loved as equally as anyone else.
What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in a movement like ours with a deep legacy for change and justice?
I am deeply honored and humbled. Women’s rights are central to civil rights, so I feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to advance our mission and impact in a profound and lasting way.
What are the challenges and advantages that come with being a woman leader in this particular moment?
This is a great time to be a woman leader. Women are increasingly represented in powerful leadership roles — more than 100 were elected to Congress in 2018. We have work to do, but these breakthroughs indicate the future is female.
Arva Rice, President & CEO, New York Urban League
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It means everything — a month-long opportunity to fill the pages of history books with the accomplishments of women that have previously been ignored.
What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in a movement like ours with a deep legacy for change and justice?
It is an incredible privilege to be the second female leader of the 99-year-old New York Urban League. My mission is to create and support so many female leaders that we have to stop counting.
What are the challenges and advantages that come with being a woman leader in this particular moment?
As Auntie Maxine [Waters] says, it is truly the moment to reclaim our time. Mentor. Run for office. Write that book. Give. It is our time. Period.
Dr. Erin R. Houston, President & CEO, Shenango Valley Urban League
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the work of women trailblazers and thought leaders who have inspired us and are amazing examples of strength and determination.
What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in a movement like ours with a deep legacy for change and justice?
It is an honor to be a woman leader in the Urban League Movement, which has a history of social justice advocacy. We are being heard on issues around civil rights, which makes the conversation more rich and diverse.
What are the challenges and advantages that come with being a woman leader in this particular moment?
Women have struggled with being taken seriously in leadership roles, but there have been positive gains toward accepting women leaders and the skill sets we bring to the table. Women are adding value and making great impact across many sectors.
Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, President & CEO, Urban League of Broward County
I believe that in the company of women, magic happens. Women’s History Month is a celebration of the significant contributions by women who challenge the status quo and whose resilience, strength, and power continue to pave the way for generations to come. While we’ve made significant progress towards closing the equality gap among women, we still have much to do to ensure that women feel empowered to use their voice, influence policy and evoke change.
Jil Littlejohn, President & CEO, Urban League of the Upstate
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
I am my ancestors’ wildest dream and the manifestation of hope delivered for my mother. This month allows us to highlight and celebrate women. It encourages women and girls to dream and have an impact.
What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in a movement like ours with a deep legacy for change and justice?
I stand on the shoulders of women who shed blood, sweat, and tears and I will not disappoint them. I will also create pathways for other women to follow.
What are the challenges and advantages that come with being a woman leader in this particular moment?
The challenges are opportunities to show the world that Black girl magic is not only real but the most efficient way to make change in this world. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
Judy Morse, President & CEO, Urban League of Louisiana
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Reflection, celebration, gratitude. I think about famous women like Sojourner Truth and Shirley Chisholm and the women famous to me like my grandmothers, mother, and aunts who gave all they had to create a pathway for me.
What does it mean to be a woman leader in The Movement?
It is an honor to be a woman leader in the Movement. To know that I can bring both strength and sensitivity to the work enhances my abilities at a time when both are needed.
What challenges or advantages come with being a woman leader?
Women leaders are often paid less, taken less seriously, and not recognized fully for their accomplishments. These challenges are also opportunities because they serve as points of strategy and focus. They also give us more reasons to work together.
Marsha A. Mockabee, President & CEO, Urban League of Greater Cleveland
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Much like Black History Month, this is a time period of focused attention on the accomplishments and contributions of women to society. Quoting a 19th-century poet, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”
What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in a movement like ours with a deep legacy for change and justice?
Challenging historical conditions are not new to the Urban League. It’s a privilege to push ahead against powerful political, social, and economic headwinds. I am poised and ready to give back as I fulfill my obligation to empower other women.
What are the challenges and advantages that come with being a woman leader in this particular moment?
The challenges include the toxic political climate in which we find ourselves that frustrates the best of intentions in trying to right the wrongs of the past. Thankfully, the voices of women are being heard now more than ever.
Stephanie Hightower, President & CEO, Columbus Urban League
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women.
What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in a movement like ours with a deep legacy for change and justice?
Being a woman in the Urban League movement, I am reminded every day of the need for everyone to embrace advocacy and an inclusive mindset along with creating tangible strategies that will create change and justice for the individuals and communities we serve.
What are the challenges and advantages that come with being a woman leader in this particular moment?
Our daily struggle is building true awareness of the deep divide that exists in this country around Black and brown people. But the advantages are being in the position as a role model to be authentic and speak truth to power.
Tonja Sesley-Baymon, President & CEO, Memphis Urban League
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a celebration of a woman’s strength and courage. It gives a voice to all women who have defined their struggles to inspire the next generation of women.
What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in a movement like ours with a deep legacy for change and justice?
I am honored to be a part of a Movement that empowers! In the trenches every day to change mindsets and create change that will position individuals and families to a path of self-sufficiency and share in this country’s prosperity and well-being.
What are the challenges and advantages that come with being a woman leader in this particular moment?
It’s an awesome time to be a woman in leadership in the Urban League Movement. It offers a platform to share life’s challenges so that others will never give up on their dreams and aspirations. Shared hope through transparency is sometimes the best conduit for change. Being in a position to create change is powerful!
