Women’s History Month: Speaking Up, Breaking Molds, and Leading Forward

Washington, D.C.

I was trying to come up with The 10(F) Word’s blog in honor of Women’s History Month and found myself struggling. I wanted to share the names and work of women around the world and the U.S. who you may not have heard of, or maybe you have, who’ve made their own ripple in their communities and beyond by standing up, supporting, and letting their moral compass lead.

I deleted everything, Googled a bit more – I was then thinking about artists. How their truth to power is sometimes just brushstrokes on canvas, shredded clothing reformed into a new item that represents their story better, or the myriad ways used to express oneself.

Then I decided, but what about the next generation? Or those who are timid? How do we amplify their voices – or help them raise their own? This one’s for you.

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the trailblazers who came before us and those who are among us, and to recognize the paths we carve for ourselves. For many women, that path hasn’t been quiet. It has been about speaking up, advocating for what’s right, and making sure our voices - and the voices of others – are heard. It’s also about hearing voices and opinions thrust upon you, that maybe, just maybe should be ignored.

Over time, if not from the start, we learn how to confidently make tough decisions about when to walk away from spaces that no longer serve our growth. For those of us working in male-dominated spaces, we learn how to push back against assumptions and expectations. Staying true to one’s values matters more than fitting into a mold that, in some cases, wasn’t built for us in the first place. That doesn’t mean disregarding others - it means making sure that different perspectives, especially those that have been overlooked, are part of the conversation. It means leading with confidence while also maintaining empathy, understanding, and humility.

Strength isn’t just about persistence - it’s about adaptability. It’s about knowing when to stand your ground and when to listen. It’s about recognizing that advocating for yourself and others doesn’t need to be combative; it’s about being committed to progress.

Speaking up means making space, not just for yourself, but for those who come next.

Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating the past; it’s about shaping the future. So, here’s to being loud, unapologetic, and not afraid to break the mold. Here’s to the women who keep speaking up, even when they’re told to be quiet. Here’s to resilience, to empathy, and to taking up space – and creating room at the table for others.