What International Women’s Day Means to Me

Keyla Waslawski, Senior Vice President, reflects on what International Women’s Day means to her.  Follow Keyla on LinkedIn for more updates.

Today is #internationalwomensday, a day to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, as well as to recognize the challenges that still exist for many.

I choose to use today as an opportunity to reflect on what I have learned from the women in my own life and to consider how I can take these lessons and use them to impact the lives of those around me.

Although I’ve learned much from the women in my life, I highlight the examples that have been most meaningful to me as I’ve grown as a mother, and as a leader.

Discipline & Effort: My own mother instilled in me the value of putting forth my best and taking a disciplined approach to everything I do. I attribute my career growth and success to those values she taught me as a young child.

Compassion & Humility: My Aunt, a physician & my confidant, is the voice in the back of my mind reminding me that nothing bad ever comes from a humble and compassionate approach – especially when it comes to people.

Bold & Confident: My Daughter, my mini me, has taught me more about being bold and confident than anyone else in my life. Her unapologetic approach and strong personality inspires me to be strong and courageous every day. (She’s 7, by the way)

Leading & Teaching: My first mentor and my friend taught me how to lead by influence rather than power and showed me the value of growing through teaching and mentoring others.

I strive each day to inspire, empower, and build up the women around me. Today is special, but it should not be the only day we pause and consider women. I encourage you to reflect on the women in your own life. What have you learned? What do you value? How will you use those experiences to positively impact those around you?

And don’t forget to thank the women in your life for being who they are…today and every day.