Women's History Month – Part 1: Celebrating Women’s Achievements and Contributions
In the first installment of our two-part series, "Celebrating Women’s Achievements and Contributions," we embark on a journey into the heart of Women's History Month.
As March unfolds, we are reminded of women's remarkable resilience, strength and historic contributions. The reflections shared below by alumnae who have returned to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) emphasize the profound significance of this month, both on a personal level and within the A&M community. Through their stories, we see the importance of acknowledging women's achievements and promoting gender equality in our workplace. Their experiences highlight A&M's commitment to diversity and empowering women to pursue their goals.
Who's the most influential woman for you, and how does she inspire you?
Kylene Ingram, an Associate with A&M’s Global Transaction Advisory Group (TAG) in Boston, Massachusetts, credits her mother as the most influential woman in her life. “She is strong, confident, loving and prides herself on being the most fashionable person in every room. She's taught me to be kind, motivated and independent. She never gives up, stands up for her beliefs, pursues her happiness and puts family first. Her example inspires me to do the same.”
Similarly, Breanna Price, an Associate with A&M's Disputes and Investigations (DI) practice in Dallas, Texas, recognizes her mother’s profound influence on her. “Despite facing brain tumors since 2007, my mom inspires me every day with her resilience and optimism. Her favorite saying is, "Do what you can while you can," encouraging me to make the most out of every moment and opportunity. Because of my mom's positivity throughout challenges, I know that joy can be found in even the smallest moments. She really is the light in my life.”
Why is it crucial to have a dedicated month to honor and celebrate women?
Jacinta Addo-Badu, an Associate with A&M’s TAG practice in Chicago, Illinois, underscores the importance of dedicating a month to honor and celebrate women. “Women and their supporters have been advancing for years, yet without a dedicated time to commemorate and celebrate their contributions, there's a risk of these efforts going unnoticed or forgotten. Women’s History Month holds diverse meanings, serving as a platform for recognition, reflection and inspiration. It's a time to acknowledge achievements, assess progress and cultivate role models for future generations. For some, it's a celebration of the strides women have made in various fields, while for others, it's an opportunity to reflect on the challenges overcome and plan for the future. Women’s History Month also serves as a crucial educational tool, offering insights into the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history.
This celebration is a month-long anniversary, and anniversaries are important to us because they mark events that we hold dear but, most importantly, they sustain the significance of events that we want to remember in the sea of time. If we keep past lessons in mind, we'll strive for improvement. However, if we forget, we risk repeating past mistakes.”
How does acknowledging women's accomplishments this month influence your goals?
Acknowledging the remarkable achievements of women during Women's History Month serves as a source of inspiration for many, influencing their goals and aspirations.
"The accomplishments of other women serve as a powerful inspiration, fueling my determination to pursue my own goals as I see reflections of myself in their journeys. Recognizing the achievements of women not only reminds me of what is possible but also encourages me to challenge stereotypes and overcome barriers with renewed vigor," says Julia Yang, an Associate with A&M’s TAG practice in Houston, Texas. Amanda Huang, a Senior Associate with A&M’s Tax practice in San Francisco, California, echoes this sentiment: "It serves as a reminder for me to embrace courage, take bold leaps of faith and persist in pursuing my goals."
