One of my favorite music artists is Beyoncé. I love that she recorded a song called “Who Runs the World, Girls?” In honor of Women’s History Month, I like to honor a few women who are making an impact in the world.
Have you ever heard of Victoria Canal? If not, you will. Victoria, who was born in Germany, is an awesome singer and songwriter. I was very taken back by her beautiful voice, which I heard first before even seeing her. Imagine how I felt when I finally turned on the TV and saw that her right forearm was missing, but it hadn’t inhibited her from playing the guitar. To say I was impressed with her talents is an understatement.
Rhine McLin was the first female elected to serve as mayor for the city of Dayton, Ohio, from 2002 to 2010. During Rhine’s term as mayor, she always ensured the city grew for the best as the times changed. Prior to becoming mayor Rhine served in both the Ohio House Representatives as well as the Ohio Senate where she was the first African American elected to the Ohio State Senate. On a personal note, Rhine has always championed me by sending personal thanks notes when I shared disability awareness topics as a Community Contributor in the Dayton Daily News. She also sent her condolences when my mother passed. She is a great staple in the community and an incredible role model to many women, including myself.
Dolly Parton is a national treasure. She’s a down-home country girl who never forgot where she came from, which was a humble beginning. In the many interviews I’ve seen that she has done, she was quick to say that even though her family didn’t have a lot of money, they had a lot of love. Dolly is big at paying it forward. Not only is she one of the biggest Country and Western singers, but she is also a philanthropist. Her literacy program, Imagination Library, mails free books to children, encouraging them to read. I think the world could use more women like Dolly!
Amazing women were once girls like the amazing environmental activist Greta Thunberg! At a young age, Greta began speaking about things that were not only hurting the planet but things that would help it as well. She took on many leaders and was not afraid to voice her concerns to any of them. She is a true advocate.
Although Women’s History Month only comes around once a year, let’s continue to celebrate every day. Where would the world be without women? Just because some may not be as well-known as others, women are amazing human beings.
Don’t forget to show your appreciation to the women in your life, for they truly run the world.