March is International Women's Month, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating women's historic achievements. Implicit in the celebration is the undeniable fact that, for too long, women have been unsung and sometimes unseen heroes who have been the backbone of significant progress in every corner of life today and throughout history. At the same time, women have historically been the driving force of family life, taking primary or often singular responsibility for raising children and managing the home front while also holding down jobs and contributing to their family's economic well-being.
As a guy who grew up with five strong-willed and bright sisters (and who had no brothers to conspire and fight with); as the father of two irrepressible twin daughters and the husband to a successful woman, I’m still not claiming any natural enlightenment. However, I think I do have a somewhat unique perch from which to appreciate that one should never underestimate the power of women to make more things happen in a day than most men could only dream of.
While it’s true that the Y was founded by and for “young men,” fortunately, it has been a very long time since our organization excluded women. Today’s Y both serves more women than men and employs far more women than men; in fact, 74% of our workforce are women, including a majority of our supervisors and managers. However, like the rest of society, we unquestionably have more work to do to assure gender equity across our workplace, and we remain committed to doing so.
I am incredibly proud of and grateful to the many women leaders throughout every sector of our work; women who are putting an indelible stamp on the trajectory of our community. Women at the Y in Central Maryland are in key leadership roles in every aspect of our work. Though way too numerous to name, I would be remiss if I did not call out Amy Vendt, Swim Director at the Ward Y in Abingdon, for her leadership of our Y’s Women's Associate Resource Group as well as a member of the Y-USA's Women's Leadership Resource Network Steering Committee. Amy’s energetic and important work to help empower and support other women leaders at the Y is truly inspiring.
So, please take a moment to thank the women in your life who not only inspire you but who make life and progress in every aspect of our country even possible.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland