Happy Women's History Month!
At ICS, our students are celebrating and honoring the remarkable contributions of women throughout history.
They are learning about the trailblazers and change-makers who have fought tirelessly and courageously for equality, justice, and opportunity in the United States.
President Jimmy Carter first declared the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week in 1980. Congress officially expanded it to the entire month of March seven years later.
In his presidential proclamation to the nation, Jimmy Carter stated:
“From the first settlers who came to our shores…men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung, and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.
-President Jimmy Carter
It’s through recognizing these incredible women, that we are reminded of how far we’ve come as a country. Thousands of women played integral roles in the suffrage movement, fought for women’s rights, shattered glass ceilings, and challenged inequality. Susan B. Anthony, Shirley Chisholm, Malala Yousafzai, and Michelle Obama stand among countless other women who have laid the groundwork and opened doors for future generations. We celebrate them all!
I also want to recognize the unsung heroines who inspire and impact our everyday lives in ways we may not even realize.
Growing up, I witnessed my mother’s passion for education as she faithfully taught in the public school system for 34 years. She dedicated her life to shaping young minds. However, her impact didn’t stop there – she transitioned into higher education, where she continued to inspire and mold future educators.
The ripple effect of my mother’s commitment to education not only impacted her students but as we see many years later, her children as well.
One of my sisters currently works for the US Department of Education in the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education as the Chief of College and Career Transitions, another is a Guest Lecturer and Preceptor at UGA in the College of Pharmacy, and my oldest sister is a Media Specialist at an elementary school in Henry County. I, too, stepped into this legacy of education as the Executive Director at ICS.
As we celebrate the achievements of women throughout history, it’s crucial to recognize women, like my mother, who quietly shape the world around them. These women may not always make headlines, but their influence is immeasurable. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or in the community, their dedication and contributions have a transformative impact.
What woman has inspired you the most, and how has she made a difference in your life or the world around you? If she is still alive, let her know how she has impacted you. I’m planning to call my mom today!
Fran Carroll, ICS Executive Director, brings to ICS over 15 years of leadership and management experience in the for-profit and non-profit arena. For the last 3 years, Fran has served as the HR Manager, Interim Business Manager and most recently Director of Operations & Finance at ICS. In her spare time, when not spending time with her family, you can find Fran involved in the entrepreneurship arena in the Metro Atlanta area. She graduated from the Start:ME Southside Cohort in 2018 through Emory’s Goizuetta Business School. She loves entrepreneurship! In the past 3 years she has brought a lot of the entrepreneurial spirit to ICS. In 2020 she was listed as one of 11 parents who are making a difference!
