Over the past week, I commemorated my 28th year in the Talent Acquisition and HR industry. It has been an incredible journey filled with valuable experiences and profound insights gained from navigating the challenging terrain of recruiting and HR. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to encounter inspiring leaders who have challenged and supported me, pushing me well beyond my comfort zone.
While I could easily wax eloquent sharing numerous anecdotes about the wisdom I've accumulated and the invaluable guidance from my supervisors during my most challenging moments, I want to take a different approach to celebrate this milestone. Today, I want to introduce a remarkable group of women who continue to inspire me—the women pictured here! They are the giants whose shoulders I proudly stand on today.
When I set up my current home office, I found myself drawn to the captivating photos of working women from the early to mid-1900s. There was a profound connection with each of these women that touched my soul. Being a talent acquisition specialist, I naturally possess an insatiable curiosity about people's career stories, and these women were no exception. Their individual journeys resonate with me deeply, and I yearn to learn more about them.
These women live with me, serving as daily reminders of their incredible stories. The strength and resilience they displayed during a time of immense challenges and change are nothing short of awe-inspiring. As war and the industrial revolution unfolded, these women fearlessly entered the labor force and played pivotal roles in both endeavors. They were the backbone of the revolution, and their tenacity was nothing short of astounding. Their stories kindle a wildfire of admiration within me, as they come from a generation that exemplified unparalleled grit and fortitude. I can't help but feel inspired by their unwavering determination and dedication to making a difference. Their fearlessness in the face of adversity is truly commendable, and they serve as timeless symbols of empowerment for generations to come.
When I interview candidates, I often conclude by asking about their childhood aspirations. It's a question that elicits a gentle laugh, accompanied by a nostalgic sense, and yet, they genuinely enjoy reflecting on it. Witnessing the connection between their childhood dreams and their current career path never fails to intrigue me.
In studying each woman's story, my curiosity is piqued by the same query. I find it hard to believe that at the tender age of nine or ten, their dreams revolved around becoming factory workers, domestic servants, blue-collar laborers, or bomb makers. I yearn to sit down with each of these remarkable women and delve into their unique narratives. Who were they before the weight of societal expectations and circumstances molded their destinies? What untapped gifts and abilities did they possess? What inner forces drove them? What dreams did they hold dear? Equally important, what dreams did they perhaps have to relinquish along the way? What and who inspired them?
Although I may never know their personal stories, they have helped me write mine. In the presence of their legacy, I feel compelled to show up with fierce determination, embodying the fortitude and resilience that define their journey. Their unwavering strength propels me forward, even on the most challenging days at work, because I know that even on my worst day it would have been their best.
Unlike the amenities and support systems we enjoy today, these remarkable women didn't have the luxury of ergonomically designed workspaces, structured career development programs, annual performance reviews, or generous benefits packages. They toiled through long and grueling hours of physically demanding and repetitive labor, often undertaking perilous tasks with courage and determination. Yet, at the end of the day, they returned home to take care of their families and domestic responsibilities, bearing a burden that was beyond anything we can fathom.
Many of them endured the absence of their partners, who were away fighting in wars or, tragically, lost their lives on the battlefield. Despite such immense hardships, they pressed on, proving their unyielding strength and resilience.
As I sit here, contemplating the immense advantages of being a professional woman in today's world, a sense of unbridled gratitude washes over me, and I find myself in absolute awe of the women who came before me and their invaluable contributions. Their stories have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I am deeply humbled by their unwavering strength, relentless perseverance, and the personal and professional sacrifices they made to navigate the challenges of their time.
What truly strikes me is none of these women had foresight to know that on the day their photos were taken, that almost a century later they would not only have a profound impact on a scrappy, ambitious redheaded girl from the little town of Swansea, MA, but inspire her to empower and pass the baton to next generation of women taking their place in the workforce.
In this journey of empowerment, I am but a link in a long chain of progress, connected to these remarkable women who walked paths laden with obstacles and triumphs. Their spirit lives on through me, igniting a deep fire within my soul to be a catalyst for change and to ensure that their voices resonate throughout history as a testament to the strength of womankind.
Here's to the women who blazed the trail before us and did
the real heavy lifting; and to those coming behind who will carry the torch and
boldly echo their stories and legacy.
