Here’s one thing I know for sure. We’d be nowhere at Children’s Minnesota without the women who work here. They make up more than 80% of our staff. They work at all levels of our organization and their contributions are impossible to calculate.
For Women’s History Month, I want you to meet three of my Children’s Minnesota colleagues who put kids first every day. As you’ll see below, I also invited them to tell us why we should all stop for a moment and honor the contributions women make.
- Dr. Sara Gonzalez Rodriguez is a pediatric psychologist and clinical director of psychological services at Children’s Minnesota.
- Arielle Green, RN, is a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in our Minneapolis hospital.
- Dawn Simpson, MHA, is a contracting strategist at Children’s Minnesota.
Sara Gonzalez Rodriguez: Women’s history is a celebration of resilience, progress and the ongoing fight for equality. To me, it represents honoring the past and the women who paved the way; acknowledging that this is not an issue of the past but a call to action in the present; and an opportunity to reflect on how women’s voices, experiences and leadership matter in every place where decisions are made.
Arielle Green: For me, and for future generations, it is crucial to recognize the contributions women have made to history, culture and society because we are seeing what once seemed unthinkable become achievable. The women who came before us have paved the way for all girls to have the self-assurance to persevere and win their race.
Dawn Simpson: As a black woman, there are many layers within the meaning of women’s history, especially right now. It’s more than just celebrating our contributions. It’s about acknowledging and respecting the struggle, accomplishments and resiliency that has so often been overlooked as a part of history and are currently being erased from the books.
Arielle Green: Because women’s labor is frequently underappreciated, leading people to overlook the incredible things that women have accomplished. Every movement has traditionally begun with us in the forefront.
Dawn Simpson: I pay homage to my ancestors, grandmothers, mother and aunts who have paved my path as leaders, as well as my peers. Seeing women in leadership, particularly those that look like me, is motivation to continue to persevere and advance in my own life and career.
Sara Gonzalez Rodriguez: Celebrating women’s history is especially important to me as a Latina and Puerto Rican because it honors the contributions of women who have shaped history despite systemic barriers. It is important to take time to recognize figures that have been overlooked, particularly those tied to my own identities, such as Sonia Sotomayor, Julia de Burgos and Lolita Lebrón, to ensure that their stories continue to shape the present and inspire the future. Lastly, celebrating women’s history offers a unique opportunity to challenge the stereotypes of how women are portrayed by showcasing the intellectual, political, artistic and scientific contributions of women.
Dawn Simpson: Women have made great strides in the world, especially when you consider several countries are currently led by passionate, highly intelligent women. However, there is still progress to be made.
Sara Gonzalez Rodriguez: Being a Latina from Puerto Rico in the mainland United States and a woman in leadership holds deep significance for me, both personally and professionally. I see my position as both a responsibility and an opportunity to break stereotypes and open doors for others. In leadership, I am a visible reminder that Latina women, and women at large, belong at the table. Whether in psychological services here at Children’s Minnesota or in broader community efforts, I lead with the intention of making spaces more inclusive and equitable.
Arielle Green: I see women’s leadership as a sign that equality is possible and that we are strong enough to be excellent leaders in addition to being followers. It demonstrates a shift in power to highlight feminism in a variety of ways.
Sara Gonzalez Rodriguez: Women’s representation in leadership is essential for creating equitable, diverse and effective workplaces and societies. Research has demonstrated that women bring unique perspectives, problem-solving approaches and leadership styles that enhance comprehensive decision-making.
Arielle Green: It is crucial to have women in leadership positions because it will demonstrate to the next generation of women that we can be excellent stewards in these positions. Women deserve to be valued, heard and seen.
Dawn Simpson: Recently, equity and equality have been called into question, so now more than ever women should be outwardly celebrated. I’m grateful to work for an organization that continuously recognizes the importance and profound impact of women in leadership. Thank you to all who have come before me, and I hope to inspire those that will come after. Happy Women’s History Month!
