Women's History Month 2023: Celebrating milestones and continuing the fight for change
March 19, 2023 - Amanda Guinot Talbot, PhD
"We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change." -Sheryl Sandberg
This month we have the opportunity to reflect and become aware. We must become aware of women's leadership-the plight, the inequity, and the need for change. Highlighting the importance of supporting women leaders begins by acknowledging the barriers that remain for women ascending to positions of leadership—lack of pay equity, lack of representation, especially diverse representation, gender stereotypes, and work-life management—but despite these obstacles, women continue to break barriers. The Women's Leadership Institute's (WLI) own Dr. Margaret Dimond is one such leader. Margaret represents the hope for change that all women leaders and their allies desire. Margaret was just named the first female President and CEO of Sparrow hospital. This announcement represents a historic moment and one far too overdue.
Throughout her career, Margaret has worked hard to learn, grow, and ascend to positions of power, not for herself, but in the service of others. Her leadership is other-centered, working for her community, the MSU family, and leaders she can inspire and support.
"I am honored and very humbled for the kind words, I am inspired by the many female trailblazers in history, and hope to assist in mentoring the young female leaders we cultivate at MSU."
Margaret helped to found the Women's Leadership Institute (WLI) as a tool to ignite women leaders and create equality for women globally. To achieve this mission and vision, the WLI works to educate, empower, and support young women leaders. The WLI invests in a brighter, more equitable future for all by empowering and supporting young women leaders.
This month, we must take time to be aware. Join me in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of all women leaders and encouraging those leaders to "leave the ladder down" for the next generation. In doing so, we can create a pipeline of strong, capable women leaders who can drive progress, innovation, and equity forward.
About the Author
Amanda Guinot Talbot, PhD
Director, Women’s Leadership Institute
Mason-Soneral Faculty Fellow, Women’s Leadership Institute
Director of Undergraduate Education and Assistant Professor, HDFS
Dr. Amanda Guinot Talbot is the director of undergraduate education and an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies. As the Women’s Leadership Institute acting director and Mason Soneral faculty fellow Dr. Guinot Talbot works on institute programming, curricula, and student engagement. Dr. Guinot Talbot also is a co-administrator of the financial literacy educational campaigns at MSU (Go for the Green). She received her master’s degree in Family Studies and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University.