Celebrating Women’s History Month with Tillman Scholars

March is Women’s History Month; a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. Our Tillman Scholar community consists of remarkable women who have been doing just that.

These women are military veterans and spouses, and they embody the passion and values to make their impact in their respective fields. As we celebrate this month and the advances women have made in our country, we pass the mic over to some of our scholars. Check out what Women’s History Month means to them below:

“My first time celebrating women’s history month was in Cameroon in 2014, when the country united wearing custom-made dresses and shirts sewn of pagne, (specially printed cloth) for International Women’s Day.  It was incredible to witness men and women from all regions assemble to celebrate and emphasize women’s rights for education and decision-making.  As a public health professional, women’s history month is a moment of gratitude to the sacrifices and fight put forth by my mother in Bangladesh and women all around the world who overcome barriers daily to lift their families, neighbors and society.  It’s a celebration, and a reminder that we cannot advance without significant progress towards social and economic empowerment of women and girls.” — Adiba Hassan, 2020 Tillman Scholar

“The celebration of Women’s History Month is an opportunity to amplify stories of groundbreaking bravery, foreground stories of incredible contribution, and celebrate the lives of women who are frequently sidelined. When we amplify women’s stories, we magnify equity and social justice, and we center stories of empathy and change. We can celebrate women all year long by centering their voices, acknowledging their contributions, and repositioning power dynamics in our homes, workplaces, and social circles.” — Ambyr Rios, 2018 Tillman Scholar

“Women’s history is about celebrating the contributions women have made and the trails they have blazed for the sake of all people, now and in the future. When I consider the words I use to identify myself–American, Veteran, Jew–it is Woman that rings with might. It is only because of the women who came before me, each with her own list of identities and experiences, that I can stand on their shoulders and openly identify as such. I recognize that the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms that I live in are directly related to women’s involvement in progress. I feel drawn to the teaching in Pirkei Avot which says “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it”. For me, these words honor the work of the women before me and inspire me to continue fostering change for the women who come after me.” — Kanaan Goldstein, 2021 Tillman Scholar