Women’s History Month: Honoring Women Trailblazers in Communication and Leadership
It’s March which means it’s Women’s HIstory Month! Each year we celebrate the remarkable women who have shattered glass ceilings and inspired change in leadership roles across industries.
Today, we highlight real-world examples of women who stand as trailblazers in their respective fields, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future.
Geena Rocero: Transgender Model & LGBTQ+ Advocate (Photo Credit: Yolanda Hoskey) | Mary Barra: Chairman and CEO of General Motors (Photo Credit: Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images) | Arundhati Bhattacharya: Former Chairperson of the State Bank of India (Photo Credit: Business Today Magazine)
1. Geena Rocero: Transgender Model and LGBTQ+ Advocate
Geena Rocero, a Filipina-American transgender model and LGBTQ+ advocate, utilizes her platform to champion transgender rights. As the founder of Gender Proud, Rocero advocates for gender self-identification and equality. Her powerful storytelling and advocacy work contribute significantly to the global conversation surrounding transgender rights and inclusion. Through her resilience and passion, Rocero has become a vital voice in the fight for a more equitable and inclusive world.
2. Mary Barra: Chairman and CEO of General Motors
Mary Barra's journey to the top of General Motors is a testament to her resilience and leadership acumen. As the first female CEO of a major global automaker, Barra has overseen significant advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles. Her emphasis on sustainability and adaptability showcases the impact women can have on traditionally male-dominated industries.
3. Arundhati Bhattacharya: Former Chairperson of the State Bank of India
Arundhati Bhattacharya's leadership at the State Bank of India exemplifies the vital role women play in the finance sector. As the first woman to lead India's largest bank, Bhattacharya implemented key reforms and navigated the institution through complex financial landscapes. Her legacy underscores the importance of gender diversity in shaping financial institutions globally.
Rigoberta Menchú: K'iche' Maya Woman and Nobel Peace Prize Winner (Photo Credit: Florida State University) | Dr. Soumya Swaminathan: Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (Photo Credit: Women Lift Health)
4. Rigoberta Menchú: K'iche' Maya Woman and Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Rigoberta Menchú, a K'iche' Maya woman hailing from Guatemala, has been honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting indigenous rights and social justice. As an advocate for marginalized communities, Menchú's storytelling and speeches shed light on the challenges faced by indigenous peoples. Her commitment to human rights and cultural preservation makes her an inspirational figure on the international stage, symbolizing the power of persistent communication in fostering understanding and change.
5. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan - Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan's impactful role as Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization highlights the critical intersection of leadership and public health. A globally recognized pediatrician and clinical scientist, Dr. Swaminathan's work has been instrumental in addressing global health challenges. Her contributions emphasize the importance of women's leadership in shaping healthcare policies worldwide.
About the Author
Jackie Miller launched Bespoken in 2015 to channel years of professional performance experience into techniques that improve public speaking, presenting, and professional communication skills. She holds a B.F.A. and M.A. both from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.