Honoring women

Women's History Month gives us a chance to celebrate the uncountable contributions of women to our society. Here are just a handful of examples:

• Margaret Wilcox invented the car heater in 1893. Imagine facing a cold winter without one!
• Hedy Lemarr co-invented wireless transmission technology during World War II, which paved the way for Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth.
• Carrie Chapman Catt, who grew up in Iowa, helped lead the fight for women's suffrage, giving a voice and power to half of the country.
• Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her work in physics; she would go on to win another for chemistry through her groundbreaking work on radiation.
• Dr. Patricia Bath invented a new surgical device and technique to repair cataracts.
• Amelia Earhart broke barriers as a daring female pilot. She was aware of the pressure that comes with being a "first," shown by this quote: "Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others."

The leaders of today are building on the legacy laid down by these women and countless others. It's how we've gone from a world run and dominated by men to one where women run large companies – like Veridian! – and hold powerful offices, like the vice presidency.

To celebrate Women's History Month, seek out stories about other women that have made valuable contributions to who we are today. Carry on their work by supporting women in your life who are focused on changing the world.