Each March, as Women’s History Month kicks off, I find myself reflecting on the people who have shaped my life. That always brings me back to my grandmother — a woman who grew up in a small town in Nebraska, where life was tough and opportunities were few. She left school after sixth grade, but that didn’t stop her. With resilience and grit, she worked hard to raise a family of 12, always striving to create a better future. Her sacrifices — alongside those of countless other women who came before her — paved the way for me to become the first in my family to graduate from college and pursue dreams that, for her generation, were little more than a distant hope.

As we enter Women’s History Month, it’s about honoring those who shaped history — the trailblazers like Rosa Parks, whose courage sparked lasting change, and Abigail Adams, whose timeless call to “Remember the Ladies” continues to inspire us today. But it’s also about recognizing the everyday heroes: the grandmothers, mothers, mentors and friends who quietly make a difference in our lives and push us to reach our full potential.

As you read through this issue of Stroll Our Community, take a moment to think about those who’ve left their mark on you — the women and men who’ve inspired, supported and guided you. Share a memory, send a message of thanks or pay it forward by helping the next generation. Together, we can honor the past and build a future where everyone’s potential is realized.

Here’s to the women who came before us, the ones shaping today and those who will lead tomorrow.