AGGIE COOKE
When I think about female role models, one particular trait comes to mind and it’s shared by many – both high public profile and private individuals. It’s the ability to awaken a drive and an ambition from the potential that lives in every single person. This seemingly simple act of empowerment is what changes lives, and the world, in a big way.
EMILY D. SHRUM
My mom is my female role model. She taught me that my voice is to be heard and to stand up for what I believe in. She is the hardest worker I know. She has also taught me to be true to myself. I can get sweaty playing sports and then dress up with make up and curly hair. I remember in middle school we had a poetry assignment she helped me with and we titled it “I like being a Girl, Especially me”. It started with “I like being a Girl, especially me. I can be frilly, or climb a tree. Dress me up to take me out, or put on jeans to run about.” For some reason, that assignment has stuck with me and I think about it often. My mom is strong willed, positive, and encouraging. She has never once said that I cannot achieve something. She taught me that if there are obstacles, to work harder and find a way to overcome them.
Dr. KRIS OTTEMAN
My sister – doctor, step mother – wisdom and experience, other academic and clinical leaders. I’m always looking for nuggets of mentor ship from everyone in any group or individual encounter. I find you can learn from all ages, all experiences if you are always looking!
JESSICA MORRISSEY
I have a couple. I love Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she stood for what she believed in and changed many things for women. She also did it with a lot of class.
Also my former boss who I worked with in several companies. She taught me how to navigate within an organization to leverage my skills and the skills of others to be successful. She also showed me what authentic leadership looks like in action.
SARAH WIDDOP
Like many others, I admire Michelle Obama and RBG. Both figured out how to be themselves in a tough world. I also admire a number of my past students- Kris Ahn, Corrinne Bintz, Anna Roche. These girls are their own people and I always admired who they were in high school and who they have become. I also admire a friend and horse trainer, Kari Klingenberg. With minimal experience, she jumped into the very male dominated and competitive world of reining. She does not compare herself to men, she strives to be the best she can be. She is often asked questions about her female “role” in a male dominated world and her response is often that she does not focus on gender. I think this has actually allowed for her success.
LISA MAY
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand PM. She demonstrated grace and true leadership during the COVID pandemic, being clear and firm, while emotionally connecting with her people, creating followership / compliance.
JACQUELINE SCHMIDT
I have often found that I don’t really have any female role models or inspirations. I try to take inspiration for myself and my own goals. I set goals for myself based on how I define success rather than on the success of others. I am proud to look up to the many successful female leaders who have come before me, but I plan to chart my own course in my own unique way. I may aspire to have the same drive and work ethic as many leaders of the past and present.
GERALD JOHNSON
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of my female role models. She lived her life the way she believed that it would help the most people. From fighting for women’s rights to serving on the nation’s highest court, she set the example for other women to follow. She helped the nation to understand that it takes both women and men to succ
LISA STOCKMON
All the women in my family; they have been consistently strong, vocal, and supportive.
essfully run this nation.
RAPUNZEL AMADOR-LEWIS
Early in my career (the first 13 years), I had no female role models. All my supervisors, co-workers, and customers, were predominantly males. I felt that if I started my career in a bigger city, I may have met more female engineers. I made a decision that I would need to be the role model for my own two daughters and other girls or younger women who may be discouraged to pursue engineering because there are no paths for them to follow. This decision led me to start my own structural engineering firm, which led me to networking opportunities and eventually led me to meet incredible women (many are not in engineering) in leadership positions. These women became my mentors and life-long friends. My biggest role model is a Math Professor at CSU Stanislaus (now Professor Emeritus). Her name is Dr. Viji Sundar and she is my living guardian angel who has taught Math for over 40 years. She is the smallest person (in terms of stature) I have met with a heart of a giant. She has the attitude that “nothing is impossible to achieve.” I told her that she is my female Gandhi.
MELISSA CARDENAS
In my Catholic faith, Saint Mary Magdalene is my source of faith and a female role model. Despite the critics and opposition, she remained faithful to Jesus Christ. She admitted to her faults and strived to become a better person every day. Her devotion provides me peace when I face difficulty.
SHARON LIU
My mom. She was a fierce musician who pursued her dream and overcame all obstacles and barriers including economic, class, access, language, history and culture. She was a pioneer who paved the road for traditional and modern musical combinations.
BETH TETRO
My mom-Nancy. She had three little kids working and going to school to get her nursing degree. Now she has a masters’ and is working on a doctorate. She is a superwoman and I don’t think I tell her that enough.
SAMANTHA BOTKIN
Honestly, I don’t have a female role model because I feel there are not any prominent leader with the exact same life goals as me.
Unfinished Business 