BCFS Health and Human Services, a part of a global nonprofit organization that supports families throughout the world, encourages appreciation of Women’s History Month. The organization frequently highlights the contributions women make to individuals and broader society. It recently offered interviews with three senior management female employees who shared their thoughts on Women’s History Month, specifically the women role models they embrace every day.
The organization’s Executive Director at BCFS Health and Human Services Residential Services Division Headquarters, Sonya Thompson, notes the impactful role her mentor Elizabeth Guthrie held throughout her professional life. She says Ms. Guthrie encouraged her to break through various barriers and to develop leadership skills that would prove invaluable for her role at BCFS Health and Human Services. Ms. Thompson also embraces the lessons offered by the election of a female Vice President and the widespread response to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s (RBG) passing which inspired entire generations of women and girls to share their stories and band together for change.
Karen Thaxton, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, shared her experiences with other women that have shaped her life positively. She also counts RBG as a mentor and guide, as well as other women pioneers and leaders like Susan B. Anthony. She notes her two twentysomething daughters are the most influential women in her life today. Both of her daughters worked hard in school, and now one works as a therapist and the other in biologics. Ms. Thaxton says her daughters are committed to helping other people and doing their part to craft a better world.
Veronica Villa, Regional Director at BCFS Health and Human Services-Fairfield is another fan of RBG, especially her pushing for the “equal protection clause” and other advocacy. Ms. Villa majored in history during university and has studied the history of the U.S. Supreme Court at length and has a deep appreciation of RBG’s work in improving the lives of women and encouraging equality.
