Inspiring Women - Past and Present
Stories by CORE El Centro staff members.
Women – especially women of color - are far less likely than men to appear in books or on screens and earn recognition for their accomplishments. Women’s History Month in the U.S. is a tiny step in the journey to create a more equal world, as it reminds us to look for those hidden stories.
CORE El Centro staff are celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring some of the women who have inspired them in their work and life.
Jayne Ader has inspired and continues to inspire me to work with the community. She is a strong woman and has taught me to be strong. She loves and supports our community.
Rosa Veloz, Health Navigator
My Mom, Carmella Gianforte, had polio in her early 30's and had some paralysis. She sought out receiving care from a Naturopath in the 1960's. She inspired me every day with her courage and commitment to heal and ultimately after months of working with her Naturopath was able to regain movement on her left side. My mom continues to inspire me and the work I am about. When starting CORE, over 19 years ago, my mom was my biggest cheerleader. She encouraged me to reach for my dreams and celebrated the vision and mission of CORE El Centro. Thank you, Mom, for being a trail blazer and for pursuing natural health. It is because of your life journey that I am doing what I love and cherish.
Madeline Gianforte, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CORE El Centro
A woman that inspires me is Andrea Sanchez, my sister. She is a total chingona who has a master's degree and works in the non-profit world to improve access to housing for the homeless. Andrea is a wife and mother of two. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has been fighting it with strength, courage and grace. She inspires me by being true to herself. She is a strong individual who sticks to her values all while being one of the kindest people I know.
Samantha Sanchez Director of Development
Sabina, my mother, she was a leader and my inspiration. I remember people coming into our house asking for help and she always there helping out. She was very knowledgeable with herbs and nature plus a great listener.
Barb Wesson is also my hero! She is still helping me out with my leadership skills and having fun when we do exercise.
Maria Miramontes/Health Navigator Manager and SFPC Office Manager
My mom continues to inspire me to prioritize my self-care and ask for support when I need. She has grown so much in her self-care journey and she reminds me of the patterns that she and I share. I am inspired by my mom also because she is open to learning and trying new things, even when it's out of her comfort zone. She inspires me to continue to push myself and remember that even though I may not be ready for a change today, tomorrow is another day with new possibilities!
Stephanie Calloway, Mujeres con Poder Program Manager
Eleanor Roosevelt deeply inspires me and my work. As the first lady and wife of the 32nd president of the US, Franklin Roosevelt, she utilized her power and influence to work on advocating for the rights of women, children and racial minorities. Her intelligence, compassion and humanitarian efforts contributed to her being held beloved and respected in the US and world. I deeply admire how she lived her life with authenticity, spunkiness, and seemingly led by a heart full of love. She spoke up and fought for what she knew was right, even when it was controversial to do so.
My yoga and meditation teacher, Nina Johnson, has profoundly inspired my wellness journey. This beloved Milwaukee based teacher instructed thousands of students in the Himalayan Tradition of Yoga and Meditation for over 40 years, up until the time she transitioned into oneness with all creation at the age of 95. Her teaching was genuine and filled with humor and real-life examples. She was strong-willed and passionate while also being devoted to a spiritual path of self-realizing and knowing the divine. She encouraged students to try their best and keep up their practices, even when one is feeling stuck or like they are not progressing. Her life example and teachings continue to guide and inspire me and many other students today.
Jillian Holy-Skaja, Volunteer Program Manager
I would like to thank the brave women garment workers in New York City who marched and picketed for humane working conditions and living wages on March 8th, 1857. March was chosen for Women’s History Month (and International Women’s Day) to commemorate their efforts. They were met with violence but persisted in launching remarkable changes in labor laws proving that women were capable of being union organizers. Their fight helped fuel a new breed of feminists, re-defining “women’s roles” leading into the movement towards voting rights for women. They inspire me to keep working for equality and policies that benefit the most vulnerable people in our society.
Jackie Mauer, Fund Development Assistant
May we all draw on the inspiration of those women who came before us to keep lighting the way!
