Moving Forward Together: A Personal Reflection on Women’s History and the Legacy of Progress

By Seleana Wright, Senior Director, APCO

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month,”Moving forward together,” resonates deeply with me. It serves as a reminder that progress isn’t just about individual victories, but collective strength. This message holds more meaning now than it did a year ago. Simply put, the journey toward equality and inclusion is not a solitary one. It’s about linking arms and moving forward together as a collective. Women’s History Month is a moment to honor the past, recognize the present, and ensure a more inclusive future for generations to come.

Reflecting on the contributions of the women in the suffrage movement, it becomes clear that intersectionality is key to understanding the complexity of women’s struggles. Women’s experiences are shaped by race, class, culture, and other aspects of identity. The struggle for equality is not a singular experience—it is nuanced and diverse.

Sojourner Truth’s iconic speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?”, challenged both race and gender norms in a society that sought to silence women—especially Black women. Her words still resonate today, demanding acknowledgment of the complexities of womanhood and the many layers of oppression.

I think often about my maternal grandmother, who passed away in her 20s while struggling to find independence and live out her highest values. These values included being a mother, a wife, and so much more—roles that many women, particularly in the 1950s, were expected to fulfill without the opportunity to pursue their own dreams. I am proud that, thanks to the collective sacrifices of women who came before me, I stand here today embodying the freedom my grandmother sought but never fully had. And, I do not take this for granted.

Moving forward together means understanding that our shared struggles for justice and equality require solidarity, respect, and commitment. It’s crucial to recognize that equality for one doesn’t necessarily mean equality for all. As we continue to seek gender equality, we must remember that such progress should benefit racial equality and the rights of other marginalized communities as well.

Women like Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, and my grandmother Estelle Edwards, understood that their fight was never just about one issue—it was about advocating for women to be recognized as fully realized individuals with the right to shape their own lives and communities. Their work set the foundation for women today to continue pushing boundaries, and their legacy inspires me every day to stand for change.

Today, Moving Forward Together is not just a call for reflection but for action. It’s about breaking barriers in corporate boardrooms, leading nations, and running micro-businesses in emerging markets. It’s about having individual autonomy in the full definition of the word. And, it’s about supporting women in doing so.

Progress has been made and we should celebrate the victories. From more women in executive roles to the increasing number of women entrepreneurs, we are seeing shifts that demonstrate the power of solidarity and collective action. Yet, the fight is far from over. The work that has been done must be protected and built upon. Moving forward together means ensuring that the next generation inherits a world where their voices, their rights, and their power are fully realized.

Silence is Not an Option

By: Kristal Farmer, WWPR Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair

“The silence of the good people is as serious as the vitriolic words of the bad people.” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

There is something to be said about fear. Your heart races, adrenaline surges, and your instincts sharpen—fight or flight. But what happens when it’s not just you? When it’s your family, your friends, your neighbors, your colleagues—when the fear isn’t momentary, but systemic? Do you keep your head down and hope for the best? Do you look for opportunities outside the country? Or do you dig your heels in and fight for change where you are?

Over the past few weeks, a flurry of executive orders has shaken me to my core. These policies are actively working to pull us backward—to an era of blatant inequality. DE&I isn’t just about race; it encompasses gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, and socioeconomic status. The Trump administration’s threats of “adverse consequences” for federal employees who refuse to report colleagues working on DE&I initiatives are not just disturbing—they are dangerous. This is how fear takes root. This is how progress is undone.

As an immigrant family of naturalized American citizens, we have built a life here. Yet, despite over twenty years in this country, despite our legal status, we are afraid. We keep copies of our paperwork in the car. We brace ourselves for scrutiny. We watch naturalized citizens being profiled and asked to prove their right to exist. And when we hear of ICE roundups, we know that citizenship alone is no guarantee of safety.

The fear is real. But so is the fight. Silence is not an option. Fear thrives when good people stay quiet. History has shown us that progress is not guaranteed—it must be defended, nurtured, and fought for. The erosion of DE&I is more than a policy shift; it is an attack on the very foundation of a just society.

My family and I, like many immigrants, have embraced the American Dream, but that dream should not come with the ever-present anxiety of being “othered”; The chilling effect of these policies extends beyond government—it permeates daily life, making people question their belonging, their safety, and their worth.

So, what do we do? We choose courage over comfort. We advocate, educate, and refuse to be silent. We push back, ensuring that DE&I remains not just a talking point, but a fundamental value.

Dr. King’s words remind us that complicity enables injustice. If we stay silent now, we allow fear to dictate our future. History will remember those who stood up. Which side of history will we be on?

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