Women are continuously inspiring other women, whether they are heroines of history, mothers, co-workers, neighbors, or friends. Actions and silent shaping impact everything from words we say to our children and what type of rose bush to plant, to which doctor to turn to for help or which career path to choose. We asked six Susquehanna Valley professionals to share which women most inspire them. Read on to see what they had to say.
Alexandria
Alexandria Keener credits one person with her young success story: her mom. Alexandria has grown up a first-hand witness to her mom Deborah’s generosity and strength. As a college student questioning the financial burden and worth of her degree, it was Alexandria who relied on that familiar energy. Deborah dreamed of owning her own store but was already a working mom of three. When the time came for Alexandria to find a required college internship, the mother-daughter team came up with the perfect solution. The duo opened My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe together, fulfilling three college credits for Alexandria and a lifetime dream for Deborah. Now, Alexandria is the majority owner of York’s most popular consignment store that she says would not exist without her mom. Deborah motivated her daughter with the same passion she gives to everyone. Alexandria says, “She pulled me through…I have found what I love to do because of her.” Turns out, dreams run in the family.
Anne
You could say that Anne Deeter Gallaher practically wrote the book on female empowerment because, in fact, she did. Anne’s co-authored book, Women in High Gear, discusses the female-driven journey to success that she learned after becoming owner of The Deeter Gallaher Group. So who inspires the woman that is already inspiring others? Condoleezza Rice. The former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor is the consummate “Woman in High Gear” and one of Anne’s strongest influences. Anne says she admires how Rice “carries herself with aplomb” and respects her “leadership, grace, knowledge, resolve, and faith in American ingenuity.” As the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor and the second female Secretary of State, Rice has paved the road for future female powerhouses.
Danielle
The 1920’s stands as a turning point in women’s history, touting the first female Pulitzer Prize winner, the first female U.S. Senator, and the first female to fly across the Atlantic (thanks, Amelia). In this pivotal time, one woman stands out as a true game changer: Susan B. Anthony. As a social reformist and a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, Anthony acted as the driving force behind the 19th Amendment, allowing women the right to vote. For such reasons, Danielle Prokopchak calls Anthony her inspiration. Danielle says, “She serves as a reminder that all humans are equal, and all humans deserve compassion, dignity, and freedom.” Danielle takes such lessons into her own career as the director of broadcasting for the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus and the voter registration chair for the Dauphin County Democratic Committee. She says, “I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to work alongside women in state government who care deeply about protecting those rights and who continue to ensure equality for women.”
Holly
Holly Mayer has always looked to women for inspiration, in her mother, best friends, clients, and colleagues. As a financial advisor and vice president of wealth management at Janney Wealth Advisory, Holly credits her success to several colleagues that influenced the birth of her career. She thanks Fran Polk for her “mentorship of my civic and community leadership” and recognizes both Marsha Everton and Julie Litchy as “executive women role models defining and influencing my career path.” As strong, female voices continue to flourish in society, women are impacting all aspects of each other’s lives. Holly says, “Women are always silently influencing and shaping another’s path from the type of rose bush we plant in our yard to the referral to a doctor to heal us, the recipe we are preparing for our family, or the words we choose to speak to our children.” We could not agree more.
Kimberly
Some of history’s most influential females continue to impact our modern working women. For example, Kimberly Daly-Nobbs, chief marketing officer at Willow Valley communities, finds inspiration in powerful philanthropists like Mother Theresa, Rachel Carson, and Margaret Mead. Among these big names is another woman that stands out in Kimberly’s life as her greatest role model: her mother. “She taught me to be curious and creative; she taught me to befriend strangers instead of fearing them; she taught me to speak my mind, love with all my heart and to always do my best,” Kimberly says. Throughout her extensive career in marketing, Kimberly has succeeded in developing organizational culture, strengthening communication, and teaching values through leadership. Her accomplishments stem from the lessons instilled by her mom. She says, “Because of her, I am a better mother, a better leader, and a better person.”
Devon
A true showing of admiration is becoming the person you admire. When that person is an attorney, managing partner of a law firm, mother of two, and local inspiration, you have your work cut out for you. Devon Myers took up the challenge and followed in the footsteps of the woman she most respects: her mother, Sharon. While growing up, Devon says her mother never missed a game, an extracurricular activity, or the opportunity to instill values of kindness, optimism, and intellect through her own actions rather than words. She did so while serving as an integral figure at CGA Law Firm, “overcoming a male-dominated profession and earning the respect of her peers and her community,” says Devon, “inspiring other women to do the same.” Now, Devon relishes the chance to work with and continue learning from her mother as a fellow CGA attorney and active member of the ARC of York County, Crispus Attucks, The Parliament Arts Organization, Women Living United, and more. Devon says about Sharon, “You will not hear her brag about her success and her own achievements, but you will hear her boast about the success of her children, a success that I attribute almost exclusively to her.”
