Today, we join the global community in recognizing International Women’s Day, a moment to celebrate progress, acknowledge challenges, and recommit ourselves to advancing equity for women everywhere. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, invites us to reflect on a powerful truth: progress is rarely achieved alone. It is built through what we give to one another and what we, in turn, gain as a result.
When we pause to reflect, many of us can trace our growth not just to individual effort, but to moments of support, advocacy, and belief offered by others. Giving is not a single action; it’s a continuous practice that shapes careers, cultures, and communities.
The Many Ways to Give
Giving shows up in countless forms, both visible and unseen. Sometimes it’s formal and structural; other times it’s deeply personal. It can look like:
- Giving respect and acknowledgement
- Giving credit where it’s due
- Giving equal pay and equitable opportunities
- Giving training, mentorship, and sponsorship
- Giving someone the confidence to take on a stretch assignment
- Giving time, <strong>resources, or donations
- Giving access, voice, and <strong>space to grow
Whether large or small, each of these acts creates momentum. And collectively, they shape environments where women can thrive.
Reflections from CARA
Here at CARA, we are proud to be a woman-led, women-owned company. In the spirit of Give to Gain, several women across our organization are sharing reflections on what has been given to them, how those investments have created growth within their families, and how that cycle of giving continues to shape the way they lead, collaborate, and extend opportunities to others.
Alaina’s Reflection: Progress
For a long time, International Women’s Day didn’t feel like it belonged to me. Like many Black women, I grew up seeing celebrations of women’s progress that didn’t always reflect our experiences or acknowledge the ways we had to fight on multiple fronts at once. At times it felt less like a celebration that reflected all of our stories. Because of that, the day didn’t carry much meaning for me personally.
Over time, though, I’ve come to see the story differently. Black women have always been part of the movement for equality, even when history didn’t fully recognize it. Like at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in 1851 when Sojourner Truth shared her speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” or in 1913 when Ida B. Wells refused to be excluded from the suffrage march. We organized, we led, we built communities, and we pushed for change, often without the same visibility or credit. Black women have a long tradition of creating pathways forward even when the official roads were closed. Today, International Women’s Day reminds us that progress has always been built by many women, walking different paths, but moving the world forward together.
Faye’s Reflections: Growth through Generosity
International Women’s Day reminds me how much of my career has been shaped by women who gave freely – advice when I was overwhelmed, encouragement when I doubted myself, and feedback that pushed me to grow. Those moments taught me that giving isn’t always grand; often it’s the practical support that helps someone take the next step.
As a CARA consultant, I try to give that same spirit; bringing structure to complexity, clarity to ambiguity, and tools and direction that lead to success. What I gain in return is confidence, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the women whose generosity made my own path possible.
Gina’s Reflection: Friendship and Community
As I reflect on this year’s theme, Give to Gain, I’m reminded of the incredible power of friendship and community among the women in our organization and of those I’ve met over the years. These connections we’ve built have grown into genuine friendships as relationships that lift us, challenge us, and expand what is possible. Through shared experiences, honest conversations, and moments of support both big and small, we continually learn from one another. These relationships have shown me that when we give our time, encouragement, and care, we gain something even more meaningful – a community that helps us grow, thrive, and become stronger together.
Heather’s Reflections: Space for Growth
As a working mother, giving is a big part of my day. In the quiet moments of reflection, I see what is gained from giving, and from giving space.
Raising three daughters, it was most important to give them room to grow in their own ways and to find their own voices, not mine. Now, as they lead with confidence, speak with clarity, and stay grounded in who they are, I realize what a privilege it has been to witness their growth.
As women, it is imperative to give space for other voices. Doing so does not take away from our own, it allows others to feel confident, heard, and grow. When we give from authenticity, we all gain strength, clarity, and impact.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s remember when we make room for different voices, we all gain.
Lisa’s Reflection: Strength and Adaptability
Let’s reflect on the significant strides women have made in the professional world. For me, it is a recognition of the collective strength and adaptability required to move the needle forward.
I see this progress most clearly in my 23-year old niece as she launches her career. She is fearless, confident, and possesses an unwavering belief that her goals are 100% reachable. That level of self-assurance is a direct result of the generations of women who paved the way and chose to break through every ceiling they encountered.
Today, we honor women who paved the way and support the next generation as they continue to redefine what is possible!
Moving Forward
By Giving to Gain, this does not dimmish us, it multiples impact, confidence, and possibility.
On this International Women’s Day, may we continue to give intentionally our time, our voices, our advocacy, and our support. Because when women are empowered through what is given, we all gain.
