DEI Committee Member: Emillie Martello

Who inspires you? Elizabeth Blackwell, MD (February 3, 1821- May 31, 1910)

The first female in the United States to be granted a Medical Doctorate Degree. In pursuit of her degree, Dr. Blackwell was turned away by 10 medical schools before being accepted at the Geneva Medical College in Geneva, New York. In 1857, Dr. Blackwell and her younger sister Emily co-founded the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children. This hospital was devoted to providing care to low-income women and children in the New York City area. About 10 years later, Dr. Blackwell went on to open a medical school dedicated entirely to educating women in the medical profession. This institute eventually became part of Weill Cornell Medicine.

DEI Committee Member: John Tedesco

Who inspires you? Clara Barton

Clara Barton served as a nurse during the American Civil War, where she provided medical care as well as established supply lines for medicine, clothing, and food. In addition to the American Civil war, Barton traveled to Europe to help establish hospitals and provide other medical aid during the Franco-Prussian War, where she received honorable decorations for her services. These experiences drove her to establish the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. The first American Red Cross Society was founded in Dansville, New York. Today, there are Red Cross organizations worldwide, providing aid to millions.

DEI Committee Member: Kris Schorno

Who inspires you? Amelia Earhart (1897-1953)

“Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”

DEI Committee Member: Britta Adams

Who inspires you? Marlene Dietrich

On the topic of inspirational women, I chose Marlene Dietrich. The German actress was named the ninth greatest female screen legend of classic Hollywood cinema. She was active as a performer (actress as well as a singer) from 1910-1980 and became one of her era’s highest-paid actresses. This, however, is not all she is famous for. As a matter of fact, she became known for speaking out against Hitler and singing for the U.S. troops in World War II. Together with Billy Wilder she created a fund providing financial support for dissidents and the persecuted to escape from Germany. She dedicated the entire salary she earned from one of her movies for this purpose. Appalled by the state of affairs in Nazi-era Germany, she eventually renounced her Germany citizenship and became an American. In her memoirs, she stated: “I was born a German and shall always remain one. The United States welcomed me when I no longer had a fatherland that deserved to call itself that.”

DEI Committee Member: Cara Boggs

Who inspires you? Dolly Parton

Appalachian Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Author, and Philanthropist. Born in Locust Ridge, TN on 1-19-46, grew up in poverty in a house without running water. Created Dollywood to provide 4k+ jobs to the Appalachians, the park also contains the nation’s largest Bald Eagle sanctuary. Dolly has been a vocal LGBTQ+ ally since as early as the 1990s. Launched Imagination Library in 1995 – provides books to preschool children, totaling over 200 million books provided for free so far. Was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022. An Icon. A living legend. The embodiment of a kind, strong-willed, Appalachian woman.

DEI Committee Member: Stacey Thomas

Who inspires you? Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014)

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928. She was known as an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage, and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist. Maya had a childhood filled with misfortunes and adversity. She channeled her feelings into her work to create strong works of art. Angelou wrote several volumes of poetry that explored the South, racial confrontation, and the triumph of black people against overwhelming odds. She also worked to bring more realistic portrayals of African Americans to film and television screens. Angelou’s contributions to the civil rights movement earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom- the highest civilian award in the United States. She was respected as a representative of black people and women. Maya Angelou is considered a hero because she was inspiring, passionate, and impactful.