I grew up in a family of women – a single mom and her six daughters – in a small, two-bedroom apartment in Hawaii. My mom, Wendy, balanced two jobs just to pay rent and put food on the table, all while caring for all six of us with strength and resilience. While that seems daunting to most, it was second nature to her. She is a rare type of person, and her endless love for her daughters serves as a constant reminder that greatness is achievable, and that the seemingly impossible can be conquered.
That is what Women’s History Month is about: celebrating the countless women who have done the impossible, challenged societal norms, shattered barriers, and fought for equality. From the suffragettes who paved the way for women’s right to vote to the fearless activists who continue to advocate for gender parity in all facets of life, the narrative of women’s history is woven with threads of resilience, determination, and courage.
And while the women at Elasticity embody all of the above, we wanted to take a second to reflect on the extraordinary women who have touched our lives and those that inspire us to reach greater heights.
Meg Ryan, Director of Client Relations
My mom (a.k.a. Mimi) is and always has been an inspiration to me. Her resilience and strength have carried our family through adversity and tragedy. Her continuous and selfless acts of love and kindness touch everyone in her orbit. Her angelic voice and insatiable love of music are constant reminders of the beauty around us. And, most importantly, the unwavering love and support she has given me and my entire family continues to lead us to a better future. She has inspired many women like me for these reasons and so many others.
Meg (right) posing with her mom, Mimi (left).
Jen Stamulis, Director of Business Development
Reese Witherspoon totally rocks for working moms! She’s all about slaying it in her career while being an awesome mom. From her killer acting gigs to her badass production company, Hello Sunshine, she’s paving the way for women in the entertainment biz. Plus, she’s not afraid to get real about the struggles and wins of being a mom while juggling a hectic schedule. Reese is the ultimate inspiration for moms who want to do it all and do it well!
Miranda Ochsner, VP of Media Strategy
Being a female in advertising, I love the OG female advertising badass: Mary Wells Lawrence, the real-life model for Peggy Olson in Mad Men. She revolutionized automobile, drug, aviation and television advertising. She started her own company in 1966 and also became the first female CEO of a corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange in a mere 15 years (literal definition of a badass). Fun fact – she played a key role in spearheading unforgettable campaigns including “I NY,” “Trust the Midas touch,” and the well-known “Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is” from Alka-Seltzer.
Miranda (right) with her mom Linda (center) and two daughters.
When my husband and I started our family over 8 years ago, we were immediately drawn to strong female names. Our daughter, Harper Marie, was named from two key influential and strong women: Harper Lee, one of the most influential female writers of all time; and Linda Marie, my mother and one of the fiercest women in my life today. Harper Lee wrote one of the most revolutionary books of all time that still resonates in today’s society specific to life lessons – including that we are defined by the way we treat others, and beliefs can never justify cruel behavior as well as patience and restraint can be your greatest allies. And what can I say about my mom. Linda taught me at a very young age, take no crap and always stand up for yourself but also recognize when you’re wrong or out of line – even if you don’t want to hear it. She showed me how to be a successful working mom, and how to manage it all and taught me it’s ok to fail. Learn and grow from those failures and you’ll come out stronger.
Alexis Klimpl, Public Relations Specialist
Growing up surfing in Hawaii, two-time world longboard champ Kelia Moniz has inspired me since I was a little girl. Her effortless style, her unwavering grace, and ability to uplift those around her have left a mark on my own surfing journey. She refuses to compromise her values and standards while fighting for fair pay and equality, even leaving Roxy after two decades as the face of the organization in order to fight a 90 percent pay cut from new ownership. Her reason: “If I sign this deal, I’d be setting the industry standards for the girls who look like me and surf like me, and I simply want nothing to do with that.” She has paved the way for a more equitable future for the generations of female surfers who will follow in her footsteps.
Mary Moriarity, Graphic Designer
I’m inspired by my friends and awesome women who make cool things. I think of authors like R.F. Kuang, Margaret Atwood, and Virginia Woolf, each bringing their own flair to storytelling. And in the art world, artists like Kamome Shirahama, Kaitlin Brito, and Anna-Laura Sullivan all are so talented. Oh, and then there’s me, of course!
Mary (left) surrounded by her friends and inspirations.
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As we honor Women’s History Month, it’s imperative to recognize the impact of extraordinary women who inspire us daily. The stories of trailblazers like Kelia Moniz and icons like Reese Witherspoon, who exemplify the strength and determination of working mothers, remind us that anything is possible. While only one month out of the entire year is designated as Women’s History Month, we choose to celebrate women today and in all the days to come!
