In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked four women who inspire us to share a bit about what Women’s History Month means to them, about the women who inspire them, and how those women inspire the work they are doing now.
We heard from DeJuana Thompson, the President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Jennifer Jaquess, the Managing Director of Red Mountain Theatre; Darlene Wilson, the Managing Principal of Relay Accounting Management; and Kim Murdoch, Avadian’s Operational Support Specialist, who is semi-retired from her former role as Senior Vice President of Operations.
What Women’s History Month Means to Them
Jennifer Jaquess says...
“Women’s History Month brings to mind thoughts of the larger-than-life, heroic figures who fought for a woman’s right to vote or equal pay on the national stage. They were passionate, determined women who sacrificed so much to plant the trees in whose shade I now sit. I owe them a great debt.
“But I think the stronger forces in my life are rarely those in the spotlight or with the loudest megaphone. They aren’t the most persuasive orators or the flashiest dressers. Their power is found in quiet determination, gentle patience, and sacrificial love. They consistently show up for their family, their friends, and their community – and they make it look easy. They change the world – literally, one life at a time.”
Darlene Wilson says...
“Women’s History Month is a constant reminder that we are still paving the way for so many women to have access and opportunities that are fair and equitable and not judged nor denied for simply being a woman.
On the Women Who Inspire Them
DeJuana Thompson says...
“My mother was my first and still most-present inspiration. She is a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted ‘shero’ and has been my example and proof that a women can be many things – and do them all well. She taught me that we don’t have to choose to fit a mold or a box of others’ expectations.
“Judge Carol Smitherman was my first mentor and continues to be a guiding voice in my life. She opens doors for so many young leaders and lawyers through her own career pursuit. She truly taught me the meaning of being a trailblazer and the importance of making room for others when you are at the table of influence.
“Tamika D. Mallory is my most recent inspiration. Watching her advocate on behalf of the Black community and marginalized people nationwide with a fearless, passionate, intelligent, and urgent manner has empowered me to lean into my activist nature with intentionality.”
Kim Murdoch says...
“I was extremely close to my grandmother. She was my rock, and I was her sidekick. I would observe her poise, kindness, and love for people. She taught me how to conduct myself as a little lady and to treat people with respect, no matter who they were, their background, their appearance, or what they had or didn’t have.
“Addie Lee, one of my Business Office Education teachers, saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. She was firm, structured, organized and did not put up with shenanigans. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but because of her dedication and gentle nudges to push me to be my best, I earned an interview with a local credit union my junior year. I can remember the interview like it was yesterday. I was scared to death yet confident because I’d had Addie Lee to mold me, push me, applaud me, and prepare me. I got the job and spent the next 12 years there.
“I met Linda Cencula, Avadian’s President and CEO, when she was in Marketing at another credit union where we worked. Her work ethic was contagious. She was confident, energetic, and resilient. We both ended up at Avadian, and eventually she became my supervisor, and then our CEO. There were very few women CEOs, especially at financial institutions, and I was so proud. Linda has always preached that you must have production goals, accountability, the desire to continue to learn, commitment, teamwork, and fun. She’s approachable, dedicated, and prides herself on knowing our Avadian family. I admire her today just as I did all those years ago as one of the hardest working women I know. Her leadership skills certainly helped me become a better leader.”
Jennifer Jaquess says...
“I count myself incredibly fortunate that I was raised by one of those women who changed the world one person at a time. At various times, she was a pastor’s wife, elementary school teacher, mother of three, and a breast cancer survivor. But who my mother truly is can never be encapsulated in a single label. For she is brave yet vulnerable, confident yet humble, kind yet fierce, and demanding yet gracious.
“I could say ‘thank you’ until the end of time, and it will never be enough – not for her or for the countless inspiring women who have come before. So, in their honor, I seek to pay it forward for the next generation of tenacious women who will keep making our world a better place – for everyone.”
Darlene Wilson says...
“I’m inspired by women every day. We get it done, and I’m always amazed. We are daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, professionals, business owners, caregivers, students, and the list goes on, and often we are wearing several hats at one time. Many do it with a smile, and most do it not ever realizing how heavy the load is until someone says, ‘How is that possible?’”
On Leadership and the Work They Are Doing Now
Darlene Wilson says...
“I love the emotions of a woman and believe we are the balance companies need. It’s the heart of a woman that gives all too often the context necessary for the solution in the workplace and at home.
“I’ve learned the importance of leaning in and that being vulnerable both personally and professionally is not a sign of weakness but every indication of my strength.
“Over the years, compassion rises to the top of my thoughts as I too employ women in the firm who wear many hats. COVID taught me even more as a female leader. I learned how to shift and even pivot when necessary, not only to meet the needs of the firm but the needs of my team as well. I’ve learned that women need women. I surround myself with women who are smarter and wiser than me, women who will teach me, lead me, and guide me. These women are my peers, and we look out for each other.”
DeJuana Thompson says...
“These ‘sheros’ have molded my worldview and the approach I take as a woman, strategist, organizer, and social impact leader. These women remind me I am enough and give me the courage to break barriers and glass ceilings every day. They hold me accountable to ensure my work is equitable, empowering, and accessible for the people I work with and the communities I serve.”
Thank You
Thank you, ladies, for sharing about the women who inspire you, and for the role each of you plays in our community. Ours is a richer community because you are a part of it.
For more on our celebration of Women’s History Month, be sure to check out our social media channels throughout the month of March.
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