This year particularly has been a historic year for women in America. 2024 had triumphant moments leading up to the November elections as we saw Kamala Harris become the first Black Woman to lead a major party ticket in the United States and instances of unbelievable pride as we saw Simone Biles become the most decorated gymnast of all time after the Paris Olympics. Women have been able to see themselves and the possibilities of their futures in these joyous achievements. However, it’s important to remember these extraordinary moments are also plagued with hardship and struggle, so it’s more important than ever before to show gratitude to the women who’ve helped guide our lives and our futures.
On Women’s Equality Day this year, Highwire called upon our extraordinary #HWWalkers to share letters of admiration and inspiration to the women in their lives who’ve helped them become who they are today. This includes women we look up to professionally, women that have shaped us personally, and women who we want to be when we grow up. The women highlighted in this blog post share with us a glimmer of hope that future generations will wake up to learn that the work we’ve put in now has made the weight of the fight for liberation even just slightly less heavy for them.
From Jaz Zulueta, to Ajah “AJ” Quawiy
Miss Ajah! I want to thank you for being an inspiration for all the ways I’ve been able to flourish in the last year. Now, I know you’re not quite in the city yet, but you’ve been such a source of inspiration for this 20-something-year-old who is just learning to navigate life on her own in San Francisco. We haven’t known each other long, but watching you balance the realms of your social circle, work, and learning to savor your alone time has shown me that I should be relishing this era of my life as much as possible.
The best thing about being your friend and getting to know you over the past year is seeing how you embolden yourself and others around you to go after what they want (even if that thing is everything, everywhere, all at once). Even in times of feeling stuck with where I’m at, there is beauty in knowing that today won’t last forever. In refusing to limit yourself, you’ve inspired me to push myself in all areas of life. Cheers to our friendship and relentless growth!
From Mechelle Williams, to Bozoma Saint John
Boz, I’ve been following your career for the better part of a decade and I must say that you are nothing short of inspirational. You have broken countless barriers and have proven that your creativity and intellect knows no limit. You’ve led marketing for some of the world’s biggest companies like Netflix, Endeavor, Uber, Apple Music and PepsiCo - quite literally, you’re ICONIC. You are truly an admirable leader, not solely because of the campaigns you’ve spearheaded, but because of your dedication to inclusivity. You’ve been outspoken about how corporate doesn’t have to look boring. Your audacious and tenacious personality matches your vibrant and colorful style. I love how you’ve set the tone that a woman, and more specifically, a Black woman, can take up space in a room and do so as her full self (red stiletto nails and all) and it doesn’t have to be seen as a distraction but rather a beacon of light. You shine in every room you walk into, and you never hesitate to shine your light on others. They don’t call you ‘Badass Boz’ for nothing!
But you’re more than a corporate powerhouse, you’re truly an amazing person. A mother and a wife who has overcome tragedy and found strength from walking through the fire; like a phoenix, you rise. You’ve poured into various advocate efforts, aiming to (and succeeding) in empowering women and underrepresented groups to unapologetically take up space, shatter glass ceilings, and add tax to their names. Your authenticity is something that I admire and aspire to bring to every situation, personal or professional, that I encounter. I, too, want to lead and mentor with your level of perseverance and passion. Thank you for encouraging me to be my greatest self.
From Rob Christie, to Thermutis Christie
My grandma is probably the strongest woman I know — both figuratively and literally. For the first several years of her marriage, she and my grandfather raised their nine children in Jamaica in a home no larger than many of our living rooms. She owned a popular clothing business in her community. She was eventually able to purchase a bigger house in Jamaica before moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in the late 70s, where she still resides.
The true inspiration came shortly after I was born in the early 90s. My grandfather became blind and, in many instances, my grandmother became his eyes. A decade later, in the mid-2000s, he had a stroke. Then a few years later, he had another one. She then became his eyes, hands, and feet. She carried him to the bathroom, showered him, and fed him — every day until he died in 2018. When he passed, she didn’t appear relieved at the funeral. Instead, she dropped to her knees, inconsolable as they took the love of her life away for the last time. She was the epitome of “in sickness and in health” and “until death do us part.” She, by the grace of God, exemplified the standard of love we should have for those closest to us. Again, my grandmother is the strongest woman I know and a huge inspiration to me.
From Martin Bradshaw, to Mery Heavey Quinn
Mary was my primary Irish dance instructor through my middle school and high school years but has remained an important friend and mentor in my adult years. I started dancing at Mary’s studio when I was 13, and she was able to help me reach high for lofty goals at dance competitions, eventually coaching me to achieve regional championship titles as well as top 10 rankings at national and global competitive events which gave me the opportunity to dance professionally at Walt Disney World – before beginning my full-time PR work, of course.
During my younger years, she really taught me about what it means to work hard and to believe in yourself enough to achieve your long-term goals. Those are lessons that have really stuck with me as time goes on and made a significant impact in different areas of my life more times than I can count. I’m fortunate to still live locally enough to catch up with her about once a quarter (ish) to this day. I’m so appreciative of how much love and learning she has brought to countless dancers and their families over the years, and also for her extensive contributions to Boston’s broader Irish-American community.
From Monique Rojas, to Cristy Santiago
My sister Cristy has made a profound impact on my life. She has shown me what it means to embody strength and grace under pressure. After serving eight years in the Army, she transitioned into the high-pressure environment of ER nursing while also working toward her nurse practitioner degree. Her commitment to helping others is truly inspiring and is a testament to her compassionate nature.
Cristy’s life is a balancing act of many hats - veteran, nurse, student, mom, wife, soon-to-be grandma, and even my recent matron of honor. Despite all this, she remains determined to uplevel her career and start her own practice one day. I am continually inspired by her ability to juggle so many responsibilities while remaining so caring and dedicated. She encourages me to strive to be a better person every day. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a remarkable sister and role model.
From Jazmin Eusebio, to Vanessa Gonzales
Vanessa, you are the first Mexican-American senior PR leader I ever met. I am so lucky to have met you at a time in my career where I needed the reassurance, mentorship, and overall guidance that communications was a career worth pursuing as a Latina. You have shown me that there is space for Latinas to thrive in this field, and all the unique skills we bring to the industry.
You are a fountain of knowledge, strength, and courage. I have learned so much from you – from hearing your stories about working with Steve Jobs and what it takes to represent some of the biggest brands in tech, to all the countless hours you’ve spent helping me navigate bumps in the road. Your devotion to helping Latinas thrive in life is something that I admire so much, and I can’t wait to be you when I grow up!!
