Guest Post by Katrina Reeves, California Alliance of Child and Family Services Deputy Director of Operations

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As March draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the impact of the incredible women who have shaped my personal and professional journeys. In honor of Women's History Month, I'm compelled to take a moment to celebrate the courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication of the women who surround me in my work.

From the dynamic members of our team to the passionate advocates within our CA Alliance member organizations, every day presents new opportunities to collaborate with women who fearlessly strive to create positive change, regardless of their role or title.

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When I think about the woman who has most significantly shaped my understanding of womanhood, my thoughts inevitably turn to my mother. From working her way through school to become a defense attorney, to overcoming alcoholism and later battling (and thankfully surviving) breast cancer, her journey is a testament to strength and resilience.

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I am privileged to have grownup with a mother who instilled in me a profound sense of individuality, rarely imposing societal expectations or gender norms. I grew up being the only girl on many of my sports teams, but she normalized it to the point that I didn’t even notice. She encouraged me to dress as I pleased (most of the time), and always urged me to trust my instincts and voice my opinions.

As I've grown older, I've come to recognize the immense privilege I had in being raised by such a strong and fiercely independent female figure who refused to let gender norms or stereotypes dictate my upbringing. I am acutely aware that many children are not afforded such a luxury. This awareness underscores the importance of empowering young people, regardless of their gender identity, to embrace their uniqueness and forge their own paths in life. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive and transcend the confines of societal expectations, guided by the belief that their worth is not defined by gender roles but by the strength of their character.

Together, let's continue to dismantle barriers and cultivate futures where every individual, irrespective of gender, has the opportunity to realize their full potential and recognizes themselves as powerful and deserving of love and happiness.  

Women’s History Month serves as a moment to pause and acknowledge the achievements of the women who paved the way before us, reflect on the impactful women who have shaped us throughout our lives, and focus on empowering future generations. This is what Women’sHistory Month means to me.

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