March was Women’s History Month, and we wanted to celebrate the month by acknowledging the phenomenal women who came before us, made history, and moved us forward. Without you, whose shoulders would we stand upon? When we run with the baton, we know that it is you that passed it to us. When we speak up, it is you whose voice was heard before. These women operated in every aspect of society from medicine to fashion, movies to space. They all represent something phenomenal!
As we think back on the month of March we saw names, such as Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Jane Austen, and Frida Kahlo, pop up in the news and on social media and we are forever grateful for their contributions to the world, but the list doesn’t stop there. During the month of March, Da’Vine Joy Randolph wins Best Supporting Actress award at the Oscars while Taylor Swift’s Eras tour continued to shatter records. Past or present each of these women have created a path for us to follow. One where our voice, presence and strength is both respected and admired and where we are valued for all the wonderful things that we bring to the table.
Here at Penny Lane Centers, we shared the magical words of Maya Angelou while acknowledging the contributions of all the women who have devoted their energies to PLC. That list is long and admirable. These women have created a space for our community to access care, find resources, and have a space to share their truth. Our PLC history is rooted in the dream of one such woman, Ive Markovits, followed by our CEO Wendy Carpenter, our COO, Rosana La Fianza and our CPO, Dr. Judith Sandino. For the past 55 years and into the future these women continue to make history at PLC with their heart centered approach, accessibility, and intellect. If I were to list all the other amazing women who fall under this category, there would be another 400 names noted. PLC is honored to have each and every one of you in March and all year. Your commitment and dedication are truly phenomenal, just like you.
And now, may the words of Maya Angelou fuel you as YOU continue to make history!
(see below for a poem by Maya Angelou titled "Phenomenal Woman")
To all the phenomenal women, we celebrate all of you every day and we do hope that you enjoyed Women’s History Month.
-Judy Grant, Penny Lane Centers
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
-Maya Angelou
