In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing gratitude and respect for countless women who have, and continue to, make a difference. In response to this year’s national theme, Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope, Life@TheU reached out to the University’s Women’s Commission―one of several University Employee Resource Groups―which advocates for women's needs and interests and provides educational opportunities about issues confronting women. Members were given the opportunity to share their experiences and recognize the important female figures who have made an impact on their lives, personally or professionally.
The following are notes, shared by Women’s Commission members, that honor inspirational women who have made an impact.
Elizabeth Balbin, UM alumnus; southeast administrator for the Veterans Affairs Lung Precision Oncology Program
“Two female figures that stand out in my life include my grandmother, Esperanza Balbin Cert, and my favorite UM professor, mentor, boss, colleague and friend, Dr. Gail Ironson. Dr. Ironson has been one of the most influential people in my life and in my career. I know I'm not alone when I think of the impact that she has made in many of our lives, both at the U, at other institutions, and in the community. She's a phenomenal professor and clinical researcher, but more importantly, she is a wonderful human being who cares deeply for students, and others alike. She is absolutely brilliant and understated about her achievements. I am proud to call her my friend.”
Tenecia Bradley-Cousins, lecturer, Writing studies, English composition program, College of Arts and Sciences
“On November 10, 2015, I spoke and laughed with my mother, Genevieve J. Bradley, multiple times, not knowing or expecting that following my last utterance of ‘I love you’ would be my final opportunity to hear her voice sealed with a resounding, ‘I love you, too!’ We regularly spoke multiple times during each day; she always left an indelible mark in our conversations, speaking with substance, significance, and sharpness. She was a woman of determination, integrity, and devotion. Not only was she a mother, but she was a wife, an educator, sister, aunt, friend, and most importantly, a woman of God. She has made the greatest impact on my life personally and professionally. One of the most resounding words of wisdom she provided during our last conversation was ‘one day at a time.’ This statement became my mantra―and I hear her voice saying this daily. Divinely, her presence is with me in everything that I do; her love, spirituality, and advice will always play a major role in the navigation of my life―past, present, and future. While I am fortunate for the many wonderful women that I have in my life, I am most grateful for the blessing of my one and only, unforgettable, and irreplaceable Mom.”
Marisol Capellan, lecturer, Department of Management, Miami Herbert Business School
“A woman who I would love to honor and recognize is my grandmother. She was a single mother of five before I showed up at her doorstep in my father’s arms at 1 month of age. She took care of me and made sure that I received an education. We were very poor; so, she always emphasized the need for education to get out of poverty. I was in first grade when I was four, and I graduated from high school when I had just turned 16. That love of education became my vocation as a university lecturer. For all that she did to survive every day of her life with bravery and strength, caring for her children and grandchildren, teaching us to love and value education, which helped to direct me to this career path, I honor her today.”
Leslie Leonard, manager of business operations, Faculty Senate
“I’d like to recognize my mom. She lived life determined and sometimes (often) fiercely. Life in the 50’s wasn’t easy for women with an independent spirit. But, she persevered, pushed, and challenged authority. It wasn’t as easy for me as her child. However, today, when I see a roadblock or rising wall in my life, I have the courage to forge ahead too. Thanks Mom!”
EllenMarie McPhillip, associate dean, School of Education and Human Development
“Louise Scot ‘Scottie’ Latty was my aunt and the first Black superintendent of Manhattan High Schools under Mayor Ed Koch. Mrs. Latty demanded excellence and mentored young people from all walks of life to bring their best selves every day to the classroom and the workplace. She was 5’3’’, the youngest of nine children with a no nonsense spirit, and generous to a fault. Aunt Lou passed away in 2021 at age 90. She was feisty, well-read, and maintained her independence, including driving everywhere in Miami-Dade and Broward counties up until one month before her passing. In my life, she was just Aunt Lou―a successful career woman in New Yorkin the ’70s, ’nuff said. Meisha Porter has just been announced as the first Black Chancellor of NYC Schools, a great accomplishment. She may not know it, but she stands on the shoulders of women like Louise Latty, women who battled gender and racial stereotypes and crushed them.”
Magaly Medina-Perez, director of Presidential Scheduling and Logistics
“My mother, Zoraida, did not have an easy youth. She had an illness as a child, which left her with a limp that caused her pain almost every day of her life. Because people can be cruel, it caused her emotional pain as a child as well. She took that pain and turned it into strength, determination, and a life of service. She taught her family that service is important. Regardless of our own circumstances, there was always someone else who needed us. Her battle with pain taught her to celebrate life since tomorrow is promised to no one. She taught us to celebrate the tiniest victories and greatest accomplishments. Her strength and perseverance carries us through our lives and despite her not being with us, reminds us of her lessons each and every day.”
Yuval Pritz, senior programs manager, Graduate School
“My partner's mother, Yael. She is one of the most resilient women I have ever known. She became a second mother and a role model to me and provides me with invaluable perspectives on conflict resolution, legalities, self-reflection, and much more. With all the hardships she has had, I am amazed by her grace and tenacity to overcome so much and still manage to exceed expectations in everything she does. She has taught me what a strong woman looks like. She also has taught me that not only are women just as capable as men but that we are so much stronger than them. I look forward to continuing to look to her as an example when I am struggling.”
Explore books that highlight female characters.
Among the initiatives and activities hosted by this Employee Resource Group, members participate in the Women’s Commission Book Club. Organized by member Robyn Hardeman, the group meets each month to discuss a selected work of literature. Titles are chosen annually from members’ submissions, including books authored by University faculty members.
As part of our outreach, we asked members to suggest books that feature strong female characters. The following are a few recommendations.
Becoming
Michelle Obama
“This book is encouraging to women of all generations, races, and ethnicities, highlighting the results of determination and dream fulfillment.” ―Tenecia Bradley-Cousins, lecturer, English composition program, College of Arts and Sciences
Genres: memoir, biography, autobiography
Like Water for Chocolate
Laura Esquivel
“This book provides an insight of women as caregivers but also reflects on the need to take care of ourselves. In the novel, Tita is bound by traditions and she finds a way to express herself that allows her to grow as an individual and as a woman.” ―Daymi S. Reyes-Perez, senior manager, CBO―Revenue Cycle, UHealth Hospital Billing and Collections
Genres: memoir, biography, autobiography
Luminaries: Profiles of Women in Academic Medicine
Dr. Jaclyn Kovach
Luminaries is a compilation of autobiographical vignettes of 24 female faculty members at the Miller School of Medicine.
Genre: nonfiction
A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
“I read this book eight or nine years ago and have never forgotten it. I would never have thought to read this on my own. It was part of a class and provided a detailed window into the lives and choices women made in the colonial era.” ―EllenMarie McPhillip, associate dean, School of Education and Human Development
Genre: biography
My Beloved World
Sonia Sotomayor
“It's the story of determination despite setbacks and illness. A reminder to reach for your goals and to never give up.” ―Magaly Medina-Perez, director of Presidential Scheduling and Logistics
Genres: memoir, biography, autobiography
Nectar in a Sieve
Kamala Markandaya
“Written in 1954, this book tells the story of a peasant woman in rural India who constantly works hard to support and care for those she loves. This is a timeless story that reflects on a woman's compassion and strength during difficult times.” ―Marisa Hightower, associate director, Civic and Community Engagement
Genres: novel, fictional autobiography, domestic fiction
Olive Kitteridge
Elizabeth Strout
“I recommend this book because the characters are human with flaws, yet there exists a deep current of empathy throughout. It gives me hope.” ―Leslie Leonard, staff, Faculty Senate
Genres: novel, literary fiction
In the Time of the Butterflies
Julia Alvarez
“While this novel is a work of fiction, it is also a dramatic depiction of actual events. ‘In the Time of the Butterflies’ is a story about the three Mirabal sisters during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. They made a solemn ideological commitment to overthrow Trujillo’s regime. Even though they were persecuted, imprisoned, and retaliated against by the military intelligence service, the Mirabal sisters never stopped fighting for the liberation of their country and a woman’s right to education. As a Dominican woman, I celebrate their life as it is a reminder that we should stand up for what we believe in regardless of our power or one’s place in society. The Mirabal sisters' movement inspired thousands of fellow Dominicans to fight for their rights and the liberty of their beloved country. They are a symbol of courage, resistance, liberty and justice.” ―Marisol Capellan, lecturer, Department of Management, Miami Herbert Business School
Genres: novel, historical fiction, non-fiction novel
Vox
Christina Dalcher
“It's a dystopian book that shows a world where modern-day women are only allowed to speak 100 words per day. I think it's very powerful when showing that even though we are a modern society, civilization tends to backtrack when women do not have a voice. Additionally, the world ends up suffering unless women stand up and fight to be at the table and make change. It also highlights women in STEM, which brings a unique perspective and a touch of realism to this fictional story.” ―Yuval Pritz, senior programs manager
Genres: novel, dystopian fiction, fantasy fiction
Browse the schedule of books and meetings, which are held on Fridays at noon via Zoom. To join the book club, sign up for the electronic mailing list or send an email to womenscommission@miami.edu. Get more information about Employee Resource Groups at the University of Miami.
