In my life and career, countless women have mentored, nurtured — and, yes, challenged — me to be better. These women rose above obstacles, made a difference in their communities and served as role models.
Their impact will endure for years to come.
One example of these incredible women is my mother, Clara Harvey Esters. My father died at age 29, which left her to care for my brother and me on her own. Despite the challenges, she dared me to pursue the higher education she never received. She exhibited an unwavering commitment to hard work and service to others that forged a path for my academic endeavors.
My mother remains my first and greatest example of the value of education and service.
Another extraordinary woman in my life was a trailblazing professor. The late Ila A. Wells was the first woman and first African American to earn a Ph.D. in English from Northern Illinois University. She was my inspiration to pursue English as a major.
As an undergraduate at a small historically Black liberal arts college, I took every class Dr. Wells taught. I soaked in her timeless lessons about the power of writing and oratory, the importance of serving others and the value of maintaining a sense of humor.
This Women’s History Month, we salute people like my mother and Dr. Wells. We honor the extraordinary women who persevere each day to improve their own lives and the lives of their families, friends and community members.
There are many such women in our own backyard. I’ve had the privilege of meeting an impressive number of these incredible women at Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis.
There’s Jody May, who defied the odds after she lost her eyesight in an accident 10 years ago. Instead of letting that barrier define her, she pressed on in her pursuit of an education. She’s studying elementary education and culinary arts at Ivy Tech, working toward her dream job of teaching family and consumer sciences at a school for the blind.
Jody also is finding ways to remove any obstacles she faces along her academic journey. Her hope is that her efforts will create an easier path for other students with visual impairments.
Elisa Pride also is a source of inspiration. She is an Ivy Tech graduate who pushed beyond the challenges of being a single parent and student, with the support of her professors and Career Coaching and Employer Connections staff. One of her biggest motivators: Elisa is determined to use her education to become a licensed clinical social worker who assists victims of human trafficking.
Elisa now is on her way to a bachelor’s degree. Meanwhile, she’s already helping others as an employee in the Ivy Tech Express Enrollment Center.
Tapiwa Mzumara is another woman doing impressive things at Ivy Tech. She’s a second-year biotechnology student and president of the Student Government Association. The decade-long route she took to achieve these feats shows her determination to make a difference.
Tapiwa left school in her first semester to address a host of issues at home, not the least of which was caring for her chronically ill mother. Eight years later she remained committed to finishing what she started. With the help of an Indy Achieves grant, she reentered school and became a student leader. Next up: a bachelor’s degree.
Clara Harvey Esters, Ila A. Wells, Jody May, Elisa Pride and Tapiwa Mzumara have exhibited strength, resilience and a community-minded spirit. They have made a difference, often in the face of adversity. And they are among the many extraordinary women who inspire me to pursue greater things.
These women — and the other incredible women like them — are changing lives every day. We are all better because of their example.
Lorenzo L. Esters is chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis.
