Podcast Link: Women in History: A Look Back In Time
Other Platforms: Here
March was “Women in History” month, and I have enjoyed interviewing women near and far and hearing about the women that impacted their stories. I believe that ALL our narratives matter and it is important for us to take opportunities to let them shine!!
Eugenia Yau, Engineer in Technology
To close out this Women in History month, we will focus on daughters of immigrant parents and my guests today are Eugenia Yau, Linette Bourne Lindsey and Stephanie Lurch. Although we are all women today, as young girls in middle school (in Canada we call it “junior high”), all three of them were influential in stretching my love for diversity. For those doing the math, yes, that is over 30 years ago!!
Linette Bourne Lindsey, Former Healthcare Tech, Domestic Engineer
Stephanie Lurch, Physio Therapist on a School Board, Educator at University of Toronto. LinkedIn
Each of us has a unique story because our ethnic experiences and in some cases, expectations, inform us differently. Although our experience of being in junior high together was our general connection, we brought our cultural experiences and expectations with us, and that allowed us the opportunity to embrace diversity without realizing we were doing so.
Kinita Seema Schripsema, Founder/CEO of Seema Global Consulting.
I am so thankful for these ladies and the others from our class back in the early 80’s during junior high days for helping me survive those pre-teen years with a strong sense of connectedness. It truly was a place where I felt safe, accepted, and appreciated as someone from a different ethnic background.
My hope is that you will be encouraged by our interaction and find ways to provide safety, show acceptance and embrace and celebrate diversity in your communities as well.
Here are some lessons we learned as daughters of immigrant parents:
- Be accepting.
- Have a strong work ethic.
- Be kind. Kinder than necessary.
- Follow your dreams.
- Don’t give up.
- Be the person that lifts others up.
- Don’t let anyone steal your dreams.
(Perhaps these are common to many families regardless of their ethnicity but as immigrants they held greater value for us!!)
Here’s to Growing Forward Together as we continue to make a positive impact in the lives around us.
Blessings,
Kinita
