IFPTE WSN SOLIDARITY MESSAGES FROM SISTERS SUPPORTING SISTERS
March is Women’s History Month and March 8th is International Women’s Day! The IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) will be sending positive vibes to all the women in IFPTE every week during this month to celebrate our contributions, reaffirm our commitment to building an equitable society, and to empower our sisters to keep moving forward. Find our uplifting messages on the IFPTE website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Are you interested in contributing an inspirational note to this initiative? Send us your words of encouragement, reflection, and hope! Email your submission of 2-6 sentences in length to womensnetwork@nullifpte.org. Please identify your name, IFPTE Local, and union position (if applicable).
Sherry Thomas, Local 195 Unit President of Maintenance and Chair of Local 195’s Women’s Committee
“WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, AS SOMETIMES THEY WILL,
KEEP THE STRENGTH, AND NEVER QUIT.
MANY TIMES DOORS WILL CLOSE IN OUR FACE,
STAND THERE AND KNOCK UNTIL IT OPENS AGAIN.
WHEN YOU FEEL LIFE BATTLES ARE ALWAYS LOST,
WE STAND THERE WITH STRENGTH, FOR WE ARE EMPOWERED WOMEN.”
Kendra Schaff, Local 12 Area Vice-President At-Large
As we all continue to navigate our way through the world and the unique challenges we each face, let us remember to continue using our voices to do better and encourage the people around us to do better. It is with that consistency that we will step closer to our goals each day. And in case no one else has told you recently – you are doing a great job. Take time to remember that. As International Women’s Day approaches, a couple of my favorite quotes come to mind:
Gay Henson, IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer
When I was a young girl, my mother always said to me, “As for what you want or take what you get!”
If we don’t ask, the answer is already “no”. Be Bold. Ask for what should be yours.
Judith Logan Junop, SUP/IFPTE Local 160
Let all that we endure become mundane to the brain. Be ready to support your sister and mine when they can no longer endure. Lift her up! Take her hand! Carry her heart with your as we take the path together.
Dede Chance, IFPTE Local 12 Treasurer
Trust your instincts. Support other women whenever you have the opportunity. Share your experiences with other women. The results can be so rewarding. Listen with your ears and your heart. There is always so much to learn.
Rebecca Caron, Society of United Professional (SUP/IFPTE Local 160 ) Unit Director
We Sisters are not a check box. We are not simply filling a quota to satisfy corporate achievements. We are empowered, successful champions in our fields. We are here because we earned it. Sisters, bask in your achievements! Don’t allow the negativity of others to overshadow your success.
Mary Wolff, IFPTE Local 7
DARE TO …
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
OVER ACHIEVE
TAKE THE INITIATIVE
INVOLVE OTHERS
VETO OBJECTIONS
ACCEPT CONSEQUENCES
TAKE UP NEW INTERESTS
EXPLAIN YOURSELF
Michelle Johnston, IFPTE Local 160 President, The Society of United Professionals
From the outset of my career path there have been several intentional obstacles that were put in front of me to stop me in my tracks. However, persistence and determination allowed me to overcome those obstacles and learn from them. Upon reflection, there is a quote that kept me going, “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.” We all must continue help build a firm foundation for each other, one brick at a time.
Deborah A. Spencer, IFPTE Local 195 Secretary
With grace and gratitude, allow life to remove what does not serve your happiness. Remember clearing & creation require time. Today, welcome what makes you whole & helps you heal. Stay patient throughout the transitions. Remember you never lose; you only learn who you are. That makes you a winner.
“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.” – Bonnie Blair
“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai
