Women's History Month

This email was shared with our team members to kick off Women's History Month. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Women in Leadership (WIL) is proud to kick off Women’s History Month (WHM). The History Channel states WHM “celebrates women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in March in the United States since 1987.” 

The 2023 WHM theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” According to the National Women’s Alliance, this theme serves as “recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. The timely theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.”

In honor of this theme, WIL has created a guide for you to use throughout WHM to learn more about the accomplishments and impact of women storytellers throughout history. 

• Literature: SmithsonianMagazine.com curated a list of female authors who shaped America's last 100 years of literature. The list includes names such as Toni Morrison, Joyce Carol Oates, Dorothy Parker, Maya Angelou and Susan Sontag. These literary giants have much in common including leaning on personal experiences and pushing boundaries in their writing. 
• History: Educate yourself throughout WHM on the subject. Visit  thttps://womenshistorymonth.gov/ for a list of resources throughout March and all year. 
• Music: Ella Fitzgerald was the first black singer to win a Grammy and used her platform to fight for equality. Rocker Suzi Quatro elevated women during the music scene of the 1970s. In 1987, Aretha Franklin was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Prolific songwriter Carole King was the first woman to win the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Celebrate 75 years of women’s achievements in music with this Billboard.com article. 
• Journalism/Media: History-maker and trailblazer Barbara Walters died on 12/31/22. Her impact on broadcast journalism and the world of media is monumental. Known for her interview style and legendary conversations with the famous and infamous, Fortune.com notes, "By 2004, when she stepped down from 20/20, she had logged more than 700 interviews, ranging from Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and Moammar Gadhafi, to Michael Jackson, Erik and Lyle Menendez and Elton John. Learn more about Barbara Walters in her 2009 book, Audition: A Memoir.

In recognition of WHM, WIL is hosting a virtual podcast discussion on Wednesday, March 22 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for all full-time salaried (exempt and non-exempt) team members. This month’s podcast discussion is "The 5 Questions Top Biz Leaders Are Asking Themselves and Each Other" with The Goal Digger Podcast. Throughout the month, WIL will spotlight some of our colleagues on the HersheyJobs Instagram channel. Please follow along with the Saturday Spotlight series. 

WIL asks you to celebrate the women who have influenced you in March and throughout the year.  WIL is one of the Employee Resource Groups at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.