Each year March is nationally observed as Women’s History Month. With origins dating back to 1981, it’s a time to recognize and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
This year’s national theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme serves to promote not only a gender-equal world but one where all differences are valued and celebrated.
Community events
Throughout the month, events will take place in our community to celebrate women. Below are a few of those upcoming events and details on how to participate.
Attend this lunch and learn session to hear from a panel of four women leaders. Learn more.
Visit the Dayton Metro Library for a special Women’s History Month event featuring a short lecture about the history of feminist zines, small-circulation self-published works that were crucial to the third-wave feminist movement. Attendees will then have a chance to make their own zine. Learn more.
Attend a dinner at Salar Restaurant and Lounge to celebrate the achievements of African American women and hear unique and inspiring stories. Learn more.
This annual luncheon is dedicated to recognizing and honoring women in our community. Learn more.
Attend a Voices and Stories panel discussion at the Centerville Police Department to hear from women representing various local organizations. Learn more.
Attend this event at Sinclair Community College to hear from local women leaders and celebrate Women’s History Month. The event will include refreshments, history jeopardy, and door prizes. Learn more.
Employee highlights
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on a few employees: Charlene Fox, Stacy Seibert, and Sandy Booher.
Meet Charlene Fox
Charlene Fox is the manager of clinical nursing for the Medical-Surgical/Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kettering Health Troy. We asked her a few questions about her life, her career, and working at Kettering Health. Read her answers below.
Tell us a little about your background.
“I was born in Dayton. I have been with the system for 17 years. My career started at Grandview Medical Center (now KH Dayton) in the ICU. In 2022, I accepted the position at KH Troy as clinical nurse manager of the Medical-Surgical Unit and ICU.”
What inspires you in your job?
“I’m inspired by making a difference with patients and their families. This inspiration is shared by being able to make a difference with the staff as well. I love that we get to ‘grow our own’ team here at KH Troy. I get to contribute to their growth and their inspiration. I get to see the light come on as they progress through Patricia Benner’s competency stages in nursing. The amount of pride I hold for each one of my staff members is not measurable.”
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?
“One of the most important lessons that I have learned in my nursing career is that everyone has a story worth listening to. If it’s with a patient, I ask if I may sit down with them to hear their journey through life. I see the patients light up, as they reflect on their long-term memories. I ask questions, and for this, they are very thankful.
It was through some of these talks with patients that I learned a great deal about family dynamics. There is something about a profound connection, like when I hold a patient’s hand as they profess that they ‘are ready’ only to be so torn when the family can’t agree. I am available to establish a connection with the family (with the patient’s permission, of course). I have reminded the family that “this” is the patient’s final chapter in life and their wishes to how their journey ends should be how they would write it. I ask them ‘What has your loved one expressed about their final wishes?’ and remind them that we were trusted to carry that out. Of course, this is done with utmost kindness and compassion. Usually, through that reflection, I gain insight into their individual stories. I have met some of the best people by just lending an ear.”
What advice would you give to other women regarding their career?
“Follow your heart! As a 16-year-old girl watching my grandmother pass away from terminal illness, I was so moved by the compassion of nurses. Their efforts to shield me from my grandmother’s hunger for air so I could focus on who my grandma was, not what was happening to her, was incredible. They combed her hair, applied olive oil on a swab to moisten her mouth, and always seemed to position her in the best spot. These efforts showcased how deep a connection can be with a patient and how that connection affects the family. This situation, if no attention was given, could have pushed me far away from nursing, yet those nurses talked to my grandmother, even when she stopped responding. They learned who she was and went above and beyond to not lose sight of the person behind the illness. With all my instruction, I, as often as possible, remind staff that there is a person at the center of everything we do. If we hold that near and dear, we can provide the best compassionate and connected care there is to give.”
Meet Stacy Seibert
Stacy Seibert is the administrative director of practice operations at the Kettering Health Medical Group Primary Care office on Woodman Center Drive. We asked her a few questions about her life, her career, and working at Kettering Health. Read her answers below.
Tell us a little about your background.
“I spent most of my childhood in Texas and moved to Louisiana as a young adult which is where I met my husband, Eric. He was in the Army, stationed at Fort Johnson and as soon as he finished his duty assignment, we relocated to Ohio in 2000. I joined Kettering Health Medical Group in 2020 as an operations administrator and was promoted to administrative director in 2022.
My journey in healthcare began more than 20 years ago after I had a wonderful experience at my daughter’s pediatrician’s office. I remember leaving the office feeling they had our best interest in mind and truly cared for us. That experience really inspired me to want to serve in healthcare.
Soon after, I began working as a receptionist and remember wanting to learn everything I could to grow in my position. I loved my job and how rewarding it was to serve others. It didn’t take long for me to recognize that my ultimate dream was to become a leader, so I took the necessary steps to earn an associate degree in office administration and later became a practice manager.
It was because of the mentors in my life who encouraged me to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone that gave me the confidence to continue to pursue my dream and I went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration.”
What inspires you in your job?
“I enjoy teamwork and collaboration with others and building a positive and supportive work environment. I enjoy mentoring others and helping them grow to be their best; helping them see their true potential. The sense of accomplishment with my work is the most rewarding, especially when I see the positive impact it has made on the lives of others.”
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?
“To just be myself and all that God has created me to be. Embrace my strengths and individuality. Everyone has their own unique perspective and teams need diverse voices and perspectives. It’s important to stay true to yourself and believe in yourself.”
What advice would you give to other women regarding their career?
“Seek mentors who can provide guidance and support as well as help in your professional development and career growth. This will help provide direction and instill confidence as you grow in your career.”
Meet Sandy Booher
Sandy Booher is an emergency management specialist at Kettering Health. We asked her a few questions about her life, her career, and working at Kettering Health. Read her answers below.
Tell us a little about your background.
“I was born in Hawaii and have moved all over the U.S. and lived in England for three years. My father is a U.S. Air Force veteran. After 30+ years, he retired at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. I have worked for Kettering Health for more than 14 years.
I have been an emergency management specialist since the development of the role in February 2021. I was the first emergency management specialist in our system and have assisted in the development of the Emergency Management Department. Prior to that, I was a supervisor (lieutenant) for the Kettering Health Police and Security Department. I have been developing and advancing our Emergency Management Program since its inception over five years ago.”
What inspires you in your job?
“What inspires me is the ability to reach out and help my co-workers, the community, and hospital staff so we are better prepared in the event of a disaster. Being an inspiring leader is about identifying opportunities to better serve others to help them learn and prepare for critical incidents and inspire them to do the same for others.”
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?
“The most important lesson that I have learned is to never give up. If it is truly something that you want to do, you can do anything that you put your mind to. Whenever there are challenges, there is always an opportunity to grow and learn and be better prepared for the next event.”
What advice would you give to other women regarding their career?
“I would say discover your passion, set future goals to strive for, stand your ground when you know the right thing to do, and stay strong. Do not let the social norms of today’s society dictate what you’re truly passionate about. Most of my career has been in a male-dominated field—for over 20 years I worked in law enforcement and have discovered that Emergency Management is no different. It is not easy and there are many struggles out there. We are strong; stronger than some may think.”
Resources
Understanding our history is vital to improving equality for future generations. We’re sharing resources and a cultural highlight in honor of Women’s History Month. Check out the details below to learn more about the contributions women have made throughout history.
My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg (book)
This collection provides a glimpse into the life of Justice Ginsburg—her experiences being Jewish, her time serving as a woman on the Supreme Court, and her dedication to gender equality.
He Named Me Malala (movie)
Watch the story about Malala Yousafzai, a 15-year-old girl who was shot by the Taliban for speaking out on girls’ education.
Choosing to Run by Des Linden and Bonnie D. Ford (book)
This memoir details the story of Des Linden, 2018 Boston Marathon winner and the first American woman to win the race in 33 years.
Frida (movie)
This movie explores the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo who overcame multiple injuries and became a renowned female artist.
The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston (book)
This story details the challenges faced by Kingston, a woman and Chinese immigrant living in America.
The Woman King (movie)
Set in the 1800s, this movie depicts how an all-women unit fought to protect the African Kingdom of Dahomey.
Support local women-owned businesses
This month, help celebrate women by supporting women-owned business owners in the Dayton area.
- Luna Gifts & Botanicals
- Heart Mercantile
- Wheat Penny Oven & Bar
- Twist Cupcakery
- Boost Engagement (formerly Shumsky)
- Press Coffee
See more women-owned businesses in Dayton and Montgomery County here.
Cultural highlight: Frida Kahlo
Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderón, or Frida Kahlo, suffered from polio as a child. In 1925, when she was just 18 years old, she was in a near-fatal bus crash that landed her in a full-body cast. To help pass the time while recovering, her mother gave her a portable easel and box of paints, and Frida’s career as an artist began.
Frida is best known for her vibrant self-portraits that blend pain and passion. She is celebrated for depicting the female experience and incorporating Mexican and Indigenous culture.
When explaining her art, Frida said, “I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best.”
By Frida Kahlo
Historical figures
The impact women have made throughout history can be seen in nearly every facet of life. Below are two women who greatly influenced the world we live in.
Clara Barton
Clara Barton served as a nurse during the Civil War. She faced discrimination at first, as a woman had never been directly on the battlefield, camps, or field hospitals at that time. She earned trust through her work and eventually earned the nickname “angel of the battlefield.” Many years later in 1881, she established the American Red Cross and served as its first president.
Sandra Day O’Connor
Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan, serving from 1981-2006.
Healthcare tip
March is also Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, endometriosis occurs in about 1 in 10 women and is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s. It causes chronic pelvic pain that worsens around the menstrual cycle and can also impact women’s ability to reproduce.
If you think you may have endometriosis, speak with your doctor.
Thank you for taking the time to celebrate Women’s History Month with us. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the materials shared!
