Celebrating and Showcasing Women Making an Impact in Our Community
March is Women’s History Month, and I’m excited to honor some of the incredible women I’ve had the privilege of photographing! Throughout the month, I’ll be sharing images and stories of women in business—entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders who are making an impact in their industries and communities.
This series is all about visibility, empowerment, and inspiration. By highlighting these amazing women, I hope to showcase their hard work, celebrate their successes, and encourage others to chase their own dreams.
Week Two
Angie Schermerhorn
Angie is a realtor who helps families achieve homeownership by empowering them to make educated real estate decisions. Her goal is to show up not only as an expert in her field but also as someone who is trusted to guide them through this process.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, I asked Angie to share her thoughts on the women who have inspired her, as well as how she hopes to inspire others. Here’s what she had to say:
Which woman in history has inspired you the most, and what about her story resonates with you?
Susan B Anthony was a pioneer and unwavering in her ideas and aspirations in not just suffrage but women’s rights as a whole. Her ability to show up, lead, and her continued perseverance to use her voice has always left me feeling empowered and grateful. Her tenacious attitude directly impacted the lives of me and women of this country and that will never be lost on me.
Is there a particular quote from a woman in history that you live by or find empowering? Why?
“Woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself.”
– Speech in San Francisco (July 1871) Susan B Anthony
This quote to me, empowers women to advocate for themselves, to live for themselves, and to love themselves FIRST. To live in our power and our strength so we can pass that down to the people we love around us.
As a woman making her own history, what impact do you hope to have on future generations of women?
I hope to live my life in a way that people think of me as someone who is able to make hard decisions for the betterment of my life and my sons. I hope I lead with kindness and compassion and that in some way that changes the course of someone’s day. I hope other women that have come from really chaotic upbringings with an alcoholic parent, can look at me and say “If she can do it, so can I” I believe small changes, always lead to the greater good of this on world.
Ashley Kohl
Ashley Kohl is the owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, the Founder and President of the non-profit One Ohana, Inc., and the owner of the Ohana Clubhouse, a new indoor playground for children ages 8 and under that will be opening this summer in Western Mass. Her passion in life is to contribute to other people’s happiness. Each day, Ashley strives to make lives better by spreading joy and uplifting others in whatever way she can.
She has found joy and purpose in her own life through dance and has discovered a way to share that passion with others through Ohana School of Performing Arts. Her non-profit provides financial assistance to those struggling to afford dance classes. The Ohana Clubhouse aims to bring families together to connect, have fun, and make memories in a safe, enriching space that feels like a refreshing escape from the outside world. Ashley believes we need more love, more sunshine, and more happiness, and her goal is to help bring more joy to people’s lives in her own small way.
Which woman in history has inspired you the most, and what about her story resonates with you?
Oprah Winfrey’s enduring renown is no accident; her inspiring and relatable nature shines through her brilliance. Her book, “What I Know for Sure,” resonated deeply with me, particularly her candid admission of past anxieties about public perception. She confessed to agonizing over others’ opinions, plagued by fears of appearing vain or conceited, and dreading whispers behind her back. However, her journey to fame brought a powerful realization: “What I know for sure is this: You are built not to shrink down to less, but to blossom into more. To be more splendid. To be more extraordinary. To use every moment to fill yourself up.” This truth—that we’re meant to shine brightly, not dim our light—is profound. And those who attempt to extinguish our flame are often the ones struggling to ignite their own.
As a woman making her own history, what impact do you hope to have on future generations of women?
My vision for future generations of women is one where kindness reigns supreme. I yearn for them to discover the profound joy inherent in giving, the boundless love and compassion that it cultivates. I dream of witnessing these women generously offering their time, understanding that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the richness of love and gratitude. Above all, I long to see them championing one another, lifting each other up, collaborating seamlessly, celebrating every victory, and embracing a bond of unwavering love.
Erica White
Erica is a mom of two who left her engineering career in 2021 after starting her own business, White Hollow Yard & Home. She wanted to be more available for her family without the guilt. Her business provides landscaping and interior design services. She finds running a business to be very fulfilling; not only does she have the opportunity to curate her work life, but she also gets to help people make their homes more functional and beautiful!
Which woman in history has inspired you the most, and what about her story resonates with you?
Really any woman before our time who followed her dreams despite adversity. I am particularly inspired by Mary Anning, who has inspired my daughter to become a paleontologist when she grows up. She was the first paleontologist, before the word dinosaur even existed.
Is there a particular quote from a woman in history that you live by or find empowering? Why?
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart
I see so many people held back for fear of the unknown, those scared to move from a job they hate or those afraid to pursue a dream because they are scared of failure. They say the most successful people in the world are successful because they took risks. You have to take actions and be determined for growth to happen.
As a woman making her own history, what impact do you hope to have on future generations of women?
I hope that other women are inspired to create their own paths and make changes when something isn’t working for them.
Melissa Cuzzone
Melissa empowers employers to take control of their health plans, providing affordable and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain employees while fostering business growth. She is passionate about educating employees on how to advocate for their healthcare and make the most of the programs available to them.
Is there a particular quote from a woman in history that you live by or find empowering? Why?
“Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History.” I believe the mere inclination of this quote speaks for itself.
As a woman making her own history, what impact do you hope to have on future generations of women?
I hope to show leadership and strength. A business women working in what used to be a white mans insurance world, has been a journey growing in this industry. Bringing awareness with perseverance you can continue to thrive in any industry through any constraints
Megan Amrich
Megan is the author of the book Show Up and Bring Coffee: How to Support Your Friends With Disabled Children. Her blog, Joyful, Brave & Awesome, encourages honest conversations about friendship, parenting, disability inclusion, and more.
Which woman in history has inspired you the most, and what about her story resonates with you?
I love learning about the “muckraker” journalists during the late 19th and early 20th century in America. Women like Ida B. Wells and Nellie Bly used their writing to bring about significant social change, while facing discrimination in and out of the newsrooms.
Is there a particular quote from a woman in history that you live by or find empowering? Why?
From author Anne Lamott – “Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.”
As a woman making her own history, what impact do you hope to have on future generations of women?
I want women to feel empowered to discuss the topics of disability and motherhood without fear of judgment or shame.
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