In honor of Women’s History Month, we reached out to SMPS HQ staff members to commemorate this observance. Below, they share their thoughts on women they admire.
Natalie Gozzard, Chief Advancement Officer
To me, retired tennis player Serena Williams is an icon of strength, resilience, and excellence. I admire her not just for her unmatched dominance in tennis but also for her determination to break barriers in a historically exclusive sport. Her relentless work ethic, fearless attitude, and ability to rise above challenges—on and off the court—inspire me. Beyond her athletic achievements, she’s an advocate for gender equality, diversity, and empowerment, using her platform to uplift others. Serena’s legacy is not just about Grand Slam titles; it’s about proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
Nandi Rice, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer
Yara Shahidi is an inspiration to me. She is an actress and activist who starred in various movies and TV shows since the age of five. She uses her platform to speak on issues like racial justice, gender equality, and climate change, and has worked as a Gen Z ambassador for organizations like UNICEF. Before starting Harvard University, she founded a platform encouraging young people to vote and engage in civic issues. Most recently she started a podcast called “The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi” where she engages in conversations with guests about joy, happiness, and ways to cultivate the practice of optimism in our own lives.
Linda Smolkin, Senior Manager, Marketing
Many know Audrey Hepburn as an actress and fashion icon. But she was much more. During WWII, Audrey helped the resistance by taking messages and food to Allies who were hiding. She also volunteered at a hospital and hid a downed paratrooper in their home. After her career as an actress, she became involved with UNICEF and in 1989 was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador. She went on various missions, including those in Ethiopia to visit orphanages and Turkey as part of an immunization campaign. Hepburn received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work with UNICEF, and UNICEF honored Hepburn’s legacy of humanitarian work by unveiling “The Spirit of Audrey” statue at UNICEF’s New York headquarters.
Devin Stubbs, Manager, Digital Marketing
During Women’s History Month, my mind goes to one woman who has always been an inspiration—my sister, Shannon Cronan. She has not only shaped my view on life and the world itself, but she has also given me the greatest gifts in the world—my nieces. We’ve traveled together, laughed together, and grown together, and I am endlessly grateful to share my life with her. Shannon is and will always be the strongest woman I know, proving it every day. She stands up for those without a voice, never hesitating to advocate for those who need it most. Through her work in occupational therapy, she changes lives—sometimes in just a single meeting—leaving a lasting impact with her compassion, hard work, and contagious smile.
