In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we wanted to give members a chance to tell us about a woman that has inspired them in their career, personal life or otherwise. Here is what they had to say!
“Who has been an influential woman in your life?“
Cameron Casey – Ropes & Gray
“As an undergraduate, I served as an intern to Ruth J. Simmons, who had just become the 9th President of Smith College and who later served as the President of Brown University. President Simmons provided an example of strength, eloquence and grace in the face of challenge. What influenced me most, though, was President Simmons’s unwavering commitment to civil discourse. She encouraged us to discuss issues about which we disagreed strongly, and to do so with an open mind and respect for the opposing viewpoint. She has said, “One’s voice grows stronger in encounters with opposing views.” It may be the most important thing I learned at Smith; and it’s certainly relevant twenty years later.”
Valerie Moore – Ferriter Scobbo & Rodophele
“My grandmother is an influential woman in my life. From a very early age, she encouraged me to read everything I could get my hands on, to take risks, and to always be curious about the world.”
Megan Gates – Mintz Levin
“My aunt, Betsy (“Bree”) McKenny, has been very influential on my life and in particular my career path. Before she retired, she was a trusts and estates lawyer and was the co-author of a book called Everyday Law Made Simple, which even as a young girl I thought was incredibly cool. From my earliest memories of what it meant to have a career, I wanted to be a lawyer like “Aunt Bree.” I knew from her example that there was nothing standing in my way of pursuing that path.”
If you would like to respond to a future Voices of the Bar, make sure you send a headshot, and contact Lauren DiTullio at lditullio@bostonbar.org.