Tenacious women poised to lead

Saturday’s shocking display of hate and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia should be condemned in the strongest terms, and these events are a jolting reminder of how much work remains to be done to stop the normalization of bigotry and white nationalism. Images of hundreds of white men marching through the streets, proudly displaying their signs of neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan pride, will most certainly mark a period of 21st century regressiveness to future generations. It is a shameful moment for our country.

It is a shameful moment in our country.

However, Ohioans should take heart that while these awful events were playing out, in what seemed like another universe, a group of more than 500 women were meeting in the conference rooms of a Downtown Columbus hotel. These inspiring, smart, brave, and tenacious women were part of The United State of Women’s Galvanize Program, which brings together people to tackle the challenges women and families are facing all across the country. Galvanized with mentorship and training, this dynamic group of women is working to start new and innovative businesses, lead their communities, advocate for grassroots efforts, run campaigns, and put their names on the ballot to run for elected office.

Women know all too well what happens when a diverse group of people are not at the table making decisions and creating policies. I was immediately struck by the diversity of this gathering of women. Our impressive group was young, old, Republican, Democrat, lesbian, straight, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Christian, atheist, Muslim, Jewish, naturalborn citizens, immigrants, and so much more.

Simply put, we are Americans who have big plans to get things done. We know that our strength lies in amplifying diverse voices to move our country forward. Hatred and violence will not slow us down.

C. Allison Russo Upper Arlington