IFPTE WSN Solidarity Messages From Sisters Supporting Sisters
As we close out Women's History Month, the IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network (WSN) has compiled every Solidarity Message and is sharing to send much-needed positive vibes to all the women, and men, in IFPTE to celebrate our contributions, reaffirm our commitment to building an equitable society, and to empower our sisters to keep moving forward. Thank you to everyone who kindly contributed to this project.
You can check out our collection of uplifting messages below!
Michelle Johnston, The Society of United Professional (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) President
From the outset of my career path there have been several intentional obstacles that were put in front of me to stop me in my tracks. However, persistence and determination allowed me to overcome those obstacles and learn from them. Upon reflection, there is a quote that kept me going, “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.” We all must continue help build a firm foundation for each other, one brick at a time.
Deborah A. Spencer, IFPTE Local 195 Secretary
With grace and gratitude, allow life to remove what does not serve your happiness. Remember clearing & creation require time. Today, welcome what makes you whole & helps you heal. Stay patient throughout the transitions. Remember you never lose; you only learn who you are. That makes you a winner.
Dede Chance, IFPTE Local 12 Treasurer
Trust your instincts. Support other women whenever you have the opportunity. Share your experiences with other women. The results can be so rewarding. Listen with your ears and your heart. There is always so much to learn.
Rebecca Caron, Society of Union Professionals (SUP/IFPTE Local 160) Unit Director
We Sisters are not a check box. We are not simply filling a quota to satisfy corporate achievements. We are empowered, successful champions in our fields. We are here because we earned it. Sisters, bask in your achievements! Don't allow the negativity of others to overshadow your success.
Mary Wolff, IFPTE Local 7
DARE TO …
M AKE NEW FRIENDS
O VER ACHIEVE
T AKE THE INITIATIVE
I NVOLVE OTHERS
V ETO OBJECTIONS
A CCEPT CONSEQUENCES
T AKE UP NEW INTERESTS
E XPLAIN YOURSELF
Gay Henson, IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer
When I was a young girl, my mother always said to me, "As for what you want or take what you get!"
If we don't ask, the answer is already "no". Be Bold. Ask for what should be yours.
Judith Logan Junop, SUP/IFPTE Local 160
Let all that we endure become mundane to the brain. Be ready to support your sister and mine when they can no longer endure. Lift her up! Take her hand! Carry her heart with your as we take the path together.
Sherry Thomas, IFPTE Local 195 Unit President of Maintenance and Chair of IFPTE Local 195’s Women’s Committee
“WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, AS SOMETIMES THEY WILL,
KEEP THE STRENGTH, AND NEVER QUIT.
MANY TIMES DOORS WILL CLOSE IN OUR FACE,
STAND THERE AND KNOCK UNTIL IT OPENS AGAIN.
WHEN YOU FEEL LIFE BATTLES ARE ALWAYS LOST,
WE STAND THERE WITH STRENGTH, FOR WE ARE EMPOWERED WOMEN.”
Kendra Schaff, IFPTE Local 12 Area Vice-President At-Large
As we all continue to navigate our way through the world and the unique challenges we each face, let us remember to continue using our voices to do better and encourage the people around us to do better. It is with that consistency that we will step closer to our goals each day. And in case no one else has told you recently – you are doing a great job. Take time to remember that. As International Women’s Day approaches, a couple of my favorite quotes come to mind:
“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.” - Bonnie Blair
“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” — Malala Yousafzai
Karen Bellamy Lewis, IFPTE International Representative
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I choose to be positive and handle negative situations, people and words with grace.
In honor of women’s history month, I pay homage to all the great women who opened doors for other women. Representation matters and you can’t become something you can’t see. So when a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women. When she digs her heels in, whether they are .05 inches or 5 inches, change happens!
Anna Liu, IFPTE International Representative
Dear Sisters,
In recognition of International Women’s Day, I’m sending you love and gratitude for all that you do. For all the risks you have taken and for all the times you stood up for what you believed in; I stand on your shoulders and the shoulders of the women who came before you. I have been nurtured and inspired by your strength to challenge the status quo. Your struggles, stories of working women; Indigenous, Black, and Racialized women; young women; gender non-conforming and non-binary siblings; as well as other marginalized women, have guided me in my work. When the terrain gets rocky, it is your steady commitment to building a just and equitable future for all that keeps me grounded. Thank you for leading the way, making space, and lifting us all up.
