The Indisposable Women of Upstream
Honoring the reuse movement by honoring the women who got us here
Happy International Women’s Day! Here at Upstream, we are inspired daily by the many visionary, innovative, and dauntless women who power the reuse movement. And we are also deeply grateful to those in our own lives who were so influential in our careers and have motivated us to #EmbraceEquity and co-create a better way than throw-away. In honor of Women’s History Month, here is a reflective roundup of appreciation from some members of the Upstream team.
“Harriet Tubman and Jane Goodall. Harriet inspires and reminds me to keep going and to be fearless. Jane is just awesome. She reminds me of the connections between animals, people and the planet, and why I/we do what we do.”
“Artist Catherine Kernan, who first got me into less toxic art practices as her studio assistant after college – which led to grant research on less toxic art practices in grad school; which led to writing articles on the subject; which led to sustainability communications on the broader scale; which led me here – where I am meant to be. ”
“My partner is endlessly encouraging and supportive of me and my work, not to mention brilliant and talented. Her ability to set and achieve challenging goals, along with her principled approach to life, inspire me daily in my career and beyond.”
“Diane Wilson was a big inspiration for me before she even got into the BreakFreeFromPlastic movement, from her work keeping her home bay in Texas clean and for being an ‘unreasonable woman.’ Her book rocks, and she’s still inspiring as hell.”
“The most influential women in the development of my career were my colleagues and mentors at the US EPA Region 10 office in Seattle: Bridgette Lohrman, my supervisor, and Margaret McCauley, my partner-in-crime (well okay not crime but in kick-starting EPA’s R10 Trash Free Waters Program!). They gave me the space and encouragement to pursue my passions and the guidance and support I needed to succeed.”
“My Grandmother Annie Mae Lawrence showed me ‘how to love’ and my mother Gladys Johnson showed me ‘how to do for others.’”
“My mom is the most influential woman in my life. She’s been through so much in her life and she never gave up. She has really shown me how to work hard, never give up, and to also enjoy life.”
“My amazing wife Sarah, who is the savviest, wisest, and kindest job coach and general life consultant I could ask for. ”
“I worked with a fantastic slate of women at my first nonprofit job, including an amazing Interim CEO and an even better Treasurer. Even though I didn’t work there long, I absorbed their confidence and skills at functional and efficient management. I wouldn’t be the successful nonprofit administrator that I am today if I hadn’t worked with them.”
“While there are many women who’ve inspired me over the years, my sister Twyla is my mentor and coach. She taught me how to interview for jobs, how to speak up for myself and how important it is to find champions to advocate for you as well – while also modeling how to advocate for women and diversity in the workplace. And I credit her for motivating my decision to join Upstream!”
“The most influential woman in my career would have to be my mom. She had a tumultuous youth but was incredibly self motivated and against all odds created a career she believed in, which ultimately catapulted her into a better life.”
Which women in your life have inspired you to get you where you are today? Let us know in the comments!