We value a lot of things—success, wealth, status—but one thing that remains sorely undervalued is the contribution of strong women upon whom our families, communities, and society as a whole have been built. Throughout history, women have been the quiet force that has held everything together, often without recognition or praise. Our strength is rarely glorified. Yet, it is essential, foundational, and quite enduring.

Think of the countless women who have shaped our world. Women like Rosa Parks, who ignited the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat on a bus, embodying courage and quiet strength. Maya Angelou, whose poetry and prose gave voice to the struggles and triumphs of Black women everywhere, inspires generations with her words: “I am a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” These women were not just strong for themselves; they were strong for their communities. They lifted others as they rose.

In today’s world, one of the most powerful examples of this strength is Kamala Harris, the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Kamala Harris represents the culmination of generations of strong women—mothers, grandmothers, activists—who fought to break barriers, often silently and without recognition. Her rise to the second-highest office in the country is not just a personal achievement. Her progression is a victory for all women who have been told they could not, who have been underestimated, and who have had to fight twice as hard just to be seen.

Her success, however, is not without immense pressure. Our society stills grapples with systemic racism, sexism, and divisive politics. Vice President Kamala Harris stands at the intersection of expectations, criticism, and hope. She navigates her role with grace and resolve because she realizes that her success is not just about her. It is about the women and girls who see themselves reflected in her, and the men and boys who now see a new example of leadership.

However, this strength, the ability to rise and uplift others, does not just belong to public figures. It is present in our own families, passed down through generations. My grandmother, Artie, is one of the most powerful examples of this. She sacrificed her formal education—after only two years of schooling—to assist in the care of her siblings on the family farm. Her strength was not in what she achieved for herself, but in what she poured into her children and grandchildren. She raised four beautiful, highly educated daughters, three of whom earned master’s degrees. She also served as a key leader in her church.

Her sacrifices transcended her own immediate life and rippled into future generations. Her daughters went on to raise daughters of their own, women who excelled even more academically. I am one of them. Because of my grandmother’s strength and sacrifices, I was able to earn a Bachelor of Arts in engineering and applied science from Dartmouth College and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence. I have been a practicing Illinois attorney for 27 years, a mother of six and now a grandmother of twelve. My sister went on to earn both her Master of Business Administration and Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Sciences and an MBA. She has been a licensed therapist for more than two decades.

As you can see, my grandmother’s strength has transcended generations. Her sacrifices have built a legacy of education, resilience, and excellence. What she gave up for her family has multiplied into successes she may never have imagined, but none of it would have been possible without the foundation she laid.

And yet, despite the immense contributions of women like my grandmother, Rosa Parks, Maya Angela, Vice President Kamala Harris, and countless others, we live in a world that often overlooks or undervalues this type of strength. Society teaches us to be self-sufficient, to focus on individual success, and to chase after our dreams at all costs. And while ambition is important, I believe that true strength lies not only in how far we can go on our own but in how we lift others along the way. The world needs women who are willing to do that—women who live bravely, love fiercely, and embody both tenderness and resilience.

Why is this so necessary? The answer is simple. Without this collective strength, we risk losing touch with the very qualities that make us whole. I have learned through experience that the most powerful thing we can do is lift others. When I have tried to go it alone, focusing solely on my own goals and ambitions, I have often felt isolated and drained. However, when I turn my attention outward and when I make an intentional effort to support the women around me, something shifts. I feel more grounded, more connected, more at peace with myself.

One of my mentors once told me, “When women support each other, incredible things happen.” I have seen the truth of this statement in my own life time and time again. Whether it is helping a friend through a tough time, mentoring a younger woman, or simply offering a kind word to someone who needs it, the impact is undeniable. Not only does it strengthen the person on the receiving end, but it also uplifts me in ways I never expected. In lifting others, I preserve my own peace and wellbeing.

Consider how this applies on a larger scale. Our world is constantly shifting, where uncertainty, division, and social injustice seem to reign. In the face of this, women like Vice President Kamala Harris, and women like us, are needed more than ever. When women stand together—when we support and uplift each other—we become an unstoppable force. We build families, nurture communities, and change society for the better. This isn’t just a matter of survival—it is about thriving, about creating a world where women can live fully, bravely, and without limits.

The importance of this cannot be overstated. In today’s world, where negativity, competition, and comparison can easily wear us down, the only way to preserve our peace is through community. Being a strong woman means more than being able to handle life’s challenges on our own. It means knowing when to lean on others, when to ask for help, and when to extend a hand to lift someone else. It is about finding strength in connection and creating spaces where we can all thrive together.

Audre Lorde said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” This speaks to the heart of why we must uplift one another. Our freedom, our peace, our wellbeing are all interconnected. If one of us is struggling, we all feel the weight. However, when we lift each other, we lighten the load, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves.

So yes, we value many things in this world, but the contribution of strong women—those who uplift, inspire, and support—should no longer go unnoticed. It is upon these women that families, communities, and societies have been built and will continue to be built. When we embrace our strength, when we support each other, we don’t just survive—we thrive. We protect our peace, create legacies of love and resilience, and pave the way for future generations of women who will continue to shape the world in ways both big and small.

And that, I believe, is the ultimate measure of strength. The world needs strong women now more than ever—women who will lead with courage, support with compassion, and rise with indomitable will. It is time we all start valuing that strength.

Resiliently persevering,

Erika