I promise you've never met anyone quite like Mugsy.
Sassy and strong-willed, she never backed down from a challenge. Tell her she couldn't do something and she'd prove you wrong … just as soon as she finished telling you off.
She loved fiercely, spoke freely, worked tirelessly and wasn't afraid to sacrifice—or fight—for the people and causes that had her heart.
That's why I'm named after her, my grandmother. The second of my two middle names—Margaret—belonged to her first.
The nickname "Mugsy," the one lovingly bestowed because of her firecracker personality, that is hers alone.
To the women in her family she gave something more. She lit flames in each of us, the kind fueled by passion and determination. The kind that rage higher in the face of challenges and doubts, engulfing barriers placed by others.
It's the kind of fire that makes you stronger in the end.
I've been thinking a lot about my grandmother lately, especially in light of International Women's Day, which at its heart is about honoring the women who live like Mugsy did. It celebrates those who refuse to stay quiet or stay put, but lead with humility, grace and strength.
International Women's Day is about executives like Greene Tweed's Magen Buterbaugh and French Oil Mill Machinery's Tate French Lutz who are stepping into CEO positions where their talents are fostering company success.
It's for honoring women like Judit Puskas and Katrina Cornish, whose scientific research is changing the world, earning them the ACS Rubber Division's highest honor, the Charles Goodyear Medal.
Today, we celebrate those like Simko North America President Whitney Luckett, who is not only forging her own path, she's holding the light that helps others chart theirs.
It's for women like Kim Dempsey-Miller who find in themselves the strength and determination to push forward, speak up and break barriers.
I've had the privilege of meeting—and learning—from all of these amazing women because of events that focused solely on creating safe spaces for women to network, share and grow. Events like those are critical in supporting women as they build successful careers.
And I am proud to help present two of them.
On May 16, our Women's Leadership Power Breakfast returns to ITEC in Akron. The breakfast allows women from across the tire industry to discuss issues unique to them, find support and come away energized.
And our Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum returns to Nashville Nov. 11-12. It brings together women from all corners of the rubber and plastics industries to celebrate successes and tap the courage that allows them to do the next big thing.
Both events are built with the same spirit that defines International Women's Day, the one dedicated to women who lead with compassion, tenacity and grit.
Because these are the women we can all aspire to emulate.
I know I do.
And believe me when I say, Mugsy would be proud.
