On March 8, we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of women around the world on International Women’s Day.
The theme for this year, #AccelerateAction, underscores the critical need for prompt and impactful actions to achieve gender equality. It calls for a greater focus on overcoming the systemic obstacles and biases that women encounter in both their personal and professional lives.
To explore what this day represents for the Glenrose Hospital Foundation, we spoke with two inspiring women from our team. Wendy Gerber, who recently joined our board of trustees, and Ramona Fehr, controller, who has been part of the foundation for six years, shared their thoughts on the significance of International Women’s Day.
Wendy Gerber, Board Trustee, Glenrose Hospital Foundation
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction. What does that mean to you?
For me, it’s acting with courage – whether in our communities, homes, workplaces, or raising our children. We must speak out against bias and discrimination, standing up for the worth and respect of all, regardless of differences.
“Acting with courage, as women, we must be brave in challenging the belief that being a woman makes us less capable. Embrace your power to make a positive impact, knowing you have something valuable to contribute.”
Who has inspired you to become the woman you are today?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by many amazing women, but the one who inspires me most is my mom. She may not have a formal education, wealth, or a high-powered career, but she embodies servant leadership. Her compassion, strength, and spiritual connection guide her daily decisions, always putting others before herself. From her, I learned that true strength lies in having the courage to make tough choices and act with integrity. Life can be hard, but she showed me that perseverance can make us stronger. Strong leadership, like hers, doesn’t need power, money, or status. It’s about elevating others with respect, support, and appreciation, valuing everyone equally.
What advice would you offer to young women just starting out and building their careers?
Work hard, stay humble, and learn from both successes and mistakes. Surround yourself with strong leaders who embody integrity and inner strength. Embrace their guidance to build confidence and make wise decisions. This will help you succeed in your career and grow as a person. Make a conscious decision about what kind of leader and person you want to be, then act on it!
Ramona Fehr, Controller, Glenrose Hospital Foundation
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #AccelerateAction. What does that mean to you?
To me, #AccelerateAction means taking charge of the change we want to see. It’s about lobbying for fair treatment of women and speaking up when we see injustice, big or small. As professionals, we must use our influence to advocate for fair wages and equality for all women.
Who has inspired you to become the woman you are today?
The person that had the biggest influence on me was my mother. For most of my childhood she was a stay-at-home mom, but she was always taking classes. In her forties, she went to nursing school and received her license as a registered nurse. In her sixties, she went to journalism school to better her writing.
“She (my mother) taught me that I could do anything, and it is never too late to try something new.”
What advice would you offer to young women just starting out and building their careers?
If you can’t make “following your passion” pay, then my advice to young women is to find a career that aligns with your values. Good and bad bosses may come and go, work environments may be nurturing or toxic, but if the work is satisfying and furthers your goals, you won’t be unhappy with your choice.
The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital along with its Foundation staff and our Board of Trustees is home to many incredible women whose profound impact extends beyond their personal lives. These women are transforming healthcare, shaping the future, and inspiring us all. Today, we celebrate each one of them and the incredible contributions they make to our community.
