March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the women who have shaped our lives, careers, and communities. At Fulcrum, this celebration has special significance. As a majority women-owned and led company, we recognize the impact of women every day.

This year’s theme is Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations. We asked the women of Fulcrum to reflect on and discuss the influential women who have shaped their journeys. Their responses highlight the powerful ways women continue to uplift, inspire, and pave the way for future generations.

di thigpen-shankles

My list of admirable women is long, and at this moment, three come up quickly to mind.  They are Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Betty White, and Dame Jane Goodall. Each of these brilliant women brought so many good deeds for the benefit of humanity.

irene martel

My mother and grandmother, both immigrants from China, have inspired me in many ways with their determination, courage, and devotion to family. Having limited formal education, little English, and not much money, I’m truly amazed at what they accomplished to lay the groundwork for our family’s achievements and successes.

Janet welcher

I have two women who were instrumental in my career. The first is my mother. Though she had little professional experience in the working world she was profound and deeply insightful. She had a way of seeing things, cutting through the noise, and offering wisdom that often proved more valuable than any formal training.

I then had the privilege of working alongside Shari Burns for many years, and in that time, I saw firsthand the depth of her intelligence, leadership, and integrity. She set the standard for excellence that I carry to this day, not just in her work but in the way she treated people with respect, wisdom, and unwavering support. Even though we no longer work together, the lessons I learned from her continue to shape how I execute the client experience and leadership at Fulcrum. I am committed to continuing the legacy by mentoring and empowering the next generation of young women in the industry, providing guidance, support, and opportunities to help them thrive in their careers.

Kathryn Haggitt Fisher

My childhood best friend’s mother was an anchor on the local news at noon and had her own talk show, Straight Talk with Marge Thrasher. The walls in the office at her house were covered with photos of her interviewing Jacquelyn Smith, Henry Fonda, Henry Winkler…a bunch of stars that would be very recognizable to folks of a certain age. She raised four kids on her own and she was like a second mom to me (not that my mom wasn’t great!) – and she managed to have an incredibly successful career. She was never intimidated by anyone or anything and always spoke her mind. Enduring her grilling about where we’d been, what we’d done, and whom we’d done it with when we were teenagers set me up well for challenging conversations in my career, especially early on, when I was working in New York City. I’ve always been grateful to her for showing me what it looked like to be an independent and self-assured woman who could take care of herself – and everyone around her.

Michelle Mathieu

I was 13 when Anya Major smashed the screen with her sledgehammer in Apple’s iconic 1984 Superbowl ad, saving the world by breaking free from conformity and shattering convention. This image cast my traditional upbringing in a new light (women should be seen and heard) and sparked my love of science fiction. Women science fiction visionaries like Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler, Marge Piercy, and Ursula K. LeGuin are, I believe, the underrated explorers of the 20th century. Through vivid language and bold imagination, they crafted worlds where themes of endurance, justice, transformation, and interdependence continue to resonate today.

mikaela mccoy

Throughout my early career in finance, I have been inspired by the resilience and leadership of women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to the advancement of the industry have inspired my career pursuits. These trailblazers have shown me the importance of perseverance, innovation, and integrity in achieving success. As Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” I am grateful to these remarkable women for being the giants upon whose shoulders I stand.

sofia schwartz

I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a family of confident, intelligent, motivated, and strong women. They are the “do it all” kind, balancing careers, families, and everything in between. They have shaped who I am today, influencing my personality, worldview, and work ethic.

My mom has always been the person I look up to the most. Through the example she continues to set, she shows me what it means to be strong, capable, and determined. She has never let barriers define what I could or couldn’t do—signing me up for sports with the boys, encouraging me to hold my own in any space, and proving through her actions that hard work and perseverance speak for themselves. Alongside my dad, she has raised two strong-willed daughters, always making sure we know our voices matter and that we are capable of anything we set our minds to. The way she carries herself and navigates challenges continues to shape how I approach life, trust in my abilities, and push forward, no matter the odds.

We’re grateful for the incredible women who lead and support us every day. The responses above are a reminder of the strength, wisdom, and kindness that shape our lives. As we celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month, we can learn from the past, lift each other in the present, and continue inspiring future generations, together.