In honor of Women’s History Month, The Herald’s photography team spoke with female administrators, staff and students about a woman in their lives who inspires them. These individuals described various attributes that they admire in such women, including perseverance, selflessness and professional excellence in the face of hardships.
Vy Crawford, administrative coordinator at the School of Engineering, said she admires former University medical resident Lynae Brayboy, who, “despite all the obstacles” she has faced, “was able to become a successful doctor” and mother.
Christine Jeong ’24 has looked up to her mom for as long as she can remember. When Jeong’s mom immigrated to the United States from South Korea, she left “behind all of her friends and all of her community that she’d been building. … I cannot imagine the sacrifice she must have made,” Jeong said. “Having the strength to do that has always been inspiring.”
When Cynthia Ellis, associate dean of student support services and adjunct lecturer of cognitive, linguistic and psychological sciences, graduated college, social psychologist Valeria Lovelace took her on as a volunteer for “Sesame Street,” for which Lovelace served as director of research. Ellis remembered being inspired by Lovelace to trust her instincts and be confident in the pursuit of her dreams.
Julia Cook ’26 was taught the importance of personal sustainability, respect and care early on by her grandmothers. Through their life lessons, Cook learned “how few things are truly disposable, and how important mindful consumption is.”
Dana Richie is the 133rd Editorial Board's photo chief and a senior staff writer for the University News section. She enjoys using multiple forms of media to capture peoples’ passions, stories and quirks. In her free time, she loves collaging, learning about local history and playing ultimate frisbee.
