CAMP DARBY, Italy- This year's theme for Women's History Month is "Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination:Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics," the educational priority known as STEM. With that in mind, the Friends of Camp Darby sponsored a Women's History Month celebration March 7 at the Education Center and invited Dr. Katie Gray to be the keynote speaker at the luncheon and cake cutting. Gray is a doctor of pharmacology, a wife and mother of two, who works for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
During the Darby Military Community Celebration of Women's History Month, Gray asked attendees to think about how the everyday things they do embody the three focal words for this year's theme; inspiration, innovation and imagination.
"This month is a time to recognize the many achievements of women over the course of American history," said Gray. "You are a hero to those in your life and you are creating history every day. You inspire, innovate and you cultivate imagination."
She reminded attendees that even the smallest things, such as deciding what to make for dinner, can involve inspiration and imagination, especially when the cabinets are bare.
Gray encouraged women to think about the STEM fields of study and the value a woman's perspective can bring to improve those fields of endeavor.
"I think the translation of core science to the marketplace screams for the attention of creative and resilient women. Women belong in STEM fields not just to further innovation, but also to make innovation a reality for the rest of us. The gift of communication makes sometimes seemingly obscure inventions the newest widget that we just can't live without," said Gray.
"Similarly, that same talent of giftwrapping can inspire young minds to pursue a field of study that they may perceive as boring. Finally, the dogged determination of a woman will find the right combination of molecules to create the greatly needed antibiotic to defeat today's superbugs."
Innovations such as Pinterest and the Internet were compared, showing how one person's, or one woman's idea can grow from a simple thought into new thoughts, ideas and innovations. These "collective brains" are an inspiration and help sprout new ideas and inventions, she said.
"I am here to remind you of the inspiration you are to those around you. And it's not just me celebrating; the whole United States is spending this entire month celebrating you and what you have accomplished," said Gray.
Following her speech, she was presented an award by the Friends of Camp Darby.
During the event participants played at identifying the pictures of 24 women who have made significant contributions throughout history, such as Marie Curie, Mother Teresa and Condoleezza Rice. Jennifer Lindstrom, Friends of Camp Darby president, identified the famous women and explained their historical contributions.
Take time this month to remember how important women are and have been throughout history, and say Thank You to the women in your life.
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