This year, we asked the amazing women at Rothenberg to reflect on the women who inspire them as a way to celebrate International Women’s Day, March 8th.
The result is a list of incredible female role models from different backgrounds, professions, and life experiences who have dismantled stereotypes, broken through the glass ceiling and paved the way for future generations of women to enjoy a brighter future.
At the end of the list, we have a special tribute to a woman who has been involved, and to some degree, responsible for the growth and incredible success of our firm over the past few decades. Keep reading to discover who she is!
Without further ado, here are our picks:
Oprah Winfrey
I often watched her shows when she had people on that she helped achieve their dreams when these women thought they had no life. Oprah came from a very poor background. She was mistreated as a child, yet this courageous soul never gave up on her dreams of someday helping others. She gave others the courage to never give up and not let others put you down. With all that this lady went through in her life, it made her stronger to push forward and survive and do good for others!
– Susan Pilon, Westmount Office Administrator
Jacinda Ardern – Former Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017-2023)
She has shown that a leader can be strong, decisive, and compassionate at the same time. Her approach to governance has been people-centered, putting the needs of citizens at the forefront of her policies. Her leadership style has shown me that empathy and kindness can be powerful tools in any profession, including finance, and that we can make a positive impact on people’s lives while still being successful in our careers.
– Mylene Jeremie, Wealth Management Advisor
Jodie Comer – Actress
She is an incredibly talented actress who allows her talent to speak for itself. She is witty and authentic and is thriving in a male-dominated industry whilst being true to herself. She exuberates kindness and self-assuredness that inspires me whenever I see her pop up!
– Claire Churchill-Smith, Wealth Management Associate
Lee Jieun – IU – South Korean Idol and Actress
She persisted through poverty and setbacks to pursue a career in entertainment, attending numerous auditions and facing scams before debuting at just 15 years old. Despite facing insults, she became a successful artist who paid off her parents’ debts and donated $4.3 billion to charity. She is now known as “The Nation’s Little Sister.”
I am inspired by Lee as even though she has faced a lot of difficulties in her life, she did not give up. After being successful, she remained humble and kind. Working hard, no giving up attitude and being down to earth is the key to success.
– Tanuja Neenooth, Client Services Representative
Ruth Bader Ginsberg – Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice (1993-2020)
She faced multiple levels of discrimination because of her Jewish heritage, her gender, and her obligations as a mother but she broke the glass ceiling for women in so many ways despite enormous odds. I vividly remember watching the RGB documentary on Netflix and feeling so inspired by her courage, perseverance, and passion for championing gender equality, advancing equity and making the world a better and more equal place for all.
– Kiara Bernard, Marketing Manager
Malala Yousafzai – Pakistani Education Activist
Malala is amazing! She is strong and brave; she stands for what she believes in even when she faced life-threatening opposition from the Taliban and was attacked. Her focus is not only on Pakistan; she is fighting for gender equality and education rights worldwide.
– Christine Yu, Marketing Associate & Banking Administrator
Mel Robbins – American Podcast host, best-selling author, motivational speaker, and former lawyer
She is a great example of how to turn your struggles into success and become your best self every day. Her own struggle with overcoming self-doubt and anxiety shows that anyone can achieve success with the right mindset and habits. She is sincere, unfiltered, and direct. Her podcast is among my top 3 favorites to listen to!
– Antonella Perrotta, Senior Human Resources Manager
Michelle Obama
She uses her powerful platform and voice to empower and express her values as a leader, through her messages of strength, support, and empathy. Her leadership and grace continue to inspire me to lead with purpose in all areas of life.
– Silvana Rizzo, Wealth Management Advisor
Mother Teresa
I am inspired by Mother Teresa’s deep empathy for others, she expressed love and compassion through her actions and words. She fosters equality for all human beings and she continued to push forward with her mission to help others no matter what obstacle she faced. Her deep sense of purpose and responsibility to create a positive change. Her simplicity, emotionally healthy & healed personality.
– Tina Patel, GIC Department Coordinator at Rothenberg & Rothenberg Annuities Ltd.
Who: Helen Corrigan, Former President of The Rothenberg Group of Companies (1988-2020)
Why she inspires me: The woman who has inspired me is our previous President here at the Rothenberg Group of Companies: Helen Corrigan. Helen was President from early in the 1990s, when women were not presidents of independent firms. She paved the way for women like me to be able to hold executive positions and be great leaders. By watching her over the last 20 years before her retirement, I learned how to be strong, resilient, and compassionate; all qualities of a great leader.
– Maria Ioannou, President & CFO of The Rothenberg Group of Companies