By Dennis Powell, e-Management

If February is for the heart (link to Heart Health Month Blog); then March must be all about women. Why? Well, every March 8th is International Women’s Day.  Did you know March is also Women’s History Month?  So, it was no wonder that one of my friends recently shared an online article about “10 Things Women Do Better Than Men.”  The article talks about how women are better managers; how women survive more vehicle accidents; and how women are evolving “hotter” than men. Okay, I agree with all of the above, because…women rock!  And at e-Management, we are drinking the Kool-Aid.  *smile* The company is, after all, a women-owned technology services business supporting the U.S. government. In fact, women comprise 50% of our executive team. As this month closes out, I wanted to celebrate the contributions of women in government, technology, media, and politics who have inspired me in some way.

Did you know the NPR talk show host Diane Rehm, who battled a voice disorder, received the 2011 Voice Education Research Awareness (VERA) Award from the Voice Foundation for her exceptional contributions to the field of voice communication?

One of My Favorite Women in Government
As a proud graduate of Washington, D.C. public schools, I am always quick to point out people who attended our system such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Linda Cureton. If you live in our Nation’s Capital and work in government, chances are you know that Ms. Cureton (who attended the Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts) has a reputation for looking at creative and innovative approaches to using technology to advance the mission of government and getting information out to constituents. In fact, Ms. Cureton is one of a few CIOs who openly embraces the power of social media such as blogs and social media. She even practices what she preaches since you can follow her on and subscribe to her feeds on . In a very real way, Ms. Cureton is helping to pave the way for women in government and at NASA, an agency that only years ago had few women in leadership positions. She inspires me because she isn’t afraid to shake up the status quo. Way to go!

One of My Favorite Women in Technology (and Health)
Speaking of women and technology, Forbes magazine recently listed our very popular First Lady Michelle Obama as one of “The Most Powerful Women In Technology.”  Like her husband the President during his historic run for the White House, Ms. Obama is using technology to get her message throughout our nation—childhood obesity is a national health crisis! Simply do a “Let’s Move! Campaign” search on YouTube and you will easily find several fun (or funny) of the First Lady doing the “dougie” (an urban dance among young people across the country) at my middle school alma mater Alice Deal. Her commitment to this issue has led to higher awareness of health issues in youth, which has received bipartisan as well as corporate support.  As a health enthusiast myself, it’s easy to see why the First Lady inspires me. Her message when it comes to health isn’t “insurance” or access to pharmaceuticals. Instead, her campaign is about the ever-important but often overlooked component of wellness: prevention.

One of My Favorite Women in Media & News
Like Ms. Cureton, National Public Radio (NPR) talk show host Diane Rehm attended D.C. public schools and is one of the most inspirational people in media and news today.  Her 40-year career in radio is impressive hosting her namesake program (The Diane Rehm Show) since 1984. Additionally, she has gained a reputation for being a journalist who always asks the tough questions in an effort to get to the truth. Perhaps even more amazing is how she has overcome personal challenges in her life such as her battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a voice disorder that affects speech production. Since her diagnosis in 1998, Ms. Rehm has continued new career without a hitch. Ms. Rehm has brought heightened attention to the condition and its treatments. Naturally, she inspires me because of her tenacity and her passion to continue to pursue her love for news.

One of My Favorite Women in Politics
On the other side of the Atlantic resides one of my favorite world leaders, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is the second-term president of Liberia.  She is co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize along with Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and Tawakel Karman of Yemen for their work on behalf of women’s rights and world peace. According to The Guardian, President Johnson-Sirleaf “negotiated significant debt relief, more than quadrupled the national budget, opened a large investigation into corruption and started the truth and reconciliation commission to address crimes committed during the [Liberian] civil war.”  Under her leadership, women have had greater access to employment opportunities and public education has improved for many.  She inspires me because she is one of a handful of politicians who seems to be delivering on her campaign promises! And are there any better causes than education, world peace, and human rights?

Hall of Fame
It’s my hope that this blog posting brings attention to the significant contributions our sisters, aunts, mothers, and grandmothers make beyond what has been considered their traditional roles. You’ve seen my list. Now, I want to see yours. Who’s in your Hall of Fame? Who are your favorite women in tech, politics, health, education, government, business, and beyond?