Celebrating Strength, Mentorship, and Possibility

International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a moment to recognize the women who support us, mentor us, challenge us, and inspire us to keep growing.

We asked women at Chestnut Park Real Estate: What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally? Their answers reflect the many ways women shape families, businesses, and communities and the lasting impact of lifting one another up.

“It is an opportunity to boast about all the strong, bright and hilarious women
that have supported me over the years!” –Claire Speedie

“International Women’s Day is about women who show up fully — in business, at home, and in their communities. As the leader of a team of incredible female realtors, I see firsthand what happens when women collaborate. We support one another, we share knowledge, we step in when needed, we push each other to be the best, and we celebrate each other’s wins. That kind of unity is powerful.

Personally, as a mother of two amazing kids — including a daughter who is watching everything — this day carries even deeper meaning. I want her to grow up believing that independence is important, resilience is expected, and hard work is empowering. I want her to see that you can build something meaningful, lead with integrity, and still prioritize family. To me, International Women’s Day is about modeling possibility — for my team, for my children, and especially for my daughter.” –Eileen Lasswell

“International Women’s Day, to me, is about showing up with purpose and integrity, and making meaningful strides that leave this world better than we found it. It’s about modeling strength, resilience, and leadership so the next generation, especially MY DAUGHTER,  grows up surrounded by powerful examples of what women can build, lead, and become.” –Faye Moxam

“International Women’s Day is especially meaningful to me as a mother of two daughters. Working in real estate, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by and learn from exceptional female agents who remind me daily that success, ambition and kindness can and should co-exist.”
–Catherine Russell

“In Canada, we are fortunate that, for the most part, women play pivotal roles domestically, politically and in business. Celebrating International Women’s Day reminds me not only how far we have come here in Canada, but also that there are still many parts of the world where women suffer with inequitable societies and a great need to be recognized for their invaluable contributions to their world.” –Georgina M. Ratcliffe

“International woman’s Day is a day to celebrate all the women in my life to be the best they can be, by supporting them, inspiring them and encouraging them to be strong and intentional, to aspire to their goals. Always Leading with love and kindness.” –Debbie Penzo

“Growing up in the 1960s with three brothers and a European father, there were no conversations about university or career. The path was unspoken: marry young, start a family.

Many women of my generation navigated the yield signs and stop signs on their own — no roadmap, no mentor, just quiet determination. We earned our stripes the hard way.

That’s why International Women’s Day matters. Today, we have something invaluable to offer young women standing at those same intersections… mentorship. The options and wisdom that only experience can provide.

It’s extraordinary to watch mature women who worked hard their entire lives step forward willingly to guide the next generation — knowing the reward is simply seeing another woman carve out a meaningful life.

The real gift of experience isn’t keeping it… it’s passing it along.” –Roxanne Finn

“Celebrating International Day to me, means celebrating accomplishments of women
across all areas of professions 

Their recognition of value in every facet of everyday life. Whether they are a doctor, lawyer, business executive or homemakers making their children feel valuable and those women engaging in needed volunteer work- all so important. These pillars of our communities need to be celebrated!” –Erica Anne Cook

“Living in one of the most tolerant countries in the world, it’s easy to take equality for granted. But for many women across the globe, true equality does not exist. Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and power of women everywhere – mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who are like sisters.” –Yvonne Huh

“International Women’s Day reminds me to be grateful for the women who fought for the rights and opportunities we have today, and for the mentors and friendships who continue to shape my life. It’s a powerful reminder of how much stronger we are when we support and uplift one another. We’re at our best when we nurture our tribe.” –Carrie Trip