Women’s Equality Day is celebrated every Aug. 26 to commemorate the passage of women’s right to vote in the United States and serve as a reminder of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination in advancing the women’s movement.

In honor of the occasion, we asked three of the EDB’s newest board members and outstanding leaders in the Pierce County business community to offer their thoughts. Pictured above from left are Thuli Lushaba, Jemima McCullum and Christine Nhan.

Thuli Lushaba, Director of Diversity and Community Outreach, Korsmo Construction

Women’s Equality Day not only celebrates the achievements of women throughout history and the progress that has been made, but it is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the need for continued advocacy.

For me personally, the day is a call to empower and uplift women around me. I’m inspired to challenge societal norms, break stereotypes and promote equal opportunities.

As a professional, the day highlights how important it is to create an inclusive and equitable work environment. That includes the need for fair hiring practices, equal pay, and promotion opportunities. It is also an important reminder to challenge gender stereotypes and biases that still exist in the professional sphere.

When we discuss equality, it is crucial that we not overlook the contributions and experiences of women of color who have played a significant role to shape history and fight for equal rights. To promote true equality for all, we must recognize their achievements and address the unique challenges they face.

Work still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality, and I plan to contribute in any way that I can to make that happen.

Jemima McCullum, Partner, Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP

Women’s Equality Day is an important occasion to celebrate the many sacrifices that were made by others to bring about the privilege of equality in this country. It is also a reminder of what we must do daily to protect those privileges.

Women’s equality is one of the main reasons my parents immigrated to the United States circa 1980 from the other side of the world. Thanks to their personal sacrifice, today I am a U.S. citizen and enjoy the freedom of equality that my mother never had.

I have also been blessed to practice law in this great country and have been a real estate and business attorney with Gordon Thomas Honeywell for more than 20 years. Throughout that time, the attorneys at my firm have been strong advocates for and played an integral part to ensure equality in the workplace and the justice system.

As I reflect on my personal experience, I have learned that to appreciate the rights and privileges we enjoy, we must take an active role. We must challenge the wrongs and do the best we can to leave the world a better place. We may not see the beginning or the end of the mission, but we must continue to believe that we can make a difference.

Christine Nhan, Government Relations Manager, Puget Sound Energy

When I was growing up, it was unlikely that someone who was a woman and looked like me held positions in government or were community leaders. Women’s Equality Day is a reminder that it is possible and that as women we must continue to break barriers.

My parents are first generation immigrants from South Korea. Their only dream was to have a better life in America for their children. It was their dedication that allowed me to be one of the first in our family to receive a bachelor’s degree and discover my passion. My motivation was to ensure that voices like my parents are heard at different levels of the government and community. This led me to begin a career working for members of Congress, including U.S. Congressman Adam Smith and U.S. Senator Patty Murray.

I have since advanced my career and recently became a member of the Local Government Affairs team at Puget Sound Energy. I am honored to be a voice for my family, my two young daughters, and my community. PSE is doing incredible, transformational work towards equitable clean energy, and I am proud to be a part of this future.