In 94 years, women in America have gone from not having a vote, to having 99 seats in the 113th Congress. The progress made so far is worth celebrating. During the month of March, we take the time to honor the achievements of these women and others dedicated to improving society.

Women’s History Month started as Women’s History Week in 1978 from a school district in California. Two years later, President Jimmy Carter declared one week out of March as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress extended Women’s History Week into Women’s History Month. The month has been celebrated ever since with different themes for each year. The 2014 theme isCelebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment. In recognition of the brave women this month commends, below are my favorite quotes from several inspiring women.

You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering, and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas. -Shirley Chisholm, First African-American women elected to Congress

Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world. -Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former First Lady, New York Senator, and Secretary of State

Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsiblity of bringing up the next generation.-Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

Optimism is the faither that leads to achievement. Nothing can be donw without hope and confidence.-Helen Keller, Author, Activist, and Lecturer

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -Eleanor Roosevelt, Former First Lady

Be a leader, like these remarkable women, and move to action TODAY.