I feel called to start by honoring each of the women who came before and after me in my family.

Including:

– Great-grandmother Filomena Otsuni, who I never met. She immigrated to Brazil following my grandfather , and together they helped create the Scavone family there.

– My sweet grandmother Eponina Mattos Mendes, the only grandmother I met and got to love. She taught me simple things in life, such as gardening, cooking and talking to trees and plants. I miss her!

– Grandmother Kiyoko Nagano, who I also never met. Like my Italian grand-mother, she immigrated to Brazil with here family. The heartbreak of being away from her parents and relatives, was too much for you to bear, and she left us untimely.

– My mother, Leiko, also known as Lourdes. She is a strong woman, who went through countless life trials. Not as sweet as she looks on this photo, an example of how to continue going when the going gets touch. I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together now, and the learning happening as the years progresses.

– My sister Angelica, my constant childhood playmate, remembering your smile and soft ways still warm my heart. I look forward to seeing you on the other side.

– Rachel, my smart, strong and thoughtful daughter. What a gift to have you in my life and watch you as you transform from a cute baby into a curious, determine young woman.

Celebrate all women today. We have come a long way and there’s still progress to be made.

To all women and girls:

– keep dreaming;

– keep reaching;

– keep believing;

– keep learning;

KEEP SHINING!