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Reflections on a Pioneer: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 Our road of #Vision2020 has been paved by brave warriors before us. Without those inspiring people that have come before us, so many of the world’s technologies, accomplishments, and mankind’s growth would not have been possible. This is why this month I want to reflect on a visionary life well lived of Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  

I could never do her story justice, so I will not be telling her story. Rather my reflection is more about what a life well lived means for those of us looking to have the vision we have in our minds. We all know Justice Ginsburg was a lawyer and a judge. Yet she was not born a lawyer or a judge. Justice Ginsburg was a woman who attended law school at a time when female lawyers were rare. Based on her experiences in education and employment, she saw the need to champion human rights for not just women, but for all.

In today’s world, we would not bat an eyelash at a woman achieving all Justice Ginsburg did. This is because she not only had vision, but was a pioneer.  The term pioneer brings to mind either people crossing America in covered wagons or those achieving something first and early. Either way, pioneers have vision. What will life be like when something is achieved, when we go places we have never been, or when we take that first step? The difference between a pioneer and a dreamer is action.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg took action. In her personal path to success, she had to overcome many obstacles and climb mountains to achieve her success. She went against popular opinion many times, was outspoken, and bold. Although she was well loved by her family and friends, there were probably people who did not feel so warm about her along the way. It was ok. She is a reminder in order to achieve our vision, we may need to take a long road, an unpopular road, or a windy path.

As September comes to a close, I urge everyone to reflect on what it means to be a visionary and a pioneer. For workforce professionals, social service professionals, and those supporting others in their vision, I urge you to not only reflect on vision, but to also reflect on how you can best provide that support for the next pioneer or the next female Supreme Court Justice. Rest in peace, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her life was a vision.

~Karen Cirincione

Email: kcirincione@gmail.com        

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/karenjcirincione

Twitter: @kcirincione  

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