Friend,

I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by incredible female role models my entire life. From my mom, to my grandmothers, to some of my favorite teachers and incredible mentors, I have always felt assured that the sky is the limit and that my gender is an asset to be celebrated, not something that should ever hold me back or limit my potential. 

As we celebrate Women’s History Month this year, I wanted to invite you to join Michelle Siri and me in a virtual fireside chat as we discuss our experiences, what we’ve learned from the strong women in our lives, and what her and John’s plans are to create a more equitable Maryland for all of us.

I also wanted to take a moment to talk about a few of the Maryland women who inspire me. 

I am inspired by the resilience and bravery of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and returned to free over 300 enslaved people here in Maryland and went on to be a freedom fighter as a spy and a nurse in the Civil War.

I am moved by the compassion and caring nature of Clara Barton, the Civil War nurse who founded the American Red Cross, which is saving countless lives to this day.

I am energized and uplifted by the spirit and voice of Billie Holiday, one of the greatest jazz singers ever, who overcame immense adversity to pioneer new forms of jazz and pop music and wasn’t afraid to speak out against violence against Black Americans.

I am moved by the moxie and commitment of Rachel Carson, the writer and environmentalist, who alerted the world to just how powerful, and often harmful, human impact is on our environment back in 1962 with “Silent Spring.”

These are just a few of the incredible Maryland women who I admire, and there are so many more.

This Women’s History Month, I invite you to reflect on the women who came before us — who paved the way and broke barriers to advance our rights and make the world a better place. And if you are able, I hope to see you at our virtual fundraiser on March 8th.

Thank you,

Melissa King