The Record: Let’s honor women this month
March is National Women’s History Month, and the West Texas Tribune is honoring Real Local Women by telling their stories this month.
We have some amazing women in the Abilene area. I hope you will read all of their stories.
Floyd Miller/
Publisher
We often feature stories by and about women, but this month we are making a special effort to honor them.
I believe it would be hard to walk away from any of their stories without having respect and a deep appreciation for their journeys. Perhaps you may see yourself in some of their stories.
I must be transparent about Misty Mayo’s story. I have served on the Development Corporation of Abilene board for a little over five years. I believe in what she’s doing, and in many private conversations I have promoted her and her world-class team. I always felt like the West Texas Tribune should write a story about her but did not feel like I should write it while serving on the board. When Greg Jaklewicz approached me about writing some feature stories for the Tribune, I jumped at it. I said, “Your first story has to be about Misty Mayo.”
He wrote the story without any input from me. As I stated earlier, I have touted Misty’s work in many private conversations; today, Misty, I would simply like to say publicly, “Thank You.”
Amazing Women
Let’s continue with the stories of other amazing women: Pam Porter’s story on page 1 — the greatest thing that every happened to her was in a hospital bed. If you read Jessica Delgado Gray’s story on Page 8, you will find out that the greatest thing that ever happened to her was in a jail cell. The story about Deydra Williams, founder of Pink Cap Warriors On the Move, is on page 1. Mrs. Ricarda Ortiz dropped out of school at age 12, but grades were not the problem; find out more about her life in our Faith section on page 8. Susan Petty learned the importance of reading at a young age; read her story on page 1. Eliza Jones Greene really needs our help; read her story on page 6 and help if you can. Don’t forget to read what the Young Scholars have to say on page 5. When you read that page, you are looking at the future.
Women of the West Texas Tribune
Women have played a great role in the success of the West Texas Tribune, and I would like to say thanks and recognize them. About a year ago we wanted to beef up our reporting on Taylor County Commissioners, Abilene City Council and Abilene school board, and today Makalah Wright is covering that beat. Baylie Simon is working as an intern for the West Texas Tribune this semester; you can read her stories in the paper and on the website. Carol Kelly Dilworth mainly writes articles related to history and feature stories; she has two stories in this edition. Jessica Delgado Gray is a writer, and Shirley Olson and Gail Jay work with the Young Scholars. Gail also serves on the advisory board and occasionally writes a story. Myra Dean can be found on the Opinion page in many issues of the Tribune. Her voice is resonating, and, as a political writer, she has people on all sides of the political spectrum talking, listening and thinking. Sienna Miller is a photojournalist and advisory board member; Neomia Banks is on the advisory board and has advertised in every edition of the paper; Amber Monroe is an advisory board member and writer.
Ashley Cruse is a writer and part of a Blue Cross Blue Shield community volunteer program. Susan “Susie” Brandt helps with ad designs and social media, and Aida Pantoja provides the pictures for All Around Abilene with Aida and is a board member.
Frances Gonzalez Boyd recently retired from writing; she wrote mostly about faith and was one of the longest-serving contributors to the opinion page. Thanks, Frances, and Best Wishes in your new endeavor.
Christine Curtis Carr is a successful grant writer. Thanks to all of the women who have made personal donations and thanks to the women who run the local foundations. Le Ann Millinder is a wonderful resource in helping me navigate in the non-profit world. Carla McKeown lays the paper out; she has a degree in journalism from Texas Tech and a lot of newspaper experience. She and I are the last ones to see the paper before it goes to press. We go back and forth, looking, talking and making sure everything is good. As we are having that discussion, I am also thinking about what Marilyn may think of the paper. She does not help in the day-to-day operation, but she does read it. Once I am convinced in my mind that she would send it to press, we are ready to go.
Thank you, ladies!
Rev. Jesse Jackson passes
Reverend Jesse Jackson’s efforts helped all people. The things that he advocated for helped all women no matter of their race, creed or color. He headed up the Rainbow Coalition, which included people from all walks of life. He kept hope alive.
Floyd Miller is a Financial Advisor with Osaic Wealth, Publisher of the West Texas Tribune, host of the It’s Everything West Texas podcast, and a public speaker.
The West Texas Tribune is a community-based non-profit newspaper. If you’d like to support what we’re doing, scan the QR code below. Additionally, donations can be made online at www.westtex astribune.org or mailed to West Texas Tribune, 3300 South 14th, Suite 100, Abilene, Texas 79605.
