In celebration of Women’s History Month, North Gwinnett Voice staff member Denise Rumbaugh reached out to women whose accomplishments have been influential and impactful in several areas, including education, politics, media and business. She asked each woman about other women throughout history they admire, the most influential women in their own lives, advice they would share with women and girls on achieving their own goals and dreams and the importance of celebrating women’s history. The NGV has compiled their responses in celebration of Women’s History Month and in honor of these incredible women leaving their marks.
Tracie Cason is a Gwinnett County Superior Court judge whose career has been focused on the protection of children and victims of sexual assault.
Denise Rumbaugh: Is there any particular woman or are there women in history you admire? What do you admire about her or them?
Tracie Cason: Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. All of them were trailblazers in their professions. They knew they were qualified to do their jobs, despite men and others doubting them. They were confident and accomplished. They earned respect because of their hard work and dedication.
DR: Who has been the most influential woman in your life and why?
TC: My mother. From a very early age, I was instilled with the belief that I could do whatever I wanted to do, without limitations. Additionally, she was always ready to help whoever might need it, showing me the power and duty of helping those less fortunate.
DR: What advice would you share with women and girls on working to achieve their goals and dreams?
TC: Don’t ever give in to the doubters. Know your own strength and resolve. If you have a dream, you can accomplish it. Don’t dream too small! I read somewhere (can’t remember where) “If your dreams don’t scare you, you aren’t dreaming big enough.” It is so true!
DR: What do you think is the importance of celebrating women’s history?
TC: History has shown that we have been a male-dominated society. Yet, women have made huge, life-altering contributions for centuries. The only way to reach real equality is to demonstrate and highlight those contributions.
