Women Who Shaped My Journey: A Personal Reflection for Women’s History Month

Celebrating Amazing Women

March 15, 2026 | Daphne Oh

"Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back at history books. It's about honoring the women who have shaped our personal stories as well."

Every March, Women’s History Month reminds us to pause and recognize the incredible contributions women have made to society. From leaders and activists to teachers, mothers, caregivers, and everyday women who quietly change the world around them. Women have always been a powerful force of strength.

For centuries, women have broken barriers, nurtured communities, inspired change, and created opportunities for future generations. Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back at history books. It's about honoring the women who have shaped our personal stories as well.

When I think about the women who have influenced my life, my heart is filled with so much gratitude. There are so many incredible women who have helped guide my path. However, today I want to recognize four who have personally shaped my journey in the most meaningful ways.

My Mom: The Foundation Of My Journey

The first woman I must honor is my mom; the true foundation of my journey. I honestly believe nobody could ask for a better mother.

She has been there for me throughout every season of my life. She's been there through the highs, the lows, the moments when I felt confident and the moments when I felt unsure of myself. No matter what I was facing, she always had an encouraging word waiting for me.

One of the things I admire most about my mom is her deep spirituality. She truly believes in allowing God to order our steps, and that faith has been a guiding light in our family. Watching her trust God through every circumstance taught me that faith isn’t just something you speak about. Faith is something you live. It's something you show and enforce with action.

Her strength, wisdom, and compassion have shaped who I am today.

Mom, thank you for being my safe place, my encouragement, and my spiritual compass. Your love and guidance have carried me further than you may ever realize. I pray that you continue to walk in the blessings and peace that you so freely pour into others.

My Sister Dee: My Role Model

 

My oldest sister, Dee, has always been my role model. I don't think she realizes it even though I'm always telling everyone that she's my role model. I even wrote a paper in college about her being my role model. She just thinks I like to argue with her all the time, which is true too lol 🤣 

She is one of the hardest-working people I know. When she sets her mind to something, she goes after it with determination and discipline. Watching her pursue her goals has taught me what it means to truly work for the life you want. If you were to search “work for the life you want” her picture would probably pop up 🤣 

Like our mom, my sister is also God-fearing, and her faith influences how she moves through life and how she cares for her family. She always wants the best for the people she loves, and she does everything she can to make sure they are supported and taken care of.

She is also one of the most giving people I know. She checks in on me regularly, always asking about what’s going on in my life and making sure I’m doing okay.

Now, I’ll admit, we may bump heads sometimes and argue about the smallest things (because that’s what sisters do!). But even through the little disagreements, one thing remains true: our bond is tight and unbreakable.

My sister, your strength, faith, and generosity inspire me more than you know. Continue being the amazing woman that you are because the way you care for others and work toward your dreams leaves a lasting impact on everyone around you.

My Best Friend and Sister: Dani Mae

 

Another woman who has had an incredible impact on my life is my best friend and sister in spirit, Dani Mae. If y'all only knew the love, I have for this woman. We have been through some things together, amazing and difficult, and we remain unbreakable.

She is truly an amazing and inspiring individual. She’s a true go-getter who perseveres through every challenge life throws her way. I admire her determination and dedication to the things that matter most to her.

She’s also an incredible mother to her children. She's patient, understanding, and deeply committed to their growth and happiness.

Since elementary school, Dani Mae has always had my best interest at heart. She gives sound advice and has never hesitated to speak truth into my life when I needed it most.

And let’s not forget her fun personality. Dani Mae loves to joke around, and her humor always keeps a smile on my face. Even on difficult days, she has a way of lifting my spirits and helping me see the positive side of things. When she and I are together, we never need to be under the influence of anything because we bring a natural high vibration of energy. When our energies connect, we have the most amazing time. We can sit and laugh for five minutes straight about a piece of grass that we think is growing crooked lol 🤣. It doesn't have to make sense to others and half the time it doesn't make sense to us, but we will still laugh about it.

We talk almost every day. Even if it’s just about something as simple as the rain falling outside.

Dani Mae, thank you for being the kind of friend that stands the test of time. Your strength, humor, and unwavering support make life brighter. Continue chasing your dreams and inspiring everyone around you. You are truly one of a kind.

My Daughter: Kayla Bean

 

The final young woman I want to honor is someone very special to my heart, my daughter, Kayla Bean.

First and foremost, I am deeply grateful that I was chosen by The Most High to be her mother. She has taught me more about life, love, patience, and strength than I ever imagined possible.

Kayla Bean is the reason I found my voice. Because of her, I learned how to speak up, not just for myself, but for others as well. I learned how to advocate. I learned how to stand firm when something matters.

Being on the autism spectrum, Kayla navigates life in ways that have opened my eyes to a kind of strength I never could have imagined before. Watching her grow, adapt, and shine has shown me what true courage looks like.

She sees the world differently than I do, and honestly, it’s a beautiful perspective. Her way of experiencing life reminds me to slow down, notice the little things, and appreciate the uniqueness that makes each of us who we are.

Kayla Bean is a powerful motivating force in my life, and I will forever be grateful for her.

Kayla Bean, you inspire me every single day. Never doubt your strength, your brilliance, or the beauty of the perspective you bring to this world. I am so proud of you, and I thank God for you every day.

A Final Reflection

 

There are so many other incredible women in my life who inspire me, support me, and uplift me. If I tried to mention them all, this would turn into a book instead of a blog.

But to every woman reading this, I want to leave you with this message:

Your story matters.

Your voice matters.

Your strength matters.

The impact you have on the people around you through kindness, perseverance, faith, and love, creates ripples that reach far beyond what you can see.

This Women’s History Month, let’s continue to celebrate the women who came before us, support the women beside us, and inspire the women who will follow after us.

Because when women uplift one another, we don’t just make history. We shape the future.

I hope this blog has found you in good spirits and that you have enjoyed me sharing my personal apprecation to some of the most influential women in my life. I truly appreciate everyone's support and really enjoy sharing these beautiful women with everyone. Please leave a comment and share any of your thoughts and favorite pioneers of women's history. You never know who you may be inspiring. Wishing everyone peace, happiness and abundance. Please check back weekly for my latest blogs and any that you may have missed. Some will be personal, others will be about spreading awareness and some will be a combination of both. Until next time...

 -Daphne Oh

Kay Bea Presents

"Same World, Different Perspective