Starting out as a local Californian celebration in 1978, Women’s History Month, established in 1987, has evolved into a national month-long holiday celebrating women’s past, present, and future accomplishments. Looking through a local lens, countless women have positively impacted the South Windsor community as a whole through leadership, creativity, and integrity.
A prominent advocate for South Windsor students and families is South Windsor’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kate Carter. Fifteen years ago, Dr. Carter became the first female to occupy this position in South Windsor.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be the first woman to serve as South Windsor’s Superintendent of Schools,” Dr. Carter commented.
As one of the longest serving superintendents in Connecticut, Carter is honored and “equally passionate about inspiring both our girls and boys to seek leadership roles.”
Dr. Carter emphasizes core beliefs surrounding her role, which include leading with humility and integrity. Never underestimating the value of common sense, treating people with dignity and respect, maintaining a moral compass, modeling kindness, listening more and talking less, and never forgetting to maintain a sense of humor. She views demonstrating these values to the younger generation as just as important as her official duties.
In addition to district leadership, South Windsor values strong school leadership, exemplified by one of South Windsor High School’s new administrators, Mrs. Jessica Serrano. Having previously served as part of the teaching staff, Serrano has taken on new responsibilities as an associate principal.
“I have experienced ups and downs, steep learning curves, and moments of both challenge and fulfillment [during this transition],” Serrano explained.
Serrano has already had a positive impact on our community, and will continue to, by upholding an “open door policy” always making herself accessible to SWHS students. Serrano consistently advocates on behalf of students and emphasizes the importance of communication.
“This year, I want to foster a learning environment where students feel a sense of belonging—where they can be creative, take risks, and develop new skills with confidence,” Serrano told The Prowl. “I hope that every student looks forward to coming to school, knowing they are valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Equally as impactful are the women in South Windsor who empower the younger generations to take initiative in their passions and hobbies. A woman native to South Windsor, Catherine Casalino, has been an example of this trait in the professional world, and is an inspiration to many. Casalino is a graphic designer based in New York who has worked for various design houses and independent projects in the graphic design community.
“I think that one of the biggest challenges women can face in graphic design and creative direction is being assigned projects that align with traditional gender roles,” Casalino told The Prowl.
Traditionally, graphic design and typography have been male dominated, such as newspapers and printing presses. By turning her youthful enthusiasm for design and photography into her professional career, Casalino has experienced being secluded to projects subjected to women, due to the topics being seen as ‘feminine’ and ‘pretty.’ As a designer, Casalino is interested in all aspects of her occupation, including projects typically given to men. Designing for “sports, history, and horror” are all things Casalino voices are subjects in which she desires to design for. By being a woman in a male dominated field, she hopes to bring evolution and change to the community of design.
In the South Windsor community, many women provide inclusive care environments for residents, to better their health and advance the community.
A local state-of- the-art gym, Timberhead Crossfit, is supported by the efforts of women coaches who emphasize the importance of both physical and mental fitness. Timberhead provides a plethora of health oriented classes for people of all ages and capabilities, and capitalizes on the importance of community.
A key component to the gym is The Athletes Physical Therapist Company, founded by Dr. Genevieve Gyulavary. Alongside her coworkers, Dr. Krista Clarke and Dr. Julianna Lusk, these three accomplished women provide performance physical therapy for active lifestyles, with methods consisting of quality care, movement, progressive overload, and evidence based treatment. Inspiring clients to optimize their health, Dr. Gyulavary approaches each case with the goal of not just fixing the pain, but making sure it doesn’t return.
Beyond the women highlighted above, countless women make daily impacts on their friends, family, colleagues, and community. March is a month to recognize and give thanks to those women for the impact they continue to make.
