This March feels special. It’s my first March and Women’s History Month as principal of Henrich Communications. And now, I’m happy to announce – Henrich Communications is officially a state and federally certified woman-owned business!

Since becoming majority owner of Henrich Communications, I’ve talked to and leaned on many other women who own businesses. When I mentioned that I went for and received official certification, several people were impressed that I “bothered” doing so through the official channels. Admittedly, it was a long process. The paperwork required for just one application was excessive, and we earned certification through two different channels. Henrich Communications now holds federal status as a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) from the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as on the state level as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) from the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office.

So, why, you might wonder, did I bother?

There are many answers, but the most central one is that I am proud to be a woman, proud of the many women before me who broke down barriers to clear the path so that I could be here in this position, and proud to work to empower other women. I know that becoming principal of HC was, at times, filled with challenges, with unfair societal pressures on women – that I felt personally – to both be a “good” mom and also to focus on a career. I know there are plenty of places around the world that women are treated, at best, as second-class citizens, and there is much more to do to ensure a more equitable society for women worldwide.

As a woman-owned business, Henrich Communications brings insights and points of views that many companies simply don’t have at the highest levels of decision-making, and I encourage you to consider businesses like mine or other disadvantaged business enterprises when you are looking for partner or subcontractor for a project. We would love to connect with you, and encourage you to go to henrichcommunications.com to find out more about us and our public relations and communications coaching services.

So this March, I am grateful for the women who blazed a path forward for me professionally, and for the women in my life who have been my role models for what it looks like to be a good mom, sister, friend, colleague, business woman, and human.

You know who you are. Thank you.