As Dallas College celebrates the accomplishments made under the leadership of Dr. Kay Eggleston, we are reminded that the role of women in leadership extends far beyond the campus limits.
Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, a part of Career and Transfer Services, spoke about the legacies left to her, and the legacy she is leaving for her daughter.
“I look at the legacy that my grandmother built for me, and that my mother built for me,” said Taylor. “Each component of their life I look at and I see how they pushed me,” she said.
Taylor continued to talk about how education contributes to her celebration of women.
“My grandmother was illiterate. I didn’t realize my grandmother couldn’t read until I was in high school. Once I realized she couldn’t read, I struggled to read as a kid,” she said. “I realized that the ability to read was powerful. It helped me to be where I am today, which is continuously driving me because my goal is to build a legacy for my daughter … Not only am I building this legacy for her but for every young lady that I come across in my life,” she said.
“Women’s History Month to me, is about legacy. When I earned my doctorate degree, I dedicated it to my grandmother, my mother and my daughter.”
Dara Eason, student engagement coordinator with the Richland Office of Student Life and Engagement also spoke about seeking inspiration from the important women in her life.
“I am always inspired by women leaders, women in traditionally male roles,” she said.
“Anytime I see a woman that’s just a go-getter, an entrepreneur, a leader or any type of person in a position of servitude, where they serve others. … Those are the types of women that I’m just inspired [by].”
Eason talked about other figures in her life that paved a path for the lifestyle she chose to pursue..
“I’ve had some amazing women in my family that are just amazing leaders,” she said.
“My mom, she’s been part of our pantry ministry at our church since its inception,” she said.
“She is still there probably weekly, at least once or twice a week. … Hopefully, when I’m retired and I can spend my time doing that,” she said.
“She’s leading whatever capacity she can and giving back. I just like to know that all humans, but especially women that are just able to, do the things that no one else seems to want to do,” she added.
Just like Taylor and Eason, Hannah Alfar, senior manager of Special Academic programs recognized meaningful women in her life.
“Empowering myself, my daughters, everyone around me, and my team as a woman. We make a difference; we are very strong and I believe women can do whatever” she said. “My grandma, very strong woman. She’s passed away now. She believes education is the point that will make her kids’ lives better than ever,” she said.
“They were struggling. They were not rich. She fought to go to another city and her country to get education back in the 1800s. She wanted to be a teacher,” she said.
Alfar talked about a second woman of inspiration, her aunt.
“She was the first [woman] medical doctor in the city where they lived.”
She said, “And now she’s been practicing medicine for about 55 years. She still has her clinic open, so she’s another inspiration for me.”
“Even though my dad and everyone are educated, because of my grandma, it runs in the family.
“So, for us, girls, they get education even before males in the family. So, it’s very important for us to get education, and that was empowered by my grandma,” she added.
