Since 1987, March has been Women’s History Month. It was first created as a local celebration in California in 1980, but it slowly made its way across the country. During this month, we celebrate the women who are overlooked, and the strides being taken towards gender equality.

There are many examples of women in modern leadership making contributions to crucial matters, whether it is someone famous or someone in the Pascack Valley High School community. 

One example of modern leadership at PV is Vice Principal Alison Petaccia. She has been working in education for 22 years, having been a teacher for 18 years and assistant principal for four. 

Petaccia’s primary inspiration was her father, showing that true leadership does not have to be associated with someone’s gender. She conveyed that she thinks being a leader doesn’t speak to the person’s gender, but their character. 

“He’s inspired me to go into education,” she simply stated.

Although Petaccia doesn’t do her job for the sole purpose of representing women, she hopes to make other female students and staff in this building comfortable as well as support them. 

“It’s good that I’m a female and a leader… other females can see [that] they can do what I do,” said Petaccia. She explained that it is important to see women in these positions because it shows that everyone can be respected as a leader. 

This month is pivotal because it advocates social change regarding gender norms. Today, it is important because women in leadership positions could act as a role model for young girls and because there are ongoing disputes on pay gaps.

Women’s History Month progressed from one week to a whole month due to the growing popularity of it. Different ways to acknowledge the contributions of women this month are reading autobiographies of powerful women, supporting women-owned businesses, or hosting small events.