For nearly a century, International Women’s Day has recognized the contributions and legacies of women across the world. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the urgency of breaking down systemic barriers and biases that women face, including lower pay, unequal access to resources, and discrimination. At the current pace, full gender equality won’t be reached until 2158, more than five generations from today, according to the World Economic Forum.
In Gary, four women aren’t waiting. At a special event Wednesday hosted by Edgewater Health, they were recognized for overcoming barriers related to health inequities affecting women and Black families.
The event was part of Edgewater Health’s “Mind, Body & Spirit” series, a monthly program that brings in speakers to discuss physical health, mental wellness, nutrition, and emotional well-being. LaTanya Woodson, director of community health education for Edgewater Health, emphasized that real health care goes beyond doctors’ visits — it’s about treating the whole person.
“These components work together to shape our identity and determine our overall health. When individuals and families come to Edgewater for services, it reinforces our mission to care for the whole person,” Woodson said.
“Addressing the stigmas associated with mental health has always presented challenges, especially in Black and brown communities, where misconceptions often stem from a lack of knowledge.”
That philosophy was reflected in Edgewater’s honorees, who have each taken a unique approach to improving community health while remaining united in their mission to uplift women and families.
Dr. Shawnise Carter, owner of HealthyCare HomeCare LLC, provides home care assistance across Northwest Indiana. As a mother of five and an author, she believes self-care is just as essential as caregiving. “Take care of your health, your wealth, and yourself,” she said.
Merry Green, president of MGPG Events Inc. and executive producer of the Black Women’s Expo, has spent decades creating platforms for Black women in business. She spoke about the challenges of securing investment for Black-owned businesses and the importance of economic self-sufficiency. Her keys to success? “Be like Nike — just do it.”
Jess Kern, founder of Raindrops Rising, turned personal trauma into advocacy, building an organization that provides legal aid, relocation services, and support for survivors of sexual violence across Indiana. A trafficking survivor and mother of four, she shared the quote that drives her mission: “Turn your pain into purpose.”
Yajaira Ruiz, first lady of Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostes in East Chicago, said she has experienced a shift in women’s equality across the ministry, church, and workplace. She continued that during a teaching trip to India, only two women were teachers out of the class of 22. Despite this, her class treated her with respect, and were open to her mentorship.
“I have to say that there’s much work to do,” she said. “Let’s continue to do what we need to be doing in order to hopefully one day find oneness, equality, and togetherness.”
During the panel, the women continued on how they take care of their physical and mental well-being to prevent burnout and depletion.
“What makes me a strong woman is that I set goals for myself, and I know that there will be challenges while trying to achieve those goals, but it’s really just the determination,” Carter said, adding that her support system — including her mother, who was in the audience — helped immensely.
Agreeing with the point of needing a healthy support group, Kern draws from the lessons of her past to help guide her and her children’s future as a role model.
“As I said before, I am a trafficking survivor,” she said. “And when you come from a space like that, the world and everyone in it throws you away.”
But now, she says, she doesn’t take no for an answer and forges on as she advocates for other women, takes care of her children as a role model, and empowers others.
“My mom taught me to not take no for an answer. My mom taught me to do something about it, and if my kids say that about me, that’s my fulfillment. That’s my fulfillment as a woman who’s a mother,” she continued.
Ruiz shared steps that she has proudly taken to support her mental health.
“I take care of my mental health. I have gone to a therapist, psychologist, and counseling, and I’m not ashamed to say that,” she said, which was met with cheers from the room.
The women closed the discussion by honoring the “spitfire” women who had shaped their lives. Ruiz spoke of her mother, the first woman in generations of their family to break barriers, overcoming domestic violence and stage three cancer to inspire those around her. Green reflected on her late sister, Ruby, who was like a mother to her and a constant source of support.
Looking ahead, the panelists called for a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality, urging the next generation to carry the torch forward.
“Let’s continue to take action — whether it’s big or small, let’s do it,” Ruiz said. “Let’s come together and let’s do it. … Love will unite us, and in oneness, we will thrive.”