As March flies by and we have “sprung forward,” we enjoy later sunsets while continuing to honor women and the role they have played in history during Women’s History Month. Our team at Suzanne & Company celebrates women day in and day out. Many of us have drawn on our own family members for motivation and inspiration throughout our lives. Read on for anecdotes of these powerful women.

Check back next week for the final five stories of women who have influenced our team members!

Katie Gerstel, lead agent - south shore

When asked to identify her female role model, Katie immediately thought of her mom, from whom she has learned so much. Her mom has modeled how to care for family, to be a genuinely kind person and a trusted friend to all. Selfless, strong, and generous, Katie’s mom is always thinking of others first and ready to jump in to help anyone in need without hesitation, exemplifying her favorite saying, “Treat others how you would like to be treated.” A famous quote from Maya Angelou rings true for Katie when she thinks of her mother, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Adored by all who know her, Katie’s mom is always striving to be someone’s rainbow.

beth benker, buyer specialist

Beth has spent her life surrounded by admirable women with inspiring stories to tell. Her Grammy, Bea, took a bus from St. Cloud, MN to Washington, DC in 1949, at just 20 years old, to build a life for herself. She went on to work at The United States Capitol and raise 4 children after her husband passed. A smart, independent woman, she loved a good game of cards, time with her family, and a cocktail. Beth’s Nana, Elva, a sickly child sent to live alone in a sanitarium at the age of 6, endured an operation to remove half of one of her lungs at just 13 years old. Despite her challenging childhood, Beth’s Nana was a kind, caring woman, generous in so many ways that exuded love. These women helped to shape who Beth is, who her sisters are, who her mother is. An extremely tight group made tighter through love, loss, and shared hardships, they proudly carry the torch that the older generation passed.

ann cohen, listing specialist

Sometimes our inspiration can be found in our own backyard, or the office upstairs, as is the case for Ann. Her respect and admiration for Suzanne’s remarkable blend of wit, compassion, and savvy business sense have been a driving force in her own career. But before jumping into the real estate world, Ann learned the importance of unconditional love from her grandmother, a mother of seven who still found time to play with her grandchildren and cheerfully do all of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a family running.

Andrea Gray, Buyer Agent Transaction Coordinator

Feeling most influenced by her mother, who radiates perpetual happiness and optimism, Andrea is drawn to notable women who encourage the same. She finds words of inspiration from Oprah Winfrey, who prompts, “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best places for the next moment.” And while keeping those words in mind, Andrea turns to Rachel Hollis to be reminded that “You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are.” Why? Because “When you really want something, you will find a way. When you don’t really want something, you’ll find an excuse.”

Ali Karas, Buyer Specialist

Ali also looks to her mom as a motivating force in her life. Her mom’s continued support in times of both joy and pain is comforting and awe-inspiring. Her unique ability to celebrate life’s greatest moments while wholeheartedly empathizing in the most trying of times is just a small testament to her success in one of life’s largest and most complex undertakings - being a mom. Inspired by her honest vulnerabilities, her strength through growth, and her dedication to excelling in her roles as wife and mother, Ali models her personal and professional goals and mindset after her mom.

Don’t miss the final installment of the Women’s History Month segment next week!