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Over the years, WestCoast Magazine has been a strong voice for women – a place where women have connected and supported each other. Now more than ever, we’re recognizing our power, coming together, working to improve our families’ lives, and making our communities stronger and our world a little better. 

I find being exposed to inspirational women is equivalent to receiving a vitamin B shot – they lift me up. I enjoy meeting women who have overcome challenges and stand out as leaders. They’ve fought hard and pushed through and have come out stronger because of it. But more importantly, they’ve won the intangible gift of inspiring others. 

When I think of the women who have inspired me, I think of those who have had the ability to mentor, develop, and empower other women, from family rooms to classrooms, from courtrooms to boardrooms. Regardless of their position, they each left me with lifelong lessons. Their teachings became not only mine, but also the many women they touched, thereby spreading their influence in endless directions and across generations.

In this issue we celebrate women in our feature titled Women to Watch 2018. These ladies are changing our communities by helping to empower other women. We’ve recognized influential females who have risen through the ranks in their careers, while positively influencing other people along the way. Meet the ladies to watch in 2018 on page 14. Whether it’s through their leadership roles or entrepreneurship, or as teachers or health professionals, I’m sure you’ll agree these are women making a difference.

While stay-at-home moms are still not getting the credit they deserve, and working mothers are still criticized for being away from their children, the time is long overdue for us to accept that it’s a very personal choice. In our society, there are many different options for parents these days, and in the end, a happy parent produces a happy family. It’s not about who is staying home or who is going to work. We should respect a woman’s choice to do either and not minimize their decision, because in actuality, there are sacrifices and enough guilt involved with either option. Read our Mom articles in this issue.

It would be remiss of me to ignore the #MeToo movement. Brave women are stepping up and speaking out about sexual misconduct, and now the workplace is poised to change forever because of it. Time’s Up, and it’s long overdue. It’s good to know that wives, daughters, sisters, and girlfriends are safer and stronger because of it. 

It’s a great time to celebrate the women who came before us – our mothers, grandmothers, teachers, bosses, and ancestors we never knew; the women we’ve read about in books, and those we’ve never heard of. They took bold steps forward. They supported each other. They overcame the odds, and they broke through barriers. We must celebrate their accomplishments and keep pushing forward to finish what they started. After all, I truly believe that in 2018, gender equality is a viable goal.   

I was recently humbled to accept a Latinas of Influence award from Hispanic Lifestyle. To join past recipients who I admire and respect was a great honor. An enormous salute to all of the nominees, each of whom have made incredible contributions, not only to our communities, but throughout the country. Very special thanks to Richard Sandoval, president of Hispanic Lifestyle, for hosting and bringing together such inspiring women.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, and please don’t forget to take a moment on Memorial Day to remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

I wish you all a wonderful month of joy. Take this opportunity to create the very best memories with the people you love.