(Submitted by STCC student Rose Raucci)
My name is Rose Raucci, a Health Sciences student and proud member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at Springfield Technical Community College. My journey has been shaped by hardships, resilience, and hope. Growing up, I faced mental health struggles and even a time in foster care! These hardships inspired me to reflect on women in leadership and how they turn obstacles into opportunities. Last year, I returned to college, starting with a Phlebotomy Technician certification. Now, I am preparing to apply to Nursing school to become a Pediatric Psychiatric Nurse. As a wife and mother of four, I hope my story will inspire my children and others.
One day, during a particularly difficult time when I was struggling with my own mental health and past trauma, I met a woman standing on a street corner, asking for help. I hesitated, knowing I only had five dollars left to my name, but I handed it to her anyway, apologizing that it wasn’t much. She smiled gently and said, “This will buy me some bread and peanut butter. God bless you.” At that moment, something inside me shifted. Her gratitude, despite having so little, reminded me of the strength and dignity that women carry even in their hardest moments. I walked away with tears in my eyes and a promise in my heart: that one day, I would dedicate myself to supporting women, to being a voice for those who feel unheard, and to lifting others as I continue to rise.
Through PTK, I recently participated in the Changemakers webinar on Women in Leadership hosted by Institute of Training and Development (ITD), Amherst. Their stories of resilience, inclusion, and empowerment reminded me that leadership is about lifting others while striving for personal growth. This experience also showed me how my journey connects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals emphasizing well-being, education, and gender equality.
The webinar, moderated by Dr. Annabel Beerel, introduced me to extraordinary women leaders from around the world. As I listened, I kept asking myself: How did they do it? How did they overcome immense challenges to become women of influence? Dr. Beerel, founder of the New England Women’s Leadership Institute, emphasized the importance of ethical leadership and encouraged women to take bold steps toward leadership roles, even amidst the demands of daily life. Dr. Teona Grigolashvili, associate professor and dean at Central University of Europe, explained the value of inclusion, high expectations and ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. She said being a leader is not about the title but about creating a positive change in our communities. Vivienne Sannetta Mathys, educator and advocate from Botswana, shared her inspiring work creating inclusive learning environments and supporting single teen mothers to finish schools. She led the Women’s Empowerment Center by teaching herself to lead through perseverance. She shared that the biggest challenge was a lack of the spirit of Volunteerism in our communities. Finally, Prof. Hanan Naser of the American University of Bahrain demonstrated how visionary academic leadership can drive strategic growth and enhance global engagement. She conveyed the importance of documentation through portfolios to reach your goal and enhance impact.
As a PTK member and soon-to-be National Society of Leadership and Success certificate holder, I carry the belief that our past does not define our future. I thank ITD for hosting this motivational webinar. I am grateful that the rich resources at STCC are helping me to transform my life to accomplish my dreams. At STCC, I found my voice, my purpose, and my strength. I am no longer defined by where I’ve been, but by how far I’m determined to go.
