Empowering Change: Lessons from Three Remarkable Women

This June, I attended the ICPMA (International Construction Project Management Association) Conference in New York City, a vibrant metropolis known for its dynamism, diversity, and cultural richness. This trip was not only a professional engagement but also a chance to spend quality time with my husband and friends from ICPMA.

As I explored the city’s towering skyline and lively streets, I was deeply moved by the stories of three extraordinary women whose achievements have left an indelible mark on history.

Their legacies are powerful reminders of what can be accomplished through determination, collaboration, and a continual pursuit of excellence. These are inspirational stories that shape our way of doing things. I was also inspired by the collaborative work that women and men are challenged to do which bring out the best in each of us.

In this new era, let us strive to reduce and hopefully eliminate the professional and social differences between women and men so that day by day, we move closer to a world where individuals are evaluated solely on their capabilities and efforts. ICPMA, as a global international project management association, will always fulfill its role in promoting collaboration and equality worldwide.

[edit] Emily Warren Roebling: The Woman Who Saved the Brooklyn Bridge

When the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 after fourteen years of construction, Emily Warren Roebling made history as the first person to cross it by carriage, symbolically carrying a live rooster to signify victory. Her journey to this moment was one of resilience and remarkable and exceptional leadership. Early in the bridge's construction, her husband, Washington Roebling, the chief engineer, became bedridden due to decompression sickness. Emily, undeterred, stepped into his role and, for over a decade, managed the project’s completion, becoming the first female field engineer in the process.

The New York Times highlighted her remarkable dedication: “Mrs. Roebling applied herself to the study of engineering, and she succeeded so well that in a short time, she was able to assume the duties of chief engineer.” Emily dealt with contractors, supervised staff, inspected the construction, and handled political and media relations. Her tireless efforts culminated in the bridge’s opening, where she was lauded for her contribution. U.S. Congressman Abram Stevens Hewitt praised her in his speech, saying the Brooklyn Bridge would stand as “an everlasting monument to the sacrificing devotion of a woman and of her capacity for that higher education from which she has been too long disbarred.”

After the bridge’s completion, Emily continued championing women’s rights and education, penning the award-winning essay “A Wife's Disabilities” and earning a law certificate from New York University in 1899. Though often overshadowed by her male counterparts, Emily Warren Roebling's legacy remains a testament to her pioneering spirit and dedication.

[edit] Käthe Kollwitz: A Voice for the Voiceless

Käthe Kollwitz, born in 1867, was a German artist whose work in painting, printmaking, and sculpture captured the struggles and resilience of the working class. Her profound empathy and commitment to social justice were deeply influenced by her grandfather, a Lutheran pastor dedicated to social causes. Kollwitz’s father recognized her artistic talent early, enrolling her in drawing lessons at twelve and later at the School for Women Artists in Berlin.

Kollwitz’s art, particularly her etchings, depicted the harsh realities of working-class life with striking emotional depth. She often drew inspiration from her husband’s medical practice, which served the poor, and the personal tragedies she witnessed, including the death of her child. Her works convey powerful messages about grief, suffering, and resilience, and she utilized printmaking to reach a wider audience with her social commentary.

Throughout her career, Kollwitz broke numerous barriers. She was the first woman elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts and later became its first female department head. Despite being forced to resign by the Nazi regime in 1933, her legacy as a champion of the proletariat and an advocate for women’s rights endures. Kollwitz’s work is a poignant reminder of the power of art to inspire social change and empathy. Is her work in NYC? Or what is her link to this article about NYC? or were you reminded of her story by what you saw in NYC?

[edit] Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney: A Patron of American Art

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, born into one of America’s wealthiest families in 1875, used her privilege to become a significant patron of the arts and an accomplished sculptor. Her journey began in Europe, where the burgeoning art scenes of Montmartre and Montparnasse inspired her. She pursued her passion for sculpture, studying with notable artists and creating monumental works that earned critical acclaim.

During World War I, Whitney dedicated herself to relief efforts, operating a hospital in France and creating poignant drawings of soldiers that influenced her later memorial sculptures. Her contributions extended beyond her art; in 1929, she offered her extensive collection of American modern art to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, only to be declined. Undeterred, she founded the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1931, a pivotal institution for promoting contemporary American artists.

Whitney's legacy is her museum and her advocacy for women in art. She supported women-only exhibitions and ensured their inclusion in major shows. Her financial support for artistic endeavors, including the 1913 Armory Show and the Society of Independent Artists, helped shape the landscape of American modernism. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney’s vision and generosity have left a lasting impact on the art world, promoting the works of avant-garde and unrecognized artists.

[edit] Conclusion

The stories of Emily Warren Roebling, Käthe Kollwitz, and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney illustrate the profound impact of women in shaping history through their talents, determination, resilience, and commitment to their causes.

As we move forward, let their legacies inspire us to foster collaboration, support the growth of others, and strive for excellence. The lessons learned from these remarkable women can help us, in our own lives, through our collective efforts, build bridges toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

by Raquel Campos e Matos

(ICPMA President and GEG Project manager)