Members of the Tufts University community have shared tributes to women who have influenced and inspired them, in recognition of Women’s History Month. The stories highlight a range of women, from family members to historical figures, each illustrating qualities such as care, resilience, and leadership.
Jennifer Burton, professor of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, honored her mother Gabrielle Burton for her adventurous spirit and dedication to writing. “When I was 9, my mother, Gabrielle Burton, bought a motorcycle. She was doing research for her first novel… My mother went on to carve out an amazing life… And through it all, she wrote,” Burton said. She noted how her mother’s journey shaped both her personal and professional life.
Alastair Cribb, dean at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, reflected on the mentorship of Dr. Louise Nadeau during his early career on the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). “Louise graciously welcomed me as an early career faculty member and soon became a mentor. Her inspiring fight to expand our view of health research… had a profound effect on me that has lasted over 25 years,” Cribb stated.
Julie Dobrow from the Eliot-Pearson Department recounted discovering Elaine Goodale Eastman in college archives: “The forcefulness and agency of this young white woman who defied her conservative New England roots… spoke to and inspired me.” Dobrow continues to find Eastman’s legacy significant despite complexities revealed by further research.
Christina Economos, dean at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, described Fannie Lou Hamer’s influence after visiting Hamer’s memorial garden in Mississippi. “Fannie was a women’s rights activist and community organizer who… started the Freedom Farm Cooperative… Her courage, determination, and fight for food and nutrition equity are an ongoing inspiration for me,” Economos said.
Provost Caroline Genco paid tribute to her late daughter Christina: “She was 22 when she died… Christina modeled how to live a joyful life grounded in her commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.” Genco keeps one of Christina’s journals with the phrase “Be the change you wish to see in the world” as daily motivation.
President Sunil Kumar spoke about learning from his mother-in-law Hema Murli: “She earned a Ph.D. in biology from Johns Hopkins in the early 1960s… I learnt more than cooking from my mother-in-law. I learnt that you let your achievements speak for themselves…”
Alexis Mastronardi highlighted her mother Irene Kimball’s positivity: “Her smile and spirit are contagious… Even when faced with grim circumstances… she is undoubtedly our biggest fan.”
Katrina Moore found support through Gladys “Skippy” Daniel after moving north post-college: “Skippy became more than a mentor or model… She inspires me to keep growing… she will always hold one [special place] in mine.”
Athena Papas recalled being inspired by Professor Nancy Milburn at Tufts: “I was awed by the great love Professor Milburn had for research… Working with Nancy Milburn inspired me to follow in her footsteps…” Papas credits this mentorship with shaping her path toward clinical translational research.
Mike Rodman remembered Sally Aman from his days volunteering on political campaigns: “…Sally stayed calm… When things went wrong… she focused not just on fixing the problem but on how a crisis could be transformed into an opportunity.” He emphasized lessons learned about leadership under pressure.
Kimberly Theidon cited Gisèle Pelicot’s courage during legal proceedings against those who abused her: “…Mme. Pelicot flipped the shame script by demanding an open trial… Rather than serving as further victimization for survivors, the shame belongs squarely on… those who earned it: the rapists.”
The collection demonstrates varied paths taken by women—whether breaking barriers in academia or science or supporting their families—and underscores their lasting impact within both personal circles and broader communities.
