Celebrating Barbara Clymer
Holly Lawson, Corporate Director of People & Culture
March 15, 2021
To me, the truest example of an influential woman is one who goes out of her way to lift up and support other women and those in need. My mom, Barbara, has dedicated her life just that. She does not do it for accolades, and she does not fish for gratitude. It is truly the core of who she is. As a social worker, my mother has spent years serving the needs of underprivileged mothers and women affected by domestic abuse. She has gone to countless homes to teach parenting practices and provide tools to help new families thrive. She has spent endless hours on-call waiting by the phone for someone to reach out who is in a difficult domestic situation, even if that extends into the middle of the night. My mother has rushed to the hospital on many occasions to serve as an advocate for a victim of sexual abuse. When the going gets real rough, Barbara is truly the person you want by your side.
In my own life, my mother has always been my biggest cheerleader and solid foundation. When I graduated college and moved away from my home town in Michigan, my mom slipped a note to my future self in one of my notebooks to refer to whenever I lost my way or felt discouraged. She said, “Believe in yourself and you’ll find success in all you do. Choose a job that you love and you will be loved in return.” Her unwavering belief in me as well as her own demonstration of serving those around you with love every day has had a tremendous effect on me and my career.
I am inspired to highlight my mother for National Women’s History Month because while she does not seek recognition for her altruistic life, she certainly deserves it. She deserves thanks for constantly putting the needs of others before her own. She deserves a nod for the number of lives she has impacted in a positive way. And she deserves recognition for the amazing mother and grandmother she is to her family each and every day.