Being the first recipient of the "Cutting Through" pin is an honor beyond words, especially since it is a gift from my longest and dearest friend and confidant. The pin exemplifies the many challenges and disappointments we have faced, the roadblocks and obstacles we have overcome, the tears and celebrations we've shared along the way. It represents beauty and strength. It represents honor. It is a celebration, not only of past accomplishments but a sign of confidence in what is yet to come. I can think of no greater honor to bestow on a friend, co-worker, mentor or any woman who has had a positive impact on you professionally, personally or spiritually. I know I wear mine proudly.
 Wearing my "Cutting Through" pin reminds me of the accomplishments I have achieved, and it ignites my determination to accept the challenges ahead. A beautiful piece of jewelry, it is my oscar!
Marilyn Amendt "When I was presented with the "Cutting Through" pin I thought why me? What did I do to deserve this recognition? It was then that I realized it wasn't so much recognition for what I had done, but rather an affirmation of who I am. Perhaps even more importantly, it was about what I could be the rest of my life. What a humbling and yet empowering moment; and what a way to start the next chapter of my life. Alsatia Mellecker This unique "Cutting Through" pin celebrates the essence of all women. The lines of the pin are strong and sturdy, but also soft and curved like the women we all know in our lives. It is a symbol of who we are, the challenges and rewards that make each one of us an individual. As a proud wearer of the beautiful and unique piece of art, I value the challenges and life experiences that have made me an individual. I want to share this beautiful work of art with the women in my life who have nurtured and inspired me. As women we learn from each other's experience. This "Cutting Through" pin represents that inspiration.
Carol Jefferson I think any strong female has overcome obstacles in her life that have shaped her into what she is today. Every obstacle is a challenge and each time you surpass that obstacle you grow and affirm who you are. Most of us would be too modest to say we deserve the pin, but each of us values the gift of it from another because it validates what we've done. I see this pin as a great "gift" to honor those who have overcome challenges, beaten the odds, and come out on top. We are women…we are strong! "Cutting Through" embraces that.
Diane Thomason
Barbara Purdy I feel the "Cutting Through" pin symbolizes breaking through barriers in our life, whether they are professional, personal or social barriers. We are stronger for having conquered these challenges and have more empathy for those struggling with their own glass ceilings. Kathy Lariviere "I'm struck by the beauty of the "Cutting Through" pin in its simplicity and its symbolism. I'm also awed by the recognition of, and solidarity with, a particularly special group of women who also wear the "Cutting Through" pin, with whom I'm honored to be associated."
Paula Lundahl |
Nancy Munson
Before I received the beautiful "Cutting Through" pin from my daughter, I never really thought of myself as someone who had accomplished great strength as a result of experiencing great disappointment. Life seemed to hand things to me good or bad and I accepted them thinking these were things that I deserved, or were just meant to be. Watching my mother abused by an alcoholic husband when I was a very little girl, watching my daughters father suffer for 3 years with cancer and dying at 45, and now with a husband with alzheimers. I still have so much to be thankful for. I have a great family and wonderful friends, and more than ever I still have my faith in God. It's still nice to know that someone acknowledges the things that I have overcome in my life, and receiving the "Cutting Through" pin has done that for me.