For Women’s History Month, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) celebrates the women that impact the lives of our students the most, with several interviews from PBA students.
Women’s History Month is meant to be a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women of all backgrounds throughout the history of the United States. It was first celebrated in March 1978 when educators in Santa Rosa, California wanted to make people aware of the many contributions women make to society. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared a National Women’s History Week in March, and seven years later in 1987, the United States Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month. PBA joined in the celebration by highlighting the impact of women in the lives of the university’s students.
PBA Sophomore Jake Laflesh shared the woman he admires most is his mother, Jennifer Lee Laflesh. Jake said that “her spiritual faith, work ethic and unwavering strength in hard times” is what has impacted him the most about his mother.
Sophomore Amalia Rimes also answered the woman she admires most is her mom, Sandra Rimes.
“She has done so much,” Amalia explained. “She has six kids and she’s a nurse, so she knows how to multitask. She also does so much for our family and doesn’t ask for anything in return.”
PBA Freshman Jackson Smith highlighted how he has seen his mom persevere and do it all. “She is the vice president, secretary and treasurer at a body shop,” he said. “She’s very strong and she can put up with a lot.”
Sophomore AJ Duda shared that the woman he admires the most is professional surfer Tatianna Weston Webb. “She works hard, performs well under pressure, and even when she gets knocked down or gets hurt, she gets right back up again and prevails through adversity. And she does it all with a smile on her face,” AJ explained.
It is evident that many PBA students find their mothers inspirational, but there are many other women changing lives all over the world. It is clear women of all backgrounds are making impacts in the lives of our students, whether they are loved ones or public figures.
National Women’s History month will be celebrated throughout the month of March, and the theme for the 2025 National Women’s History month is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” This theme is dedicated to celebrating the strength and influence of the women who have chosen to dedicate their lives to education, mentorship and leadership.
