WASHINGTON – Each year, as we mark Women’s History Month, we acknowledge the tremendous female leaders who made significant contributions to our nation – women like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and so many others.
Currently, women account for roughly half of the American workforce, and there is no doubt that for our nation to thrive, we must promote the empowerment of women. Central to our success is female entrepreneurship, which contributes considerably to overall economic growth and prosperity in our communities.
Recently, a member of my Georgia-based staff sat down with local women entrepreneurs to discuss their communities and building the next generation of business leaders. One such individual, Riezl Baker, is a seasoned Realtor and mother of two living in Greensboro. She described her appreciation for having “the vantage point of seeing the community evolve and seeing everything from the Ritz Carlton to the new hospital to the fantastic school, Lake Oconee Academy, which is a public charter school were my kids go. It’s pretty exciting to witness all that.”
After nearly 25 years in the area, she added, “It’s obviously a great community to sell. … It’s paradise too so I’m really grateful and lucky that we live in this great community.”
As a business owner and mother, she’s an early riser who believes “success comes with the responsibility to serve others.”
Today, I’m impressed to see so many women accepting challenges, and in turn, accomplishing incredible things. Every time I open the door of these small businesses, I witness that “can-do” attitude in action: Taking risks, accepting responsibility, and beaming with pride as they accept the rewards of hard and productive work.
I’m glad recent legislative action in Congress through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has doubled the Child Tax Credit, which helps working moms and families with the costs of raising children. It also improves savings vehicles for education and nearly doubles the standard deduction so families can keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.
Mrs. Baker emphasized that “more women need to realize that it can be done — belief that you could be a wife, a mother, a business owner, you know, successful and have a successful career.”
As we come to the end of Women’s History Month, I salute my own exceptional wife, Dee Dee, and so many other amazing women, like Mrs. Baker, for everything they have done to improve the lives of so many Americans and make a difference in our nation.
Jody Hice, a Republican from Greensboro, represents Georgia’s 10th District in Congress. Online: hice.house.gov.
