Women’s History Month Spotlight: Angie Cash, Jane Bechtel, Cordelia Van Der Veer, & Dr. Kristen Rupert Davis
March 31, 2025
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on four incredible women in our Buckeye Leadership Fellows community: Dr. Kristen Rupert Davis (Associate Dean of Students), Angie Cash (BLF ’27), Jane Bechtel (BLF '27), and Cordelia Van Der Veer (BLF ’26). In our latest article, they discuss what Women’s History Month means to them, highlight the women who inspire their own leadership journeys, and offer insights on how we can foster a more equitable future for everyone.
From reflecting on the power of intersectional leadership to calling for more opportunities and recognition for women in male-dominated spaces, this conversation reminds us that women are not just participants in society—they’re its backbone. Dr. Davis, Angie, Jane, and Cordelia highlight the importance of authentic leadership and the need to honor the diverse paths women take when shaping our world.
Dr. Kristen Rupert Davis, Associate Dean of Students
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally, and how has it shaped your perspective on leadership?
A: “To me, Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women throughout history and to recognize the unique challenges they’ve faced. Growing up in a single-mother household, I witnessed how women manage multiple roles and responsibilities, whether as caregivers, providers, or community leaders. However, it wasn't until after college that I truly began to develop the confidence to believe in my own potential, despite being surrounded by strong women all my life. Over time, I watched women around me—at work, in academia, and in my personal life—succeed and break barriers, cementing my belief that women are not just participants in society; we are its backbone. For me, Women’s History Month is a celebration, but it's also a call to action—a reminder to keep lifting each other up, pushing boundaries, and striving for what we once thought was impossible.”
Q: Who is a woman leader (historical or contemporary) that inspires you, and why does her example resonate with you?
A: “A woman who inspires me is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I admire how she engaged with people who disagreed with her without making them feel attacked, yet she still achieved her goals. She also had an incredible way of showing that discrimination against women can harm men too, so it wasn’t just about women—it was about fairness for everyone. She thrived in a male-dominated environment by balancing strength and grace, proving you can be a powerful leader without being aggressive. I also love Elle Woods for similar reasons: even as a fictional character, she challenges stereotypes and shows that kindness, confidence, and authenticity can break barriers.”
Q: What changes or improvements would you like to see for the next generation of women leaders—both within the Buckeye Leadership Fellows program and beyond?
A: “I’d love to see equitable access to opportunities become the norm. This means ensuring women—regardless of their background—have the same resources, mentorship, and networks as men, especially in fields where women have been historically underrepresented. I also believe respect for women must go beyond lip service, valuing our unique perspectives and leadership styles. Lastly, I’d love to see more women leading authentically, without feeling pressured to hide their softness or emotional intelligence—qualities that foster empathy and resilience.”
Angie Cash, BLF ‘27
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally, and how has it shaped your perspective on leadership?
A: “To me, Women’s History Month means celebrating and honoring the women who sacrificed so much for me to be here. It means embracing my own womanhood and reflecting on how the women in my life have shaped my journey. Since I have so many role models, I’ve learned that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes—career-driven women breaking professional barriers and stay-at-home moms raising children while managing a household. As Meg March said, ‘Just because my dreams are different than yours, it doesn't mean they are unimportant!’ Like the March sisters, women leaders are powerful and strong in different but equally valuable ways.”
Q: Who is a woman leader (historical or contemporary) that inspires you, and why does her example resonate with you?
A: “Ever since reading her book Know My Name: A Memoir, Chanel Miller has been an inspiration to me. She embodies exactly what it means to be a woman—brave and strong in the face of adversity. Through her story, she shows she is not weak just because she shows emotions, challenging a misconception women have faced for centuries. She fights a system often stacked against her and proves we are not defined by what happens to us, but by how we keep fighting. Chanel breaks through the molds so often put on survivors of sexual assault, proving femininity and emotions do not make you unfit to be a leader.”
Q: What changes or improvements would you like to see for the next generation of women leaders—both within the Buckeye Leadership Fellows program and beyond?
A: “I would mostly like to see women leaders taking up more space. It’s easy to feel intimidated in male-dominated environments, so women tend to shrink back in fear of being perceived as too bossy or loud. As a woman leader, you must have the confidence to take up space and be authentically you. It’s much more difficult to make a difference from the shadows, so take a seat at the table and act like you deserve to be there—because you do!”
Cordelia Van Der Veer, BLF ‘26
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally, and how has it shaped your perspective on leadership?
A: “Women’s History Month is about celebrating the contributions of unsung heroes. As Jimmy Carter said when he created Women’s History Month, ‘The achievements, leadership, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.’ For me, it’s an outstanding opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the women who came before me. It reminds me that the freedoms I enjoy today are the direct result of their perseverance and strength.”
Q: Who is a woman leader (historical or contemporary) that inspires you, and why does her example resonate with you?
A: “Gloria Steinem, a trailblazer of Second Wave Feminism, inspires me because she created a platform for diverse women across the country to share their struggles through Ms. magazine. She also holds special significance for me since she’s from my hometown, Toledo, OH, showing how local role models can have a global impact. Her work reminds me that activism often starts by giving a voice to those who need it most. She continues to set an example for inclusive and forward-thinking leadership.”
Q: What changes or improvements would you like to see for the next generation of women leaders—both within the Buckeye Leadership Fellows program and beyond?
A: “The next generation of women leaders needs to be more intersectional, creating space for the voices of women of color and queer women. We must address gender inequalities head-on and recognize how patriarchal structures harm people of all genders. By challenging systems that perpetuate injustice—both within BLF and in the wider world—we can build a more equitable future for everyone.”
Jane Bechtel, BLF '27
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you personally, and how has it shaped your perspective on leadership?
A: “Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions and resilience of influential women who have paved the way in industries that are traditionally male dominated. It’s also a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve.”
Q: Who is a woman leader (historical or contemporary) that inspires you, and why does her example resonate with you?
A: “One woman leader who inspires me is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her relentless pursuit of gender equality in the legal field, despite facing overwhelming discrimination, resonates with me as I prepare for a career in law. Ginsburg’s strategic approach to dismantling systemic barriers—arguing cases that subtly forced the courts to acknowledge gender discrimination—demonstrates the power of persistence, intellect, and courage. Her legacy serves as a model for how I hope to approach leadership: with a long-term vision for change.”
Q: What changes or improvements would you like to see for the next generation of women leaders—both within the Buckeye Leadership Fellows program and beyond?
A: “Within Buckeye Leadership Fellows, I hope to see more women-focused leadership workshops, stronger alumni mentorship connections, and structured opportunities for women to lead in high-stakes environments. More broadly, I want to see a shift in how leadership is defined—away from traditional, male-dominated models and toward leadership that values collaboration, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity. I also believe creating spaces where women can freely share experiences will cultivate a more empowering environment for the next generation of leaders.”