Let’s celebrate women on International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024! March 8th is a special day to honor any and all women who are making a positive difference in the world, standing firm in who she is, and who refuses to give up. Today’s special feature focuses on 4 incredible women to celebrate on IWD: Shannon Walker, Virginia Hayes, Jennifer Stolo, and Julia Solomon.
Disclosure: This special sponsored post honors 4 women on IWD whose resilience and passion are shaping a brighter future for all.
Below is a bit about each woman and a special quote from her to use in this feature. I hope you feel the amazing energy of each one!
Jennifer Stolo, CEO of Robert Craig Films
As CEO and a producer for Robert Craig Films, Stolo is an integral part of a film company with a mission to bring high-quality, entertaining movies with life-redemptive content to the screen. Her involvement includes films like No Address, a scripted feature film soon to be released that sheds light on the human side of homelessness with beautiful and compelling storytelling.
Stolo also served as President & CEO of Make-A-Wish in the Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada chapter, leading the 45-county organization to grant over 400 wishes annually and growing revenue from 2 million to 10 million dollars annually. Stolo’s work changes lives for the better. I asked who inspires her, and she replied:
“Throughout my life, I have been profoundly inspired by the remarkable community of women around me—their strength, humility, and vulnerability. Raised by a single mother and alongside my sister, I learned early on the irreplaceable value of female resilience and support. As a mother to four daughters, I’ve witnessed how lessons learned in sports—about teamwork and perseverance—translate into invaluable life skills for their character. During my tenure as CEO of Make-A-Wish, I had the honor of knowing mothers navigating their children’s health crises with unwavering grace to the volunteers, predominantly women, who transform these challenges into moments of hope and joy.
Facing my own battle with breast cancer, I’ve drawn strength from these incredible women who, even when confronted with various life adversities, find the courage to persevere and dedicate themselves to uplifting others. Now, at Robert Craig Films, I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such a dynamic and creative group of women who are leading the way in using the power of film to make a true difference for those experiencing homelessness. This enduring spirit of giving, resilience, and mutual support among women is what inspires me the most. It is a testament to the boundless power of female solidarity to overcome life’s most daunting obstacles and effect meaningful change in the world.”
— Jennifer Stolo, Robert Craig Films CEO and Producer
Virginia Hayes, Retail Showroom Manager at Westerlay Orchids
From Holland to Carpinteria, Westerlay Orchids is a family-owned business built on generations of growing tradition, distributing millions of cut flowers annually. With over 24 years of experience, Virginia Hayes is the “Plant Pro” and Retail Showroom Manager at Westerlay. She is widely respected in the floral industry for her design skills and business knowledge, often quoted in leading publications about all things floral.
With interior plant design at her fingertips, Hayes’ eye for floral arrangements and keeping them thriving is always top priority along with sales goals, budget management, and accounting for the retail showroom. Hayes also assists with store visual plans through merchandising and displays and holds responsibility for all sales promotions and events at Westerlay Orchids. With a natural green thumb for all plants indoor, Hayes’ contributes to media outlets like Martha Stewart and Apartment Therapy. She recently told me:
When reflecting on International Women’s Day, I was reminded of a quote by Sheryl Sandberg, ‘We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.’ This quote encapsulates the true essence of International Women’s Day — a day to recognize and elevate the voices and contributions of women in all aspects of society.
I believe that by promoting gender equality and empowering women, we can create a more diverse and inclusive world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. I’m so proud to be a part of this movement and encourage others to do the same.”
— Virginia Hayes, Westerlay Orchards’ Retail Showroom Manager and Plant Pro
Julia Solomon, Senior Marketing Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara
No one understands the relaxed luxury of the Gaviota coast quite like manager Julia Solomon of The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara. She skillfully markets an oasis that works equally well for families looking for a beach getaway, couples looking for a romantic weekend, or a celebration of a treasured icon like a recent Gala for Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Soloman creates programs, events, and moments in time that make memories to last forever. She’s making a difference in so many lives. When I asked what International Women’s Day means to her, she said:
“As a senior marketing manager of a luxury Resort representing a prestigious hospitality brand, International Women’s Day holds profound significance to me. It’s a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the hospitality industry, from visionary leadership to unparalleled guest experiences.
It is also a poignant reminder of our ongoing commitment to empowerment, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that every woman within our organization and beyond has the opportunity to thrive and inspire.”
— Julia Solomon of The Ritz-Carlton, Bacara
Related Read: Helping Others by Volunteering for Clinical Trials
Shannon Walker, CEO and Founder of Northwest Battle Buddies
Through her unwavering dedication, Shannon has transformed the lives of countless Veterans battling PTSD by gifting them professionally trained Northwest Battle Buddies service dogs. Her unwavering commitment to supporting these American heroes serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for communities everywhere.
With a wealth of expertise in canine behavior and training, Shannon is widely recognized across the Pacific Northwest as a top professional dog trainer. When I asked her what makes her a strong woman, she replied:
“What makes me strong is the foundation that was instilled in me as I was growing up. To love God and Family, to work hard and dream big, to love fearlessly and help the less fortunate, and to persevere through adversity and to never ever quit.”
— Shannon Walker, Northwest Battle Buddies CEO and Founder
An International Women’s Day Celebration
Thank you to each woman for providing me with a special quote for IWD. Let us carry forward the inspiration drawn from the efforts of Shannon Walker, Virginia Hayes, Jennifer Stolo, and Julia Solomon. May their resilience, dedication, and impactful contributions serve as a reminder of the boundless potential within each of us to make a positive difference in the world.
Let’s continue to uplift, support, and celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, today and every day!
Top photo: Headshot pics provided by each of the four woman; used with each woman’s permission. Purple gradient background by Codioful (formerly Gradienta) from Pexels (Canva Free Content License).
Happy Women’s Day, Christy!
Happy Women’s Day, Resa ❤️💜❤️