Unlike some sectors known for poor gender parity, the nonprofit space is brimming with an inordinate amount of strong, talented women. According to studies, 75% of nonprofit professionals are female, but climbing the career ladder isn’t easy. Even though we account for three out of every four employees, only 22% of nonprofits are run by women. Despite the power differential, women’s impact on the charitable sector cannot be denied. In honor of Women’s History Month, I want to recognize the phenomenal nonprofit work women have done and are doing in communities across Oklahoma. Women are breaking barriers by founding and leading innovative nonprofits that address critical issues like criminal justice reform, education, and healthcare equity. Nonprofit titan Pat Potts, who I am blessed to call a mentor and a friend, has overcome challenges for more than 40 years in our sector. In 1982, when she saw the need for nonprofits to have access to quality professional development, she founded The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits and served as its President and CEO for 20 years. She has gone on to found other charitable and philanthropic organizations continues to change lives and show the impactful power of women in communities. Building safe, inclusive communities where diverse voices and perspectives can be heard was at the heart of what the late Alana Hughes did. For 24 years, she worked at the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, most recently as the Director of Tulsa Grantmaking. Alana was a shining light of collaboration, a bridge builder and connector. She symbolizes the work so many women in Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector are doing to bring people together, and our state is better for it. Women supporting and encouraging other women to take on leadership roles is critical for the gender equity effort. From creating mentorship programs to providing access to resources to help girls grow and thrive, women are carrying out these critical initiatives across the nonprofit sector. Christina Rehkop, Devon Energy’s Director of Community Relations, who passed last month, is one of them. She championed girls having access to science, technology, engineering and math education and worked with the Cal Ripkin, Sr. Foundation to install more than 150 STEM centers in elementary and middle schools across the country. Christina’s legacy is one of encouragement and celebration. Oklahoma’s nonprofit is littered with stories of women like Pat Potts, Alana and Christina; women who saw a problem and not only sought a solution but also actively took part in the solution. These women are the pillars of our communities, the leaders of organizations and the keepers of our future. I am humbled to be able to work amongst them.