Trudy’s story is quite like Clara Barton’s ; they both spent a lifetime pursuing the greater good for professional and personal reasons.
Clara Barton was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on American history. Her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to helping others have made her an influential figure, especially for women. Barton’s story is one that parallels Trudy’s personal story of exuding strength in her personal life, compassion for her employees in her trucking company, and displaying the resiliency that led her to overcome her own challenges.
Trudy and Clara Barton share many of the same attributes and traits. They each stand as a source of inspiration for women across America and are constant reminders that anything can be accomplished with the right attitude.
“Clara fought through a time when women’s rights and roles were extremely limited. It reminds me of my early days of starting a trucking company in a heavily male-dominated industry. I dealt with and fought through a lot of discrimination,” Trudy said. “It reminds me of one of our Great American Women, Amy Parrinello, who teaches law enforcement officers tactical training. Every new class starts off with judgmental students because of a female police instructor. But each time, the class realizes just how gifted and talented she is.”
Clara Barton
Born in 1821, Clara Barton grew up with a strong sense of justice and a desire to make a difference. In a time when women’s opportunities were limited, she defied societal norms and pursued a career in teaching. This was just the beginning of her journey to empowerment and influence.
However, it was during the American Civil War that Clara Barton truly emerged as a transformative figure. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” she ventured to the front lines to provide aid and comfort to wounded soldiers. Barton’s courage and compassion shone through as she tirelessly worked to alleviate suffering and save lives.
“I was always willing to go to the front lines of our company just to talk and get to know the employees. It was the same sense of compassion and empathy Clara exuded during the Civil War,” Trudy said. “Another one of our Great American Women, Jen Satterly also exudes tremendous compassion and empathy. She left behind a very successful film company to dedicate her life to understanding Post-Traumatic Stress among the military community,” Trudy added.
The American Red Cross
In 1881, Barton founded the American Red Cross, an organization that would become synonymous with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Under her leadership, the Red Cross grew rapidly, providing aid not only during times of war but also in response to natural disasters and other emergencies. Barton’s visionary approach to disaster response paved the way for future generations of women to take on leadership roles in philanthropy and humanitarian work.
What made Clara Barton truly influential was her ability to break down barriers and challenge gender norms. She defied expectations by entering male-dominated fields and demonstrated that women were just as capable of making significant contributions to society. Through her actions, Barton paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps, proving that they too could become agents of change.
Furthermore, Barton’s influence extended beyond her immediate work. She inspired countless women to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, and social work. Her legacy serves as a reminder that women have the power to effect meaningful change and contribute to the betterment of society.
“This is one of the reasons why our Great American Women series is so important to me. I want to tell the stories of women who are making it to serve as additional inspiration for women with a desire to make it,” Trudy said.
Today, Clara Barton’s impact is still felt through the countless lives touched by the Red Cross. The organization she founded continues to provide vital assistance to those in need, both in the United States and around the world. Barton’s unwavering commitment to helping others reminds us of the profound difference one person can make.
“The Red Cross is an incredible organization that helps so many people in times of distress. But there are so many other great organizations out there that help people in other ways, and many of them my family and I support directly, like the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, which impacts our family,” Trudy said.
Clara Barton’s contributions to American history are immeasurable. Her determination, compassion, and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire women to overcome obstacles and make their mark on the world. Barton’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of female leadership and the invaluable role women play in shaping society. She is truly an influential woman whose impact will endure for generations to come.
Check out this other Great American Woman of History.
Cecilie Payne-Gaposchkin challenged the scientific community over the composition of stars during a time when female astronomers weren’t taken seriously – and she was proven right.
Who is Trudy Jacobson?
Trudy is an entrepreneur and leader. Her path to success and entrepreneurialism started in the trucking industry decades ago. She encountered numerous obstacles in the male-dominated industry- like discrimination. She was even defrauded out of a lot of money by an unscrupulous, opportunistic person. Despite all that, Trudy always fought hard and pushed forward. Once she realized she could do anything, she started her own company and excelled. Now, she empowers other women to do the same and to learn from her experience. Trudy now highlights their stories for the world to see in the Great American Women Series. Trudy wants women everywhere to know they can achieve their goals.