Today, people across the world will recognize women for their achievements. But celebrating women is about far more than 24 hours of recognition. It’s also about strengthening long-term commitments — to increasing visibility for women, ending bias and discrimination against them, and advancing their social, political, and economic equity.

Anyone can find meaning in International Women’s Day, and — given our diverse backgrounds and experiences — no two people are likely to find it in exactly the same way. In that spirit, we asked women and men across Vinson & Elkins: What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Here’s what they told us:

Heather Ades

International Women’s Day is a time I reflect on what it means to be a woman in the world today, how we measure progress, and how much more needs to be done.

I’m keenly aware that only a generation or two ago, having a husband who handles half of the household work in our family, including most of the cooking (as my husband does), would have been seen either as a notable failure on my part, or a huge achievement, deserving of copious praise on him. I’m grateful that today, this small facet of my everyday life no longer seems so exceptional, and these small cracks at the rigid gender roles and unchecked burdens placed on women can lead to more major changes.

At the same time, I can’t help but take this day as a stark reminder of how much has yet to change for women — the lack of recognition of our past and present contributions to society and the underrepresentation of women in positions of power are two that come to mind. While I am incredibly fortunate to work for a firm that is dedicated to the success and advancement of women attorneys and business professionals, at a societal level, there is much more to do. I am hopeful that, 10 years from now, I’ll see this day as a chance to celebrate our achievements rather than plan necessary actions to protect women’s basic human rights.

Nadine Amr

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for me to reflect on my own career achievements in an industry that has been historically male-dominated.

Today, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have spent my career at a firm that supports and promotes talented people of all genders and backgrounds, and where inspiring colleagues and role models have surrounded me.

These role models encouraged me to be myself and embrace my strengths and showed me that there is not only one pathway to success. We have come a long way in recent years and it is now widely understood that a diverse workforce drives greater success. The challenge now is to ensure that the many talented women in the industry are given the opportunity to thrive.

DeAnna Lynn Englezos

After welcoming my second daughter and it having been three years since leaving V&E, my colleague and friend, Aubrey Bishai, gave me the book The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, by Heng Ou.

A key principle of the book is that in many cultures around the world, the new mother is deeply and intentionally supported and cared for in the first 40 days after giving birth — with the idea that, if the mother thrives, the whole society will, too.

This idea had a profound impact on the way I thought about my personal needs and identity after having children and as a result, the trajectory of care and support I built into my life as a new mother of two daughters. The decisions I made in that vulnerable time in my life — with the support of a female colleague, friend, and fellow mother (of 3 girls!) — ultimately led me back to the workforce and back to V&E, knowing I would be among other women in business and motherhood whom I could lean on and learn from.

We know that women, specifically mothers, face a unique set of challenges professionally and I welcome the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions of women in all of our lives.

Paige Anderson

To me, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse ways that women contribute to our social, economic, political, and cultural fabric.

It's not just about business leaders, political figures, or other well-known women, but the ways all women contribute.

I have two young daughters — ages 3 and 6 — and I want them to know that there are many and varied ways that women contribute importantly to society and that they should pursue their passions, whatever their passions are.

Keleigh Carver

Though it may sound strange, International Women’s Day means very much but also very little to me.

It means so much because I’m passionate about women’s issues, especially as they pertain to us in the professional space, but I don’t put much stock in the day itself. This is something that concerns me every day of the year — not just March 8th.

I’m happy that V&E is taking the time to remind everyone not only how important it is to celebrate and support women, but also to acknowledge that we (i.e., the firm, the country, and the world) have more work to do. It is a constant and uncomfortable uphill battle, but I’m optimistic that we can and will continue to do better.

Suzanne Clevenger

For me, International Women’s Day means training and promoting women into senior and leadership positions in all career disciplines.

Having women in these positions leads to greater diversity of ideas and approaches, and broadens opportunities for women in the future.

I want my goddaughters and nieces to never question what they can be — seeing women succeed in all fields and sports will give them the confidence and power to know they can do anything they set their minds to.

Nettie Downs

International Women’s Day is a great time to pause and reflect on the myriad accomplishments of women across the globe in so many areas of professional, family and community life, as well as to express thanks for those who have supported women along the way.

Based on my own personal experience, I am mindful of and thankful to women pioneers in the legal field — from Sandra Day O’Connor (the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice who, upon law school graduation, wasn’t able to get a single law firm interview due to her gender, despite doing well at Stanford Law), to Lilly Ledbetter and others who have used our legal system to champion non-discriminatory employment practices, to my own election to Vinson & Elkins’ partnership.

I am also particularly grateful to the many male and female colleagues who have mentored me throughout my career, to V&E for its assistance through the birth of my three children, and to my husband and mother who have both tirelessly supported me in everything that I do.

International Women’s Day is also a great time to recommit to paying forward all of the mentorship, assistance and support we have received so that others can also grow and succeed.

Rob Elson

Women are powerful. They build businesses, lead breakthroughs in science, develop young minds, and keep communities safe.

They create art that moves us and grow food that sustains us. They design technology we depend on. They raise families, treat the sick, defend countries, and deliver justice.

When I think about International Women’s Day, I think about endeavors like these — and everything else they do to make the world better.

Noureen Faizullah, MPA

When I think about International Women’s Day, I instantly think about two people: my 3.5-year-old daughter, and Malala Yousafzai.

Malala’s ongoing and dedicated fight for girls' education is an inspiration. Her story is one I share with my daughter at a young age to help her begin to understand that unrestricted access to education is not to be taken for granted.

Malala's work is an important reminder that education for girls is transformative and powerful. However, access to it is under threat and not guaranteed. As a mom, I want my daughter to admire and be inspired by strong women championing important causes that help improve and enhance society.

Rebecca Fike

International Women’s Day to me means looking back and looking forward.

It’s a time for me to reflect on the incredible female mentors and role models who have inspired and informed my own career, and a time to think about how I can best mentor and support our next generation of female legal talent.

We have come so far, but as I look around at our boardrooms and executive management teams, I know that there is so much more women can bring to the table when we’re able to take our seat. The business and legal communities benefit from a diverse set of perspectives and approaches, and we will all benefit from the more equitable future we are building together.

Eunice Yi

International Women’s Day sounds like a day to celebrate the achievements and progress that we’ve made in gender parity and inclusion.

It wasn’t long ago that women weren’t able to own property in their name or, open their own credit cards, or that people considered "feminist" a bad word. I look at my team and it touches my heart how colorful and diverse we are, but most importantly how supportive we are of one another.

It’s very easy to get pulled into thinking about how much more work needs to be done, but this day is a great reminder to pause, celebrate our progress, and be heartened by the wonderful company that we have driving change and making a positive impact for women.

Adam Kassoff

It’s always wonderful to see anyone thriving in their life and career, but it’s especially exciting when women do, given the additional demands and pressures that they frequently encounter.

I’m fortunate to have so many amazingly gifted women colleagues, friends and loved ones, and I’ve been privileged to be mentored by so many of them in countless ways. I wish every day could be International Women’s Day, and I’m proud to participate in paying tribute to the limitless contributions of women at V&E and around the world.

Lucy Jenkins

International Women’s Day is so many things to me.

First, it is a chance to champion and marvel at the women who were brave enough to speak out and make strides for gender equality many years ago, when to do so was unthinkable and a most extraordinary challenge.

Second, it is a reminder to respect and observe what those who came before us fought so hard to achieve; to keep finding our voices; and to continue marching the march to ensure that what they started remains a reality, and that equality one day becomes the norm.

And third, it is an opportunity to think about and provide assistance to the women of our future — to those around us who need support and encouragement to embrace their ambitions, realize they should not be held back from doing anything by reason of their gender, and thrive at whatever they want to do.

I try very hard to do all of these things on a regular basis, but I see it as so important to have International Women’s Day to cause us to think to the past, to use the present valuably, and to actively contemplate the future if we are to keep driving forwards to gender equality.

Reagan Lutter

To me, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the tremendous accomplishments of women everywhere, and on the work that remains to be done in our nation and around the world to achieve gender equity.

I am grateful for the many inspiring women who have come before me at V&E and in the profession of law, generally, and who have worked to make a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable space to work. I benefit from the mentorship of many women attorneys at V&E and strive to pay that mentorship forward to the next generation.

Kellye Moran Senior Digital Marketing Coordinator Houston

Kellye A. Moran

Standing up, showing up, and being my authentic self is what International Women's Day means to me.

I've grown up with powerful women all around me. They've navigated their careers and families with a grace that doesn't shrink in the face of adversity.

They've shown me what it means to confidently step into a board meeting, dream bigger than this world, and show compassion for others along the way.

Today, I celebrate all the phenomenal women. "I am a Woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that's me." - Maya Angelou.

Delery Perret

International Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate those who have paved the way for women to succeed through their advocacy for, among many other things, gender equality and women’s reproductive rights.

It’s also a reminder to reflect on the individual women who lift us up in our daily lives: the friends who call “just because;” the moms, grandmas, aunts, and sisters who have supported our dreams from day one; and the mentors who help us navigate through balancing career and life goals.

In times of celebration and in times of sadness, I know the women around me will be there, and that is something worth celebrating every day — but especially on International Women’s Day.

D. Alex Robertson

International Women’s Day means to me recognizing the hard-working and inspiring women in the legal profession, including my wife, who is also a lawyer, and my female colleagues at V&E.

Through my wife, I witness first-hand how difficult it can be to excel as a lawyer and as a mother.

It is vital that we as a profession continue to find ways to support our many talented female colleagues. Today is an opportunity to celebrate the many women who are paving the way for a future generation of female leaders.

Gretchen Rollins

When I think about International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the women in my life who have served as my mentors, demonstrating strength, character, professionalism, and leadership.

They have challenged me to do things I didn’t know I was capable of, both personally and professionally. It is so important to me to pay that forward for the women in my life, including coworkers, friends, and family.

I am fortunate to work at a place that honors women and values their contributions. Being excited about work and doing a job that I love allows me to serve as an example to my daughter, inspiring her to achieve her own dreams.

Wendy Salinas

On International Women’s Day, I like to take a moment and reflect on all of the trailblazers who opened up the pathway for my career: the women who put in hard work, sacrificed and moved mountains to help my generation succeed.

I also like to think about how I can open pathways for the next generation of female lawyers: the young partners, associates, and recruits who are the future of the firm.

I am truly grateful to work at a firm that provides me with such amazing work and leadership opportunities and look forward to providing those opportunities to the next generation.

Julia Sanabria

For me, International Women’s Day is a day of reflection and action. A day to imagine the world I want for my daughter and figure out what it is going to take to get us there.

I encourage everyone to take the day not just to celebrate the amazing women around us (of whom there are many) but also to truly hold ourselves accountable as to whether we are doing enough — whether we're risking enough to make sure we are pushing for change in a meaningful way in our own little corners of the world.

Choose one woman you are going to champion, one person who could use some education on gender equity, and one young woman you can mentor — and get to work.

Ruben Peña

International Women’s Day means saluting unsung heroes, including the real Wonder Woman.

That would be my mother, who migrated to this country for a better life for her and her son — me!

Her hard work and dedication taught me that it is not only the male role model who works hard to provide for the family, and that women never stop working! Women work their day job(s) and come home to continue to work for their family until the last one is asleep.

I would not be the person and father I am today if not for the unsung hero I am proud to have as my mother. To her and all women, thank you today and each day of the year.

Lisa Stockton

Over the past 20 years working in law firms, I have had mixed experience with women helping women. In more recent years, and specifically at V&E, I have seen an evolution of more women having seats at the table and being confident in their roles due to the genuine support they have at the firm.

This confidence results in these women uplifting others and making space at the table for more women to achieve at a high level and have a voice. I have seen this in my own career and I intentionally look for opportunities to mentor and support the women around me.

Will Stripling

I cannot think of International Women’s Day without thinking of my incredible mentor, Judge Barbara Lynn. Judge Lynn’s story embodies the advancement of women in our profession, even in the face of substantial hardships.

Today, I recognize her brilliant mind and her indomitable spirit.

I am better off having learned from her example. And, we are all better thanks to her service.

Clifford Thau

When I think about International Women’s Day, I think about my wife, mother, and daughter. Each is and will be the family bedrock, and each has inspired me with her ability to be so vitally important at home while also pursuing a career. I know that my granddaughters will benefit from these amazing role models.

At a broader level, I think about the great strides women have made since I was young in national and local government, business, academia, the law and other professions. Still, much more needs to be done to ensure that women have the same opportunities as men to flourish in their careers without sacrificing their indispensable roles at home.

Randi Revisore

Today, and every day, I celebrate the hardworking, incredibly brilliant and wholeheartedly dedicated working mothers of Vinson & Elkins.

In my 15 years at the firm, I couldn’t be more proud of how my professional role has evolved and the support the firm has given me to pursue the career I always imagined. On top of that, I have the opportunity to nurture other women, helping to create an environment where working moms feel fulfilled, supported, and safe to build the families, careers and lives they’ve envisioned in an industry in which that’s often very difficult to do.

Olivia Susskind

International Women’s Day means to me: celebrating the women in my own life who have inspired me, who have served as role models, and who continue to demonstrate what it means to be a strong, driven, and successful woman, as well as a formidable force for change.

G. Zachary Terwilliger

As the son of an amazing mother, the brother of two incredible sisters, the husband of a truly gifted wife, the father of a remarkable daughter, and the colleague and mentee of incredible women lawyers and professionals, International Women’s Day means a time to stop and recognize the that my family and professional life would be empty without the benefit of so many brilliant, strong, and courageous women.

In my current role as a private practitioner, I think about, and am grateful for, the women of Vinson & Elkins who have gone so above and beyond in their mentoring, support, and guidance over the past 2 years.

This includes our vice-chairwoman who agreed to take me on a grinding three-city business development swing over 48 hours to meet her contacts, my white-collar partner who brought me into a fifteen-year client relationship, and our professional support and business development teams that worked tirelessly to help me integrate.

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate all of those women of Vinson & Elkins that at some point faced stronger headwinds than I ever did because of who they are.