In Her Words: Marion on Voting, Mentorship, and Change
For Women's Equality Day, we reflect on the legacy of women’s suffrage and the generations who fought for equality.
For Women's Equality Day, we reflect on the legacy of women’s suffrage and the generations who fought for equality. For Marion Parke, foot and ankle surgeon turned footwear designer, this day is both a reminder of progress and a call to action. Below, she shares her personal reflections on what this history means to her, how it has shaped her path, and the vision she holds for the future.
Looking Back, Thinking Ahead
When you reflect on Women’s Equality Day, what comes to mind for you as both a professional and a mother?
For me, I'm looking at the future and my kids. And I think not just about my daughter and the progress that has been made on her behalf by the women (and men!) who were brave enough to speak up against inequality. I also think about my sons and I believe that they will be more prepared to recognize gender inequality and more willing to stand up against it than men might have been in the past, too.
Do you remember a moment when voting first felt meaningful to you?
When I turned 18 and voted for the first time, my grandfather was on the ballot as an incumbent judge. I remember this tremendous feeling of personal pride that I could participate in re-electing him. It also made me feel like my opinion and perspective mattered, and I was suddenly an active participant in the community and in the decisions that are made in our country.
Passing It Forward
How do you try to accelerate action toward equality in your own community and work?
I'm the fortunate recipient of mentoring, support and encouragement from countless accomplished women. I try to pay it forward and offer support when I can, even if it's just as an engaged listener on a Zoom call or at a coffee meeting. Advocacy takes many forms, and sometimes giving women a platform or amplifying their voice even on a relatively small stage can have meaningful impact.
What do you see as the first step in creating more opportunities for women in leadership and healthcare?
I think it all starts with encouraging girls to be excited about math and science and doing it at a young age.
Inspired by Others
Are there women or organizations you’ve looked to for inspiration in the fight for equality?
A few years ago, a friend introduced me to Women Winning, which is an organization dedicated to supporting women in public service who believe in protecting and fighting for women's reproductive health. The organization supports women who are already our elected officials and also seeks future female leaders and public servants. It's encouraging to know that organizations like Women Winning exist and that they're fighting for a woman's right to make decisions related to her health. I'm also grateful that women around me believe in these initiatives and see the importance of rallying our circle.
Hopes for the Next Generation
What kind of world do you hope young women step into as they pursue leadership?
My sense is that young women and girls today feel a greater sense of confidence and encouragement to pursue leadership roles than in the past. That alone is of tremendous value. When more young women and girls try, more succeed.
How do you try to model that possibility at home?
I'd like to think that because my daughter and my sons see me as a working mom with professional commitments and everything that a full-time job and a demanding career entails that I'm leading by example. I want that to feel normal to them.
Lesson in Gratitude
Who are the mentors that showed you what was possible?
There were a number of female attendings in my surgical residency, not as many as male attendings of course. I especially admired how some were capable of being both a mom and a surgeon. It made me feel like it was possible. I could see myself in them and wanted to be like them.
What promise do you carry forward as you use your voice—and help others be heard?
I think that respect is earned over time. For me, having a consistently measured perspective and leading by example are the ways that I aim to have an impact on or to be heard by others.
