Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
To commemorate Women’s History Month, a rector at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Glenwood told a Baltimore audience recently that confidence comes to women well acquainted with their worth.
“There’s something about confidence when we know ourselves, and we know our values then we also know our limits,” the Rev. Dina van Klaveren told a crowd at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
The Medical Center sponsored “Confidence and Compassion: women who change communities” on Wednesday.
Van Klaveren’s presentation included naming women in history, as well as present-day women who have exhibited extraordinary confidence and compassion. These qualities make them driving forces in their communities, she said. However, she said many women who have worked hard in and for the community often are unknown and unacknowledged for their efforts.
Christena Cleveland, a professor at Duke University, was listed by van Klaveren as someone she admires for her strength and inspiration but not widely known.
“I integrate justice and reconciliation, hope, and lament,” van Klaveren read from Cleveland’s website. “Social psychology and theology, research and practice, pro-blackness and pro-humanity.”
Van Klaveren said that as a white woman, working on her own sense of privilege and trying to learn and grow in a culture that may or may not be accepting of such privilege, has allowed her to be more receptive to other people who have made noticeable contributions.
Angela Wilson, the Medical Center’s director of Learning and Organizational Development, coordinated the event. She described her job as a way to expand diversity within the hospital and the healthcare system.
“The knowledge within the organization and how we share that knowledge with classes and learning to stay competitive,” Wilson said was the inspiration for the event. “This is the reason behind the department being such a significant part of GBMC.”
“Being an African American woman, I know there are a lot of women’s shoulders on whom I stand on throughout history,” Wilson said.
They both mentioned that their families are the powerhouse that keeps them confident and passionate in their careers and pillars of their area.
In her message, van Klaveren said her children keeps her grounded. She said she dedicates her life to them and would do anything in her power to make sure they are out of harm’s way.
“I try to live healthy,” the rector said. “I create limits. I’m open about my struggle to balance, and I show the work I’m doing.”