As Swift Current Online celebrates International Women's Day and Women's History month, our second spotlight on inspirational females in the south west is on Ecole Centennial school principal Angela Schindel.

In response to what International Women's Day means to her, Schindel says "I feel a sense of pride. I think I am blessed to live where I live because I feel in our community and in my work, women in leadership is embraced and celebrated all the time, but I recognize this is not the case in other places."

Schindel adds that it's awesome that we have a day to empower and celebrate the accomplishments of women. 

"Women are created with great leadership skills and it's great to see the impact they can have in their leadership roles," says Schindel. 

Reflecting on growing up as a young woman, Schindel says she remembers that girls didn't play hockey yet and they were not allowed on the wrestling team in high school. One girl a couple of years ahead of her won a court case to be able to join the wrestling team and that is what Schindel associates with International Women's Day. "Looking back I always chased those things as a result. like I joined the wrestling team, I went into powerlifting. It's really exciting to see now the opportunities young girls have."

Schindel says she is inspired to see how far women have come and it gives her a sense of pride and makes her proud to be a woman. She believes men and women in leadership roles complement each other as both have great gifts and skills that they bring to assist with leadership roles. 

In respect to how far women have come and to keep this going for the younger generation, Schindel says we must continue the work already being done.

"I think what we need moving forward is women to keep and our younger generation to keep doing the great work in leadership they are doing and being a role model so that we can keep inspiring our younger generation of women to chase their dreams and pursue leadership because they can have such an impact."

Schindel believes one of the most important things for young women is to never let someone tell you you can't and if they do, use that as a motivation. 

Schindel's message to the younger generation of women is also one of celebration. 

"I would also tell young women as you chase your dreams, make sure you lift others up. Celebrate other women and the things you admire about them, don't tear them down to get ahead or lift yourself up."

There are a number of words according to Schindel that describe a strong woman. 

"When I think of strong women I think the word strong is a great descriptor. They are wise, kind, compassionate, genuine, or authentic, integrity is key. They are confident and willing to be open and vulnerable while raising others up. It's important to admit mistakes and celebrate successes and achievements of other women and not be critical."

In terms of personal inspiration, Schindel finds this from her mother and sister. Schindel says her mom has always been a role model of what a strong woman is. "She has always had a quiet strength about her. She is steady and calm with a genuine love for others and a commitment to making a difference for others. We were raised to believe we can do anything we put our mind and heart to,"