Here’s to the Women Who Impacted Members of the GW Community - 2025 Edition
Throughout Women’s History Month, GW Today will highlight strong women through first-person testimonials.
March marks Women’s History Month, and GW Today asked members of the George Washington University community to share a story of a woman who has shaped or influenced their lives. Here is a collection of what some had to say about mothers, co-workers, friends, sisters-in-law and others with more testimonials coming throughout Women’s History Month. (Some entries have been edited for formatting and length.)
Xin Zhou, M.A. ’24
My grandma was my primary caregiver when I was young. My parents left our hometown to work in a big city, and until I was in fifth grade, my grandma was the one who raised me. She wasn’t famous or extraordinary in the way the world often defines impact—she was just a regular Chinese grandmother. She passed away when I was in college, seven years ago now. I miss her deeply.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand how much she shaped me. But when I reflect now, I realize she left me with two invaluable gifts.
First, an unwavering sense of love. I don’t have many clear memories of our time together, but I know, without question, that I was loved. When I feel anxious or frustrated with life, I instinctively reach for the necklace she gave me when I was admitted to college. It grounds me, soothes me—it reminds me of her presence.
Second, a lesson in maturity. As a child, I took her love for granted. I never got the chance to truly give back, to show her my appreciation, to ask about her life. I regret it deeply. But in that regret, she continues to teach me—to love more intentionally, to cherish the people around me while I still can.
Her impact wasn’t loud, but it was lasting. And I carry it with me every day. If possible, I want the world to remember her name: 熊桂萍.
Tatiana Battle
Student, College of Professional Studies
In honor of Women’s History Month, I celebrate the extraordinary life and unwavering sacrifice of my mother, Nauwatha Battle‚ a woman whose devotion to education and service embodies the very essence of selflessness. For over two decades, she has been a beacon of hope for countless students, dedicating her career to shaping young minds, especially those with special needs. Her passion is deeply personal, rooted in childhood memories of fiercely protecting and advocating for her younger brother, my uncle Pierre, who was born with Down syndrome. Through these formative experiences, she became a natural caregiver, earning the endearing title of "Florence Nightingale."
Her boundless compassion and resilience have shaped my own commitment to public service, inspiring me to carry forward her legacy. Even now, as she pursues her education part-time, she remains a testament to lifelong learning, fueling my own pursuit of a master’s degree at GWU to better serve our community. A proud U.S. Army veteran, my mother has given of herself in ways both seen and unseen, always placing others before herself. Nauwatha Battle’s legacy is one of profound sacrifice, love and strength, an enduring reminder that true leadership begins with service to others.
Jose Villaverde
Student, Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Definitely my mother, Hermelinda Paniagua. She is Peruvian, with Quechua (an indigenous language of Peru) as her native tongue, and she later became a naturalized American citizen. Her life story is incredible: due to economic limitations, she was only able to complete high school and a short technical career in cosmetology.
At 16 years old, when she arrived in the Peruvian capital, she had to learn a new language—Spanish—and despite all the challenges, she managed to lift her family up. Then, at 38 years old, once again due to financial difficulties, she had to emigrate to the United States, without knowing English. She worked (and still works) extremely hard, always believing that education is the key to overcoming social and economic barriers.
Because of her, I was able to study at the best business university in Peru, and thanks to her, I am now an American citizen, on the path to growing professionally in this country. All of my achievements are more hers than mine—I simply had to put in the effort under favorable conditions, but she was the one who built the path from scratch.
That is why my eternal admiration goes to her resilience and vision for the future.
Kalpana Vissa, B.S. ’18, M.P.H. ’20
Olivia Quinn (B.S. ’18, M.P.H. ’19) and I met as first-year students at GW through Women and Youth Supporting Each Other, a student organization dedicated to empowering young women. We mentored students at a D.C. public middle school, but at the time, we were just acquaintances. It wasn’t until junior year, tackling a rigorous health policy class, that we became study buddies, and really, that was the start of our lifelong friendship. Little did we know we were both from Colorado, shared the same birthday, had similar passions in public health, and were also pursuing the same master’s program in community-oriented primary care.
From peer to study buddy to my very best friend, Olivia has been a constant source of mentorship and guidance. She is my sounding board, always offering thoughtful advice and pushing me to be better, personally and professionally. Even though we live in different cities, we make it a priority to see each other often. Thanks to her idea, our monthly book club keeps us both intellectually engaged and connected in a meaningful way.
We met through an organization dedicated to uplifting women, and Olivia has been a perfect example of that ever since. I’m so grateful to GW for bringing us together.
Lorena Barba
Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Margot Duhalde, Chilean-French pioneer aviator and volunteer in the Air Transport Auxiliary during WWII. She used to say that she flew every model of Spitfire in her duties ferrying aircraft from England to bases in Europe. When I was a student at university (majoring in mechanical engineering) and already a licensed pilot, Margot helped found the Association of Women Pilots of Chile, and soon after persuaded high command in the Air Force to open a small-group Reserve Officers training program for women pilots and skydivers. I was among the 13 women that took part in that program, which was the prelude to the Air Force Academy admitting women for the first time some years later. Margot and I were friends for years, and I used to visit her in Santiago; we'd mix Roquefort cheese with butter and some whiskey to make a spread we put on crackers while sipping red wine and talking. She was a strong woman and did not abide fools. Our conversations taught me about courage and resolve. She was a role model that inspired me to always be independent and aspire for more than life simply presented me. I think of her often.
