Strength, Grit, and Perseverance: Celebrating Women’s History Month at Continental

March marked Women's History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and in the workplace. At Continental Properties, both the You Belong Here committee and the Women Belong Here (WBH) business resource group led a month-long celebration filled with inspiring events, thought-provoking discussions, and valuable resources. 

Continental’s You Belong Here committee kicked off the month by sharing a variety of resources designed to educate and inspire. These included a Women’s History Month Teams background, an empowering Super Bowl Nike commercial featuring women athletes, mental health resources from Ginger and Headspace, and a curated Spotify playlist celebrating influential women in music. 

A highlight of the month was WBH’s guest speaker event featuring Robyn Minter Smyers, Partner at Thompson Hine LLP. In a discussion led by Continental’s Chief Legal Officer Paul Seifert, she shared insights from her career journey, leadership lessons, and the challenges she overcame. Attendees left feeling inspired and empowered by her wisdom and experiences. 

The WBH quarterly meeting provided another opportunity for engagement, starting with a discussion on International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8. The group reflected on the importance of celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness about gender equality, and advocating for positive change to advance women. 

The meeting also explored how Continental team members can make an impact through partnerships with organizations like Wisconsin Crew, The Goldie Initiative, and All-In Milwaukee. By mentoring, sharing knowledge, and networking, employees can contribute to the growth of women professionals and foster a more inclusive industry. 

One of the most inspiring moments of the month was a discussion with Continental’s Chief Development & Construction Officer, Kim Grimm. She shared candid reflections on her career, emphasizing the importance of embracing challenges: 

"Don’t be afraid to step up to new challenges, no matter how scared or uncertain you feel in the moment. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken chances on myself. There were times I doubted myself, but those risks led to growth and new opportunities. It’s okay to be uncomfortable—embrace it, because it will drive you forward. If you have grit, you will persevere and make it happen." 

Continental Properties remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Women's History Month a meaningful and inspiring celebration. Together, we continue to champion equity, support one another, and celebrate the incredible women who shape our company and our communities!