Carol Huckleby

Robin Duncan
“…Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man — when I could get it — and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne 13 children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?”
…
Excerpt from Sojourner Truth’s 1851 speech delivered at the
Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio

More than 150 years after the revered abolitionist and feminist Sojourner Truth made her case for full human rights for women and people of African descent living in this country, it could be said that much has changed in America that would make this beloved figure proud.

As we celebrate National Women’s History Month in March, the examples of prominent women on the state, national and international stages are plentiful, including Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Melinda Gates, Jennifer Granholm, Mae Jemison, Toni Morrison, Serena and Venus Williams, and Oprah Winfrey.

However, for every renowned politician, astronaut, Pulitzer Prize winner, champion athlete and adored personality and philanthropist, a struggle continues for full gender equity in America. In the workplace, women are still attempting to close the gap in pay, power and prestige. While outside of the workplace, ills such as domestic violence, destructive portrayals of women in the entertainment industry and neglect of women’s health issues place our society as a whole in peril.

Therefore, as various members of our community shared with me, National Women’s History Month provides an occasion to celebrate the women who made the greatest impact in each of our lives. And by following the models provided by these extraordinary women, we have a roadmap for advancing not only the progress of women, but all humanity.

v “My wife, Dr. Phyllis Meadows, has been one of the most inspirational people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She represents a true ‘can do’ spirit that is connected to her Detroit east side roots. She has never been one to let someone else define who she is and what she is capable of. Along the way, she has crafted a life of love, service, compassion and humility across a series of experiences. She models what she expects and brings out the best in others.”

Lee Meadows, professor of Management, Walsh College

v “My Mother (Amineh Berry) has had major challenges in her life, but despite these difficulties, she never wavered or comprised on her love for her seven children, her relationship with God and respect for herself. She is the true essence of inspiration for me.”

Amal Berry-Brown, vice president and National Arab/Chaldean American Business Affairs manager, Comerica Bank

v “I am inspired by the proud legacy of my mother, the late Dorothy Ussery. My mother instilled in me an attitude of gratitude, that despite the challenges and obstacles I am faced with, I should continue to pray and thank God for all of my blessings. My mother left me with a proud legacy in strength, confidence, courage and perseverance. She stressed hard work, enjoying yourself, believing in yourself and making every day count.”

Carol Huckleby, vice president, Wealth & Institutional Management, Comerica Bank

v “It just so happened that Gloria Steinem visited the MSU campus on my 21st birthday. After standing in a long line to meet her she said to me, ‘You know, that’s a fabulous hat you’re wearing.’ I met her at a time when I was really figuring out the woman I was to become, and her telling me that not only boosted my confidence, but it also told me that you can look good and be feminist. As a feminist icon for generations of women, she stands up and not only says what’s on her mind, but takes action for the empowerment and betterment of women’s lives — an inspiration to us all.”

Carrie LeZotte, Video Communications manager, Comerica Bank

v “My mother (Patricia Day-Christian) is the most inspirational woman in my life, hands down. She, along with my grandmother (Minnie Reese Day), instilled a solid work ethic along with the importance of community service. I would not be the woman that I am today without their wisdom, guidance and support. My mother is the most inspirational woman in my life because of the sacrifices she made for me to get the best out of life. She displays faith, tenacity and a positive attitude, and has shown me that hard work is the foundation to achieve anything.”

Robin Duncan, director, Business Development Program, Jefferson East Business Association

v “The most inspirational woman in my life is my mother (Virginia P. Jackson). She raised two boys, virtually on her own, into college educated, mature, responsible and productive men. Her strength, love and wisdom continue to be a great inspiration not only for me, but for my three daughters as well.”

James Jackson, Community Lending representative, Comerica Mortgage

v “My mother has been the key inspiration to me because of her propensity for giving, caring and understanding. From a line of teachers and social workers, and a family that gave unselfishly to neighbors during the Depression as our family also struggled, she reminds me of the importance of our family history, and of considering the blessings I have, plight of others and ways that I can help. The more interactions I have in life and business, the more I appreciate how great and rare these basic values are. Beyond my mother, on a celebrity level, I would note Oprah Winfrey. I admire her personal philanthropy and her encouragement to others to give.”

Caroline Chambers, president, Comerica Charitable Foundation

v “My mother, Curtis Lee Taylor, put all of her energy into her family — my father, the five kids and the extended family. She loves hosting family gatherings on all the holidays. She lives her favorite Scripture: ‘I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me’”

Sharon Taylor, vice president and manager, Fort-Washington Banking Center, Comerica Bank

v “One of the women who has been most inspiring to me has been Linda Forte (Comerica’s chief diversity officer). Back in the late ’90s she provided me with a real understanding of how embracing diversity and inclusion can enrich a person’s life, on both a personal and professional level, and as a result I became more and more interested in becoming involved with the bank’s diversity efforts. She is a wonderful role model, a fantastic manager and a warm and caring person.”

Janice Tessier, vice president and manager, Diversity Initiatives, Comerica Bank

v “The most inspirational woman in my life is Annie L. Davenport, my mother. She raised her daughters to be strong and independent women with a belief that through faith, hard work and investing in yourself through education all things were possible. She is a tremendous role model who taught me how to treat others and to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Rhonda Davenport Johnson, SVP & African American Business Initiative co-chair, Comerica Bank