Alyssa Nota, Ph.D., University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) CEO and President, reflects this Women’s History Month on the journeys that shape women’s achievements in sports and leadership.
I found myself inspired recently by the women competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Their stories are a reminder that progress — whether in sports, leadership, or life — is rarely smooth. These athletes push through adversity, injuries, doubt, criticism, and heartbreak in pursuit of their next win.
Some achieve it — the medal of their lifetime. Many don’t win the race, reach the finish line, or celebrate atop the winners’ podium.
A fall, a misstep, or even a fraction of a second can cost them an achievement. But what I find so remarkably powerful is that these athletes — these women — don’t stop, give up, veer from the challenge, or lean on excuses or blame.
Instead, the fire inside burns more intensely, fueling their motivation, grit, and drive, evident on their faces, in their muscles, and focused on the next step they take.
They start again, keep going, and look at their next opportunity. Challenging themselves to improve their best times, hone their performance, raise the bar higher, and reach new heights.
Women’s History Month reminds us that this same spirit has shaped generations of women who have led organizations and businesses, classes and departments, teams and families, communities and movements forward. I’m most inspired by and admire women’s powerful drive toward success.
Much like these athletes, women in leadership experience a similar journey toward achievement:
- Dedication: Progress is built step by step, a long journey toward accomplishment.
- Vision: Dreaming boldly and with ambition, drive, and passion.
- Drive: Staying focused, working hard, and pushing through challenging times.
- Perseverance: Moving forward despite doubts, criticism, or setbacks, facing challenges head-on and taking chances.
Real victory isn’t glory or awards; it’s to be the best one can be. It’s working hard and striving to reach the peak, knowing you have done your best in the pursuit. You must strive to be better and keep your “why” in focus — why you do what you do and why you are willing to face the hardships — as you scale that mountain toward your goals, accepting and confronting whatever the results may be.
There can be failures and missed opportunities, but this Women’s History Month, I’m thinking of the women who kept going when it was difficult. Those who recognize the path toward greatness can be lonely and full of naysayers, judges, and skeptics, but they rarely go at it alone. There is a team surrounding them, filled with supporters who cheer them on and push them to be better.
Athletes and leaders shine most when they silence the noise, focus on the matter at hand, tap into their skills and instincts, and use their intense training to drive action and progress. The finish line remains in focus and the ultimate destination.
These lessons are simple and powerful: Keep going. Stumble, strive, and improve. Experiment, learn, improve, and know progress is achieved one step — jump, sprint, leap — at a time.
USAC, a nonprofit study abroad organization with more than 40 years of experience, is led by a predominantly women-driven leadership team across its U.S. headquarters and international program sites. This feature marks the first installment in a five‑part series spotlighting women leaders in international education in celebration of Women’s History Month.
