Plant City’s Wonder Women exemplify the qualities that make this town unique — the qualities every citizen should aspire to have.
This is the fourth year the Plant City Times & Observer has chosen to highlight influential women in
Plant City — Wonder Women. Each September, 10 women who embody selflessness, virtue and empathy are selected and share why they work so tirelessly to make the community a better place.
In prior editions, women who raised money for the Child Abuse Council, who fought to close the wage gap between genders, who dedicated their lives to protecting the public were recognized. These women pledged their lives to helping others, even when they themselves are going through a hardship.
We do this section every year to not only honor those who so often go without recognition, but also to encourage others to champion a cause close to their heart. Plant City prospers when its residents make a conscious effort to look out for one another and lend a helping hand when they see someone struggling.
Wonder Women defy expectations, break boundaries and do what, for many, is impossible. They are successful when others said they wouldn’t be. They pioneer new movements and, above all, they serve strangers for no other reason than it being the right thing to do.
There is no argument that today’s world is full of darkness and dismal news. Turn on the television and within minutes you can witness a list of atrocities taking place both across the globe and even here in our own nation. It is easy to succumb to negativity, to walk through life with blinders on, never glancing at anything other than your own misfortunes and roadblocks.
But these Wonder Women can attest to the saying that happiness is found when you live your life for others. Kindness and compassion go a long way and if you take the time to make someone’s life better simply because you’re in it, I believe you’ve lived a life worthwhile.
Though I am new to Plant City I’ve quickly learned the thing that sets this town apart from everywhere else is not its abundant strawberry crops or its legendary festival — though those are inarguably crowning assets —but rather its unwavering dedication to assisting and supporting its community.
Everywhere you turn, an organization, a church or even an individual is going out of its way to show goodwill. Most do so without seeking accolades or acclaim.
The 10 women in this section exemplify what makes Plant City special. Their determination and immense adoration of this community and all its residents makes them obvious choices for our latest class of Wonder Women.
With such women guiding our community, I cannot wait to see where we will be a year from now and what new leaders will have stepped up to the call.
