(From Christopher Ross, president of Compass Housing Alliance.)
This month has me reflecting on Women’s History Month and the many ways women have shaped our world. We often and rightly celebrate luminaries like bell hooks, Maya Angelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Josephine Baker, Dolores Huerta, Octavia Butler, and Amy Tan—women whose voices and leadership have left a lasting mark.
But my thoughts keep returning to the women whose names may never be widely known, yet whose impact is just as profound. The women we serve in our Cascade Women’s Program embody that truth every day. They have endured extraordinary challenges, and still, they rise—building community, supporting one another, and moving forward with strength and dignity. At Jan & Peter’s Place, we see that same resilience. It is more than shelter; it is a place of momentum, where women hold onto a vision for their future and take steps toward it, even when the path is hard.
I also want to recognize the remarkable women of Compass Housing Alliance. It has never been lost on me that this work asks a great deal of them. They show up—consistently and compassionately—for one another and for the people we serve. In a field that can be both demanding and deeply human, their strength, care, and commitment stand out. They come from different backgrounds and experiences, yet there is a shared thread that runs through the work: a genuine sense of love and support for others. That value, love, is not just something we talk about; this amazing staff brings it to life every single day.
All women deserve to be celebrated, honored, and respected. At Compass, we are proud to do just that, through our work, through our community, and through the way we show up for one another.
Happy Women’s History Month.
Christopher Ross
President, Compass Housing Alliance