"Well-behaved women rarely make history.” These words by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich greeted me as I arrived at The Jackson Hotel in Poncha Springs, Colorado. Instantly, I knew that I was in the right place at the right time to finish writing about the extraordinary women featured in this issue of Focus on Women.

I love smart, talented women. Women who accomplish something. Women who stand up for what they believe in. Women who are exactly who they want to be. As Ms. Ulrich said, these women may not always be appropriately behaved 100% of the time, but they are successful, they are memorable, and they are meaningful. They lift you up, make you think, make you laugh, and motivate you to do more, to be more. These are the women who make history.

Women like Alisa Murray – an artist, mother, philanthropist, author and friend. Alisa is an artist in the truest sense of the word. There’s essentially nothing in the creative world that Alisa hasn’t mastered or has plans to create. She’s an inspiration and a ball of fire – a woman who will make history.

Women like Joanne King Herring – a Texas socialite who convinced Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson to wage a covert operation – the largest in CIA history – against the Soviet Union to stop communism and help the people of war-torn Afghanistan. The Afghan freedom fighters didn’t stand a chance against this Texas woman – a woman who made history.

Women like Pam Dixon, Deb Vangellow and Susie Redman who in the male-dominated sport of golf, have forged careers in management, instruction and LPGA touring. These women are working to instill their passion and joy by making golf an enjoyable – and accessible – experience for girls and young ladies. Women who are making history.

And in terms of documenting history, response has been overwhelming for Focus on Women. We have had so many positive phone calls, e-mails and visits while shopping at the grocery store from our readers. We appreciate your support, and value your input. We love to hear from you and are grateful that you have allowed Focus on Women to be a part of your lives.

Starting Focus on Women has been a lifelong dream, and I was fortunate enough to meet a smart, talented woman in Lisa Fredrickson who shared the dream. Another dream we shared was to host events that inspired, educated and empowered women. Events where you can let your hair down, have a glass of wine, meet interesting women and just be girls. This month, we’re launching our first event in a series of Focus on Women events with a Girls Night Out at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital on August 27th. I hope you’ll join us – for a glass, a gift and a giggle – and if you’re not completely well-behaved, well, let’s just say we’ll make a little history together.

Stay focused!

Patti Parish-Kaminski
editor@FOWmag.com