Inspiring Women – Happy International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, I would like to give a special shout out to the wonderful women in my life. I’m grateful for their inspiration and impact on my life and the world around us.  

One of the most important women in my life, my wife Donna Coles, is a constant inspiration. Donna has an incredible passion for being a mother, philanthropist, and dedicated community member.  

Donna has worked with the Feminist Action Alliance, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Georgia Board, and the League of Women Voters of Georgia. She served as the chairperson on the Legal Status of Women and the Georgia Constitutional Revision committees as well as the Cobb County Juvenile Justice Board and the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Today the Donna Novak Coles Georgia Women’s Movement Archives are part of Georgia State University’s Special Collections. Thank you for everything, Donna!  

My daughters, Jody and Taryn inspire me every day. Thank you, Taryn, for challenging me to a race up the driveway and joining Donna as one of only two crew members in my 1982 race. And Jody, your love, support, and caring nature have meant so much to me. 

And thank you, Dr. Catherine M. Lewis, for co-authoring Time To Get Tough and helping me to find my voice. It was an honor working with such an accomplished author and driven person. Catherine has been more than my coauthor; she has become the friend who helped me bring my story to life. So, thank you, Catherine, for turning “no” into “now.”