Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the central role of women in society throughout history and to highlight their contributions. In the College of Education and Human Ecology as in society at large, women are vital to the excellence of our programs. Here are just a few women making an impact at EHE.
Monica Marsh
Kiwanis International organization– Chair – the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee for the Ohio District.
Can you please share a bit about yourself (for example, hometown, family, hobbies)?
“I was born and raised in Akron, OH. Educated in the Akron Public School system, graduating from East High School. I was raised by two beautiful parents, James and Connie Marsh. I have two siblings, my twin sister, Marla Marsh, and brother Douglas Marsh. My parents have now passed away, but I carry their memory in my heart. As far as a hobby, I am an Arctophilist, a Teddy Bear Collector, mainly German-made, Steiff bears.”
What is your connection(s) to Ohio State University (OSU) and the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE)?
“I have such special memories of OSU. I attended from 1980-1984. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. degree in Special Education in 1984.”
What brightens your day and brings a smile to your face?
“There are so many things I could mention in my personal, professional, and social life. The following first comes to mind and might sound strange yet significant.
It’s actually hearing my sister say, “Oh, excuse me a minute, ‘December Faith` needs me to step back into the ladies’ room.” You see, my sister is a recent recipient of a kidney, this past December, just shy of Christmas. It’s a long story; over the last 5 years where my sister had been on dialysis and rarely did she need to be “excused.” She first had a kidney transplant a little over 2 years ago, but she became septic and they removed it after only three weeks. Through hard work and perseverance, Marla was able to get back on the transplant list.
Those are the most precious words to me, and I smile every time I hear her say them.♥️”
Tell us about a woman that has inspired you, and what most inspires you about her.
“My mother is the woman who has most inspired me; modeling the moral values and attitudes that I try to live by today. She is definitely the person who inspired me to go into education. While I did not inherit her athletic skills (she was PE teacher and inducted into the Summit County Hall of Fame), I did inherit her love for children and teaching. My background is Special Education and I am a retired H.S. principal.”
What significance do you attribute to Women’s History Month, and in what ways do you intend to honor or commemorate it?
“I believe women from all backgrounds must be honored for their contributions and their stories need to be told. I try to honor the past by remembering I would not be where I am today, without remembering/respecting those who have gone before me. My greatest joy is working in the area of cultural competence and helping others to “appreciate the difference that difference makes.”
Marla Marsh
Kiwanis International organization– Chair – the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee for the Ohio District
Can you please share a bit about yourself (for example, hometown, family, hobbies)?
“I am a proud Akronite. I lived in the great city of Akron from birth until graduating from East High School. I was raised by two awesome parents, James and Connie Marsh. Both are now resting in heavenly peace. I remain very close with my twin sister (Monica) and older brother (Douglas). Hobbies include collecting kaleidoscopes and fine china.”
What is your connection(s) to Ohio State University (OSU) and the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE)?
“I have such fond memories of OSU. I attended from 1980-1984. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. degree in Special Education in 1984.”
What brightens your day and brings a smile to your face?
“Children truly brighten my day. I was an educator of children in the Middletown City School District for thirty years. I taught children with special needs for 6 years. My last 24 years as a building administrator. Eighteen of those years as a building principal. I wouldn’t trade my career for the world! I’m now retired and fill my time within the Kiwanis International organization. My sister and I chair the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee for the Ohio District.”
Tell us about a woman that has inspired you, and what most inspires you about her.
“This may sound cliche but hands down, our mother will always be my biggest inspiration. I carry her spirit with me each day. She was an awesome child of God, wife, mother, athlete, educator, and coach! I knew at an early age I wanted to become a teacher and be just like her. She was one of fifteen children, the only one to attend college and receive her Master’s degree.”
What significance do you attribute to Women’s History Month, and in what ways do you intend to honor or commemorate it?
“I believe every woman has a story to tell and should feel connected to Women’s History Month. I continue to honor it each day by paying it forward in my community. Life is precious, I don’t want to waste a day of it.”
Kelly Robinson Crawford
Chief Administrative Officer-College of Education & Human Ecology
Can you please share a bit about yourself (for example, hometown, family, hobbies)?
“Originally born in Queens, New York, but moved to Columbus, OH at a young age where I was raised. I am a mother of 6 children and have 1 granddaughter. I enjoy listening to music, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. But my biggest passion is reading. I am currently reading The Hate U give by Angie Thomas with my 14-year-old daughter.”
What is your connection(s) to Ohio State University (OSU) and the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE)?
“I have a very deep connection with the Ohio State University. I was inducted into the Young Scholars Program in 1989, which brought me to campus every summer from the 6th – 12th grade to take college preparatory classes, ultimately bring me here to the University as a student and full-time employee. Which means I’ve been around this campus for 30+ years. I’ve been a staff member of EHE for 14 years and served not only in Administration but in Educational Studies as well.”
What brightens your day and brings a smile to your face?
“Waking up with a grateful heart is what brings a smile to my face.”
Tell us about a woman that has inspired you, and what most inspires you about her.
“My hero has always been my grandmother, Gwendolyn Black. She taught me how to me comfortable in my skin and how to be a confident black girl. Born in the 1930’s my grandmother was a nurse in the late 50’s and one of the only black nurses at the time. Listening to her stories and understanding her struggle is what propels me to drive forward every day both in my career and personal life.”
What significance do you attribute to Women’s History Month, and in what ways do you intend to honor or commemorate it?
“Women’s History month is important time of the year. It is a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the world. Being able to share my experiences and spend time with my daughters and granddaughter is how I intend to commemorate this month.”
