CEO Message: The awe-inspiring and resilient RBG

A light has gone out in our midst. Last Friday, my wife and I lowered the flag at our home to half-staff in remembrance of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a small way to honor her life and leadership. Today, Justice Ginsburg is the first woman in history to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol, a fitting tribute that honors her extraordinary life.

Justice Ginsburg was the 107th Justice of the United States Supreme Court, the second woman to serve on the court. She was nominated as an associate justice by President Bill Clinton in August 1993, and she served until her death. She was an outspoken advocate for gender equality and women’s rights and was known as a powerful and articulate voice for equality and justice.

In 2016, Justice Ginsburg wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times that described her personal keys for living in an intentional way. Rereading the column this week provided new insights into her legacy and also helped me to better understand the resiliency with which she lived her life.

In writing her “Advice for Living,” Justice Ginsburg focused on some of the people who helped shape her life — and specific ways in which they contributed to her success. Her mother, who instilled in her a love of reading and learning. Her teachers, who helped a young scholar find her own voice. Her mother-in-law, whose wedding day advice to “sometimes be a little deaf” Ginsburg used to create civility and flexibility at home and in her professional life. Her father-in-law, who encouraged her to find balance between life and work and affirmed her as she sorted out her life goals.

Justice Ginsburg understood the importance of a network of people who both love and challenge you. She spoke of her husband with great affection and appreciation: “Nothing equals in magnitude my marriage to Martin D. Ginsburg,” is the way she put it. When reading about their relationship, it is clear to see that her success in her professional life was rooted in the nurturing and resilient home they created together.

In his tribute to Justice Ginsburg, Chief Justice John Roberts described Ruth Bader Ginsburg as “a tireless and resolute champion of justice.” Through a long life of dedicated service, she won our respect and our admiration. She will be much missed.