Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

As we mark both Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, I would like to recognize the women of Edgartown who have been leaders across the spectrum of business, government and other important civic and community work.

In honor of International Women’s Day (Monday this week), the Edgartown Board of Trade put together a campaign to celebrate the women in our town. Called the EBOT #choosetochallenge campaign, it compiled images and responses that were incredibly clarifying and inspiring for me personally. At the same time, the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Forum is asking the Island towns — other then Tisbury which already has already done so — to replace the dated term board of selectman with the more inclusive select board. Another sign of progress.

Perhaps it’s the residual joy I feel from being able to say Madame Vice President, or the immense respect I have walking into our building inspector’s office, but it feels like in Edgartown at least there may be an ability to amplify the moment and encourage lasting change.

Julia Tarka

Edgartown