Editor's Note: This year is the 100-year anniversary of Zonta International, a nonprofit organization that fights for women's equality while providing a plethora of services to communities in dozens of countries. To commemorate this milestone, the Jefferson City Chapter of Zonta and the News Tribune partnered to highlight seven local women each day this week who have been inspired by women at all levels, from well-known international figures to Capital City mentors. These local women have gone on to inspire community members and make a difference in Jefferson City or beyond.
Both women in leadership positions, Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said Missouri first lady Teresa Parson inspires her to be more inclusive and open as Tergin continues to advocate for the Capital City.
Tergin said she can relate to Parson, as both of them are public figures who face an abundance of attention and scrutiny.
Tergin is in her second term as mayor after voters re-elected her in April. Parson took over the role of Missouri first lady after her husband, Mike Parson, stepped up as governor following former Gov. Eric Greitens' resignation in June 2018.
"Having these leadership positions, women in leadership, we have an opportunity to share and highlight and make a difference. She does that every day," said Tergin, who has been a Zonta member since 2008. "Certainly what Teresa is doing has influenced me, and I hope I can pass that on and share it, and it will multiply and help others.
"As women, we need to help each other out and celebrate."
It's not uncommon to see Parson sitting on the floor of a classroom while reading to children or attending lunches that honor first responders. Tergin said people feel Parson is "one of us" because of her down-to-earth and inclusive attitude, adding it's common for the first lady to invite Tergin to events.
"My goal, something I've learned from her, is how inclusive she is, and I would love to further that, and it is a great example for me as I go into my second term as mayor," Tergin said.
The first lady's openness is also admirable, Tergin said. She remembers when the Parsons opened the Governor's Mansion to guests and tourists' reactions when Parson gives tours of the "People's House."
"The look on their face when Teresa said, 'Well, if anyone wants to go upstairs, you're welcome to,' and they looked at each other and sprinted up the steps as if this would be the only time in their lives they would get up there," Tergin said. "I never really thought about it until she shared it with us and how important it is to our history because it is our house - the people's house."
Sitting inside her office at City Hall two weeks ago, Tergin pointed at the sign on her door that reads "The People's Office." She said she tries to mimic Parson's openness by inviting residents and guests to view her office.
The Jefferson City chapter of Zonta will host its annual 5K Superhero Stride at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at Memorial Park, 111 Memorial Drive. Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Pre-registration costs $25, while registration the day of the event is $30. Members of the Jefferson City Roadrunners can register for $20, and a team of five participants can register for $100.
Participants can register by visiting zontajcmo.org or by downloading a form to mail to the local Zonta chapter at 1030 Westwood Drive.
Zonta members encouraged participants to register by Monday to receive a shirt for the 5K Superhero Stride.
The proceeds will go to the Zonta International Foundation so the foundation can continue its global equality efforts, such as reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS through health education and increasing educational opportunities and vocational skills training for women.