Monica Viani

Monica Viani

Monica Viani from the Dean of Students Office wore a shirt adorned with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's favorite white jabot from South Africa. Her mask said "Ruth" underneath a stylized portrait of the second woman to serve on the nation's highest court. We asked Viani to share how RBG has inspired her. Here's what she said. 

From graduating first in her class at Columbia Law, to overcoming gender discrimination in her field, to using her position to advocate and become a champion for women's rights and equality, to the gumption she showed in her dissents on the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsberg is truly an inspiration to me. 

A quote of hers which is most poignant to me is, 'If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself. Something to repair the tears in your community. Something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That's what I think a meaningful life is- living not for oneself, but for one's community.'

This mantra resounds with me as it is how I aspire to live my life, both personal and professional. Thank you RBG for your life of service and for fighting for what is right; gender equality and justice.

Rest easy, knowing we will continue the good fight.


This Voice was originally published in 2020. At the time of publication, and presently, Viani led the Food Assistance program within the Office of the Dean of Students.