This week, we all celebrated (in our own unique ways) the life and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr.  

It was just a few months ago that a monument dedicated to MLK was finally unveiled here in Washington, D.C., making this year's celebration even more special.  In reflecting on MLK's life and what it could mean specifically to young, professional women here and across the country, reminders of MLK's core messages continually revealed themselves.

The one timeless message that truly stands out as it relates to the work of Ladies DC and Ladies America is the importance of civil duty and service.

While the members of Ladies DC and Ladies America are determined, ambitious young women, we also believe in the gift of service.  There is a distinction, however, to be made:  that our network of women is not simply a "volunteer organization" or a great place for event organizers to "find cheery female do-gooders."  Rather, we are young, professional women who want to give back.  We give back as a reflection of what we ourselves have received.  We give back to our communities, our families, our friends, our country and more because it is a moral obligation in many ways, an illustration of a civil society, but also because it feels good.

So yes, giving back is a responsibility of every individual, no matter a person's position, influence or financial wealth, but it goes even deeper than that.  As Johnnetta B. Cole once said, "The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of who you are."  

Here is an example: have you ever just written a check or made an online donation to a charity with the simple swipe of a pen or keyboard?  In hindsight, it is almost as though it never happened.  BUT, when we give of ourselves to others, sit and share through mentorship or by serving with our own two hands in a soup kitchen, the true miracle of giving and receiving comes alive.

This is one great lesson Martin Luther King, Jr. left us.  And at a time when women are emerging as political leaders, corporate executives, CEOs, business owners, professors and the like, we find giving of ourselves is inching us forward in the climb towards gender parity and balanced systems of leadership and influence. 

These are ideals manifested within the chapters of Ladies America.  We give of ourselves - to one another - creating a united, strengthened group of women moving ahead together step-by-step.  This is our service to one another and our contribution to world as a whole.