In celebration of International Women\u2019s Day, this month we draw attention to the expanding and increasingly respected role of women in cardiovascular medicine and sciences. A devoted CCS member, Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai became the first female president of the CCS in 1999. Completing her term in 2002, she paved the way for the many other women profiled in the image here. Prior to becoming CCS president, Dr. Collins-Nakai oversaw the transformation of the CCS Annual Scientific Meeting into a collaboration of partners and sister Societies (Affiliates) that today forms the largest annual cardiovascular meeting in Canada. Her many contributions continue to be felt to this day. There is still distance to go in advancing women in cardiovascular medicine, and Dr. Collins-Nakai\u2019s leadership achievements inspire us to continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n