Generations of Progress, the 2015 SDLA Fellows' Fundraiser, is celebrating years of progressive inspirations. Read about icons from previous generations that have influenced our Fellows, then mark your calendar to join us on May 19th!

Erin Hogeboom: This photo is of my grandmother, Gabrielle Stocker, and she is the reason I am progressive. She is the most optimistic person I know, who lives her values and practices compassion every day, towards everyone and everything. She believes we can all make a positive difference, and I believe she already has!

Cassie Purdy: I am deeply inspired by the work of Liz Schuler (center), the first woman to serve as Secretary-Treasurer of the National AFL-CIO. Liz embodies what it means to be a co-conspirator and ally, fighting for women, people of color, LGBTQ folk, and workers all across the country.

Gaby Dominguez: I chose my parents because they were my first teachers and continue to be my idols. They are hardworking people that have given my sisters and me a great life in tough conditions. They have raised 4 women amazingly and will always be my number one fans, because of them I continue to believe in a better tomorrow.

Davin Widgerow: I love this famous 1966 photograph of David Brower and other Sierra Club volunteers who led a nationwide campaign to save the Grand Canyon from being dammed and flooded. Their efforts galvanized a nation to defeat legislation in Congress that would have dammed the national park and destroyed an ancient and beautiful American landscape. Today we face enormous environmental challenges in tackling climate change and in providing all our citizens with access to nature and wilderness. This photograph inspires me to continue the work of David Brower and the Sierra Club for my own generation - to rise up and demand that we "Save Planet Earth!"

Hilary Nemchik: My Aunt Anna is 99 years old and is one of the most inspiring people I have ever known. She grew up in a poor immigrant family in Pittsburgh, and had to quit school at an early age to care for her siblings, including my grandpa. Despite hardships and the loss of many of her loved ones, Aunt Anna has always remained a beacon of positivity and strength. She has taught me so many things about life: perseverance, looking on the bright side of things, pride in one's work, and always deciding on one's dessert before ordering a meal.

This post is second in a series of four - please check back next week for another round of 2015 Fellows to be highlighted!