I often think back to when I was a child — a very impressionable young lady. There was a day when you could “take your child to work.” I am a biracial adoptee, and my adopted father was an older white cisgender man. He took me to his sky-high federal work building in Washington, D.C. I couldn’t have been more than 10 at the time and remember how excited I was to enter in. We had taken the metro subway system there and the elevator up to our office floor. I began peeking into every office door, eager to see the different people at their desk, busy at work. I think back, and I can’t remember seeing many women … even fewer women of color.
The first time I saw a woman in a business suit, I saw a superhero. I am not just saying that — there was something special about it. It wasn’t just the suit, but to me it looked like a cape, and I just knew she was capable of doing amazing things — a woman of power. Now I know all superheroes don’t wear capes or suits, but I want to stir up the power that is in all of us. To the wives, mothers, sisters, and friends who balance being the mantel of their families while continuing to show up at work: You are appreciated. To all women of all different shades, backgrounds, ages: This is a gentle reminder that your presence, ideas and passion are needed in business.
September 22 is American Business Women’s Day. Let’s take a moment to celebrate … and reflect. I ask you: Why is it that only 10 percent of Fortune 500 companies have a woman CEO? Why is the percent of BIPOC women leading in business even smaller? At 10, there was no way I could imagine the hardships, the glass ceiling, the oppression that us women would continue to face when challenging the norm in business. This is a friendly nudge that there is a little girl in elementary school that needs your example. To show that she too can be a risk taker, critical thinker, assertive thought provoker, and successful woman leader.
I hope this post challenges you to come from behind the scenes to be bold and instill change. Come from behind the insecurities, the “it’s never been done” statements, the thoughts of “you can’t do it,” and become or continue to be change agents. For that woman on the verge of starting her business: Please silence the voices of failure and push past the doubt. We are waiting for you. When you show up in that space, courtroom, boardroom, or business, you challenge the people who believe success only comes in a certain package or gender.
I have often heard the famous quote, “Behind every successful man is a woman,” when our society does not want to give credit for achievements where it is due. I would love it if we changed that. Women: Let’s get behind one another to support women in business. When we empower one another, we all benefit. Women’s perspectives can and will change the way we reach others in all industries. For those women working hard in the workforce, continue to strive and reach for excellence. Put in for that promotion or apply for that next job. But whatever you do, be your authentic self and stand up for collaboration and fairness. And we will continue to see women soar to new heights and change the world.
Happy American Business Women’s Day!
