Great Strides for Women and the Long Road Still Ahead: My Inspiring Evening with the Honorable Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

Many civics-minded people dream of meeting and interacting with a former Speaker of the House of Representatives. And despite my profound respect for having risen to the top of her profession, if I am honest, I had not idolized Honorable Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi before meeting her a few weeks ago. But I do now.?

Not only is Nancy Pelosi someone who has helped to lead our nation over the past few decades, but she has been an unwavering role model and champion for women and a fierce advocate for equality and fairness. But after having the great fortune to meet her and speak with her and hear her talk to a room full of community leaders, I am now a massive fan. Yes, I am duly impressed with her public service and government leadership track record; she blew me away when I learned she was a mother who raised five children before ever seeking public office. Blown away may be an understatement.

We were both attending the annual William O. Douglas Awards gala for Public Counsel, the largest nonprofit public interest law firm in the country dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice and amplifying the power of our clients through comprehensive legal advocacy. I am the current Vice Chair and the incoming Chair, starting in October of this year.?Nancy Pelosi was their distinguished honoree.

Public Counsel was founded on and strengthened by a pro bono legal service model; its staff and volunteers seek justice by providing direct legal services, promoting healthy and resilient communities through education and outreach, and supporting community-led efforts to transform unjust systems through litigation and policy advocacy in and beyond Los Angeles and throughout the U.S., as well as what they call opportunity law, tackling cases to help eliminate economic and other injustices in the areas of K-12 public and higher education, voting rights, poverty law and homelessness, racial, gender, class and sexual orientation discrimination, health care, immigrants’ rights, veteran’s rights, foster care and more.

A Trailblazer for Women in Government and Beyond?

I learned a few things about Nancy as she spoke at the gala -- none of which surprised me. I knew she came from a family steeped in public service. Her father served five terms in Congress and later was the Mayor of Baltimore for 12 years. Before following in his footsteps, she devoted herself to raising five children, which, as we know, is no small feat. When Nancy Pelosi first ran for office in 1987, she won a seat representing California's fifth Congressional district. She steadily rose through the leadership ranks, becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007.

Until Kamala Harris was elected as Vice President in 2020, Nancy was the highest-ranking female government official in our nation’s history, third in line to the Presidency in the unlikely event that succession was required. When Nancy Pelosi took office in Congress, only 28 women served in the U.S. Congress. Due in no small part to her position as a role model for women and girls and her relentless commitment to diverse representation in government, the number of women in leadership positions has steadily risen. I do not think it would be unfair to say she has single-handedly spurred a generation of female leaders. Today, 151 women serve in Congress, 25 are Senators, and 126 are House of Representatives members.?

A Champion for Fundamental Freedom?

On the occasion of this gala, Nancy was honored by Public Counsel with its prestigious Douglas Award, which is named after the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas.?

In her remarks, Nancy said, “Right now, we're engaged in a battle for the soul of our republic, our fundamental freedoms, and the survival of our democracy. I hope that doesn't sound political. This is about patriotism. This is about civics. This is about our constitution for the rule of law. [This is about] one person, one vote, the right to privacy, which Justice Douglas defended, even for truth itself. So, if you want to give me the Douglas Award, I have to talk about those things. Sadly, this is a trend not confined to our shores; across the world, we see despicable, even violent, attacks on democracy. Justice Douglas warned us against that. As citizens, we must be vigilant. Douglas said, and I paraphrase: As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. He wrote a half-century ago. It is in such twilight that we must be aware of the change in the air—however slight – lest we become victims of the darkness. Preserving our democracy is the task of our time. It is our patriotic duty. The price we pay for citizenship is in the greatest country on earth. You do agree that this is the greatest country on Earth.”?

As I listened to Nancy’s passion-filled words, I had tears in my eyes. Given where our country is now, I am left with grave concern. It reminds me of what I have learned about the rise of Adolph Hitler and the role of a demigod who ferments hatred, racism, and antisemitism, all of which are embraced all too willingly by his followers. I think this is the greatest country on Earth, but I am quite worried about our democracy.?

Women are Tougher Than You Think, But That Doesn’t Define Us

Another thing Nancy said that resonated with me was about the challenges women face, especially in the public arena, where they are often attacked and then criticized for responding firmly. We all know that she has become quite a lightning rod politically and, as such, reviled by the other side of the spectrum. I believe this is because she speaks her mind, and some people to this day do not want women to speak their minds. One thing I admire about Nancy is that she will not back down even in the face of unfair personal attacks. In short, she can take a punch and is more than willing to throw one in return – but always in a classy way.?

I particularly like how she explained what it means to be a leader. “[I want to reference] the words of a Republican president, Teddy Roosevelt, because he spoke of public service as getting into the arena, being a participant, not just a spectator. As Public Counsel and all the leaders here tonight know full well, being in the arena is not for the faint of heart because, in the arena, you have to be willing to take a punch. You have to be able and willing to throw a punch – for the children,” explained Nancy.?

I am a big fan of Teddy Roosevelt, even though I am admittedly a Democrat. I even worked for Senator Jacob Javits of New York, who was a Republican. What I admired about the Senator was that he shared many core values with Democrats in terms of people's personal liberties, which I believe are being taken away today.?

I can definitely relate to what Nancy said about taking a punch—metaphorically. As most women professionals will acknowledge, being attacked and aggrieved for nothing more than being a woman is not uncommon in both the public and private sectors.?

I am no shrinking violet. I choose to be in the arena. I am willing to take a punch. In my profession, they are leveled at me all the time. And when it comes to protecting children, families, and those less fortunate, I am willing to throw one back. I am a divorce lawyer. I especially look out for children. That is what I do, and I am passionate about it.?

As women, some men may see us as the “softer” sex, but we know that we are just as strong and will not be defined by other’s perceptions. Of that, I am certain.?

An Inspiring Experience?

I will cherish meeting Nancy Pelosi and having the opportunity to exchange some thoughts privately with her. I have met other influential public figures over the years, such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, and Tipper Gore. Nancy was even more personable than I had expected. I love all that she represents for women in general. She’s brilliant, beautiful, feminine, accomplished, and does not feel the need to act like a man. And I say that with no malice towards men. We all deserve to be appreciated for who we are.?

I came away from my evening with Nancy heartened at how far we have come as women. But soberly aware that there is still a long road ahead of us. We need more women involved in civic and government work, all of which will require the support of spouses, friends, neighbors, communities, and political parties.?

Many great women have paved the way, and many others continue to do so. I revere Eleanor Roosevelt, Ann Richardson, Golda Meier, Michelle Obama, and countless others who have served as mayors and elected officials throughout small communities, as well as women who have been involved in political action committees, people who have led nonprofit boards, and so many more. I admire all of these women for rolling up their sleeves and making a difference.?

And most of all, for their willingness to take a punch and give a punch to the children and less fortunate.

Please note: The content and views expressed here are my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, strategies, views, or opinions of Blank Rome LLP.