Letter to my daughter........

This International Women's day, I thought I would do something different and write you a letter, not because you need me to remind you of how precious you are to me or to highlight to you that you can be anything you ever want to be regardless of what anyone says. I know that you will grow up to be a strong woman and intersectionality means you will also grow up to be a strong ethnically diverse woman. Remember even though the word “minority” is defined as: “the smaller number or part, especially a number or part representing less than half of the whole”, you will never be the smaller number or part. You will be you. And nothing or no one will stop you.

Intersectionality may also mean that you have other characteristics that are important to you. Remember that is never a weakness but it is your strength, so own it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Don't let society determine what is right or wrong for you. You will make up your own mind on things but remember that you will not always be right, however your decisions will be your choices and life is not always all about getting things right all the time, but life involves making mistakes.

Remember success never comes easy and on the journey you will make mistakes and win some and lose some, get some right and wrong. However, always keep in mind that it is not about how many times you fall down, it's about how many times you get up after falling. Live your life believing in yourself, believing you can be anything and do anything, because only then will what you believe in become a reality. I am not going to lie, the world is not always kind, however, have faith in yourself and your capability and you can achieve anything.

Never and I repeat NEVER let anyone, especially a man, tell you your worth, tell you that you can’t do something or determine what is good for you. You are a star and always will be and remember if no one else can see it, your father always will. Never accept anything less that you deserve, in society or at work for being a woman. You are more than equal to a man and therefore it is your right to be treated and rewarded fairly.

Don't let anyone try to “fix” you. You don't need fixing. The systems around you will be broken and they will be the ones that will need to be fixed. Remember that you don’t have to wear skirts or high heels to “look professional” or to “fit” in. How great you are at your job is not determined by the clothes and shoes you wear. Be your authentic self. If you grow to love wearing them then do, but remember it’s your choice, no one else’s

Never let the achievements of a man - including me - ever make you feel that the journey ahead is difficult for you. Yes, the journey will be paved with additional obstacles for you as a woman of color, as much as I (and so many other great individuals – men and women) are trying to remove these, I know the reality is that it will probably not change in my lifetime. However face difficulties head on, challenge those that are not fair and always be fair and truthful in what you do. Believe in your capabilities, knowledge and experiences. Never feel like an impostor or allow anyone to make you feel like one. Own your space - it is your right not a privilege.

Remember my wish is not for you to follow in my path, it is for you to make your own path and be even better than me. I wish you all the success for the future, I will be there for you as long as I can. However I know that you don't need me to fight your battles. You are and will be a strong independent woman, who can and will achieve anything on your own merit.

Love,

Dad