Make HERstory 365 Days a Year

I’m concluding this Women’s History Month with a self-reflection. For the past couple of months, I have been blessed to be able to speak at congressional hearings on behalf of women Veteran business owners, provide keynote addresses to inspiring women entrepreneurs, offer mentorship, establish contracts with, make connections for, and present employment opportunities to women professionals. So, in quick thought, I would say “I’m doing my part.” Sharing knowledge and remaining accessible is something I prioritize in every aspect of my life. I have always had a clear understanding that “your net worth is your network.” Therefore, I go the extra mile (or two) to ensure that I am consistently showing up for women.

What does it look like to show up for women? For me, it is working together in everything we do. When there is an opportunity, do you look to women for the solution, or are they an afterthought? In business, how many women CEOs have you partnered with? In your organization, how many women are in senior positions?

Every year we see posts about women who have made strides to support American history and significant contributions to the support of women’s equality. Of course, providing awareness in society on changes required in law for women’s rights (employment, housing, pay, etc.). But are you doing your part? Are you doing the work or are you posting for the “trend of it? I encourage you to take action. Every woman has the capability of making HERstory. In my daily work I have three main areas of focus (1) Leadership (2) Activism (3) Collaboration.

Leadership

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “lead by example.” No one is a perfect leader. However, everyone should lead through the change they hope to see. What change do I hope to see? Women are in better positions financially, in business, and in life in general. I expose the women in my circle to rooms and information that will stretch their capabilities. ?I lead with the understanding that I need to be able to remove myself from certain duties and responsibilities. If I am not putting the woman around me in the best position to succeed, I am failing. If you know me, you know failure is not an option.

Activism

I am part of many groups that advocate for women. I am Chair of the Women Veterans Business Coalition, a member of the Women’s Procurement Circle, and the University of Maryland Global Campus Alumni Advisory Board. These are just a few ways I utilize my knowledge and connections to invoke change and inspire opportunities. Every area has organizations and boards that support the progression of women. Your support and involvement in these spaces are vital to the direction of HERstory. Together we have the power to make a difference in local, state, and federal legislation.

Collaboration

This brings me to collaboration. We learn?more when we work together?instead of?competing?against each other. That doesn’t just go for women; we need our male allies to step up and work with us. A Northwestern-led study of 6.6 million papers finds that gender-balanced teams produce more innovative, impactful work. While the study focuses on scientists, the findings can be generalized to all areas. In transparency and open dialogue, we can collaborate on solutions to create spaces for equality.

Making HERstory 365 is doing YOUR part. It’s getting up from the sideline to act. No matter how big or small you think your action may be, it is a spark that enlightens possibilities. I encourage you to have a moment of self-reflection. Leadership, activism, and collaboration are the keys to change. Let’s continue to make HERstory OUR priority.?