More Than a Ballot: Women in Leadership and the Path Forward

When I cast my vote this season, I stood at the polls with a feeling of purpose and a question echoing:

What do I want to vote for in my life?

The act of voting felt like more than just a choice on a ballot—it was a declaration, a reminder that the choices we make each day shape our lives and those watching us.

As Mary McLeod Bethune once said,

“Next to God we are indebted to women, first for life itself, and then for making it worth living.”

It’s a quote that resonates deeply with me, especially now. It’s a call to each of us to keep choosing, stepping forward, and showing up as women of influence, creating a future built on strength, resilience, and hope.

This election left us feeling many things: for some, inspiration or satisfaction; for others, uncertainty or disappointment. No matter where we stand, one thing is clear: this is a time for us to step up, to see ourselves as powerful agents of influence, and to inspire others by continuing forward, whatever the obstacles.

For me, the first 24 hours after the election were tough—the weight of disappointment was almost unbearable. Seeing a woman who had already made history as our vice president and who also happens to be my sorority sister come so close to breaking yet another barrier brought both heartache and a renewed sense of purpose.

Reaching out to friends, finding comfort in texts and calls, I was reminded of the strength we find in each other.

And then it hit me: it’s go time.

'Go time' means something different for each of us right now. For some, it's finally launching that business plan sitting in the drawer. For others, it's stepping into roles that terrify and excite us. Maybe it's mentoring that rising star on your team or making the bold move to prioritize your own well-being after years of putting everyone else first.

This isn't politics - it's about showing up fully in our lives, bringing our whole selves to the leadership table.

Now more than ever, I am committed to leveling up my influence and impact and double-down on becoming the role model I want to be—for myself and for others. This isn’t just about what I hoped for; it’s about the legacy I am committed to building every single day.

I've given it a lot of thought, and here’s how I believe we can each embrace this moment, turning our choices into steps forward, each making a meaningful impact.

Honoring Our Choices as a Path Forward

Casting a ballot is a symbol of something greater: it’s a commitment to the things we believe in, to the future we want to see. Every day, we have the chance to “vote” for ourselves through the choices we make.

Just last month, I watched a colleague 'vote for herself.' She declined another unpaid committee role to focus on her executive leadership program. It wasn't an easy choice, but it was the right one. A client finally pursued her dream of doctoral studies. She negotiated a four-day workweek to make it happen.

These daily acts of choosing ourselves create waves of change. A boundary set here. A raised hand for that stretch assignment there. Each choice declares that we matter. Our growth matters. Our leadership journey deserves our full attention.

Each action we take builds toward something larger. When we choose ourselves, we show others—including young girls and boys—that they, too, can prioritize their dreams and aspirations.

Finding Strength in Uncertain Times

It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions in moments like these. Setbacks can make us question our path, but they also remind us that a single victory alone doesn’t define progress; it’s a journey.

I see us navigating complex realities every day. Being the only woman in the C-suite meeting, again. Missing that promotion despite years of proven results. Racing from a leadership presentation to care for an aging parent. Coming back to work after a caregiving gap and feeling behind. These moments can shake us. But I've watched women every day turn these challenges into fuel. Our struggles shape our strength. Our stories become bridges for others.

Every time we face challenges and keep moving forward, we grow stronger. This resilience will carry us and inspire others, showing that while the road may be winding, it still moves us forward.

Becoming the Legacy We Hope For

We have an incredible opportunity to be the examples we once looked for, to be the women who show up fully and authentically in our journeys. Every choice, every story we share becomes a part of a larger narrative that tells the world: You are capable; you are strong. When others see us navigating challenges with courage and hope, they find permission to do the same, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and shared resilience.

This is Our Time to Keep Choosing Ourselves

This season may not have given us the breakthrough many hoped for, but it’s not the end of the story.

The most powerful choice we can make now is to keep believing in our own worth, our own power, and our own ability to shape the future.

Let's make the decisions that reflect the lives we want to lead and the legacy we want to leave.

As a member and past chair of the Michigan Women's Commission, I’m honored to contribute to addressing the issues that matter most to women across Michigan from all backgrounds and political perspectives.

Through our work, I've witnessed the raw power of women supporting women. From championing childcare solutions that let mothers stay in the workforce to conducting research that pushed forward equal pay initiatives, each step has shown me what's possible when we commit to lifting each other up.

Not just for us. For every generation that follows.

In every moment, each of us is paving the way for the women and young people who come next. Together, let’s cast our “votes” for ourselves and for each other, showing up as women of strength, influence, and unstoppable resolve. In every step, we’re building something lasting.

How are you voting for yourself and shaping your legacy?

With all my belief in your power and purpose,

Dr. Geneva