Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Championing Equity While Leading with Grace

Equity and grace. To me, these words epitomize what Ruth Bader Ginsburg stood for and who she was. Like so many, I have been mourning RBG’s passing and reflecting on her legacy. I’ve been thinking about her impact on me…as a person, as a woman, as an American and as a D&I leader at Pratt & Whitney. There’s much to admire – so many RBG quotes to inspire, so much history made. But, I keep coming back to those two words.

Equity. Ruth lived her life as a champion for and driver of equity. As the global head of diversity & inclusion at Pratt & Whitney, I spend my days thinking about that term. How do we continue to progress and evolve our culture, ensuring we are a company that doesn’t just value diversity, that doesn’t just foster inclusion, but that ensures equity? Justice Ginsburg fought for equality and civil liberties for all who were under represented; inspiring laws enforcing equal pay and being one of the first Supreme Court Justices to officiate at a same-sex wedding, she lived her values. She showed us that equity isn’t limited to gender, race or religious beliefs.  

I have seen and felt firsthand that Pratt & Whitney is a place that values all three: diversity, equity and inclusion. While it’s in my title, the truth is seen in our employees who live this daily. In employees who keep the conversation of equity and inclusiveness at the top of every all-hands meeting or performance conversation. In those who speak up when they see or hear something that doesn’t live up to our Pratt & Whitney values. Reflecting on RBG and her values, I think of my colleagues who are living our values, growing and leaning in. I am proud to be here with our global teams as we continue to live and speak up for diversity, equity and inclusion.     

 Grace. RBG was always the voice of dissent, but also the voice of reason. She was steadfast in her beliefs and in her fight for those beliefs. She is known for her choice of words, her “moderation of expression.” She was quoted as saying, “My approach I believe is neither liberal nor conservative.” RBG understood that for others to change, to make an impact, a leader has to be inclusive: “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

I cannot think of a better way to lead than with the grace she demonstrated. As leaders – in our companies, in our communities, in our homes – how do we stay balanced and fair? How can we lead by coaching instead of defaulting to reprimand? How do we lead with empathy and teach instead of falling into the mainstream “cancel culture?”  

At Pratt & Whitney, we believe we have a responsibility to consider all perspectives – that we can only be innovative and creative through diversity of thought. We are a global company that values what each of our 41,000 employees brings to the table. I regularly see and even participate in passionate discussions where people feel comfortable making the case for what they believe – respectfully. Openly. Honestly. 

As I think about how I want to honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg in my personal and professional life, I want to stay focused on speaking my mind and living my truth, with passion and poise. I will champion equity and do my best to lead with grace, in the spirit of RBG.  My greatest hope is that others will join me.