Standing Tall: Showing Up Where It Matters Most

What's Brewing

I’ll never forget the day my mom gave me advice that changed my entire perspective—forever.

I was upset—angry, hurt—because I felt unseen and singled out. I was the only Black resident on the ICU service, and being scheduled to work a 24-hour in-house on-call shift on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day that held so much meaning for me felt like a slap in the face. It felt unfair, almost punitive, like retribution.

I turned to my mom, venting and on the verge of tears. She listened, letting me get it all out, and then calmly said:

They need to see you—standing tall, confident, and fearless. You belong there, Michelle. And they need to know it too. You’re living proof that Dr. King’s dream is alive—that our ancestor, Matan's dream is alive. There’s no more important place for you to be. — Jocelyn Flemmings

Her words stopped me in my tracks. My mom had evoked the memory of Matan, my great-great-grandmother from the Maroon Tribe in Jamaica, West Indies. She was a slave, and it was her resilience and strength that my mother was borrowing and passing onto me in this moment...and my tears came.

In that instant, what I saw as an insult, Mom reframed as an opportunity—no, as my duty, and my honor. She handed me my white coat, kissed me on the cheek as I wiped my face, and reminded me that showing up—my presence mattered. That it wasn’t just about me—it was about what I represented and the determination and defiance of Matan's shoulders that I stood on.

That day, I carried with me what Maya Angelou so profoundly called "the hope and the dream of the slave." It was about showing that the dream wasn’t just a concept—it was real, and it was walking into that hospital that day.

Forty years later, that lesson stays with me. Women—especially women of color, must take up space, speak up, and ask for what we need to succeed. It’s not easy. There are moments when it feels like the deck is stacked against us. But we cannot let fear or doubt make us invisible.

You are here.

You belong.

And you have every right to ask for what you need and defend what’s right.

Quote of the Week

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Leadership Lens: Insights for Women in Leadership

When I reflect on my mom’s words and Dr. King’s vision, I see valuable lessons for women and women of color in leadership today:

? Visibility is Power: Showing up matters. Being present, especially in spaces where you feel unseen or undervalued, is an act of courage. Your presence shifts perceptions and changes norms.

? Reframe the Challenge: Moments that feel unfair or overwhelming can often be reframed as opportunities for growth or leadership. Ask yourself: How can I turn this moment into a statement of my strength and resolve?

? Support One Another: We can’t do it alone. The courage and confidence of others—mentors, allies, peers, or those who came before us—strengthens us to keep showing up.

Reflection for This Week:

? Think about where your presence is most needed. Are there spaces where you can take up more room, speak more boldly, or lead with purpose?

Off the Record: Personal Musings

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the noise around us—the division, the rhetoric, and the constant stream of distractions. It’s easy to feel like nothing you do can make a difference.

We’re living in a time where the voices fanning the flames of fear, disrespect, and chaos seem louder than ever. The rights of women, people of color, and the most vulnerable among us are under attack, and it feels like the progress we’ve fought so hard for is slipping away. It’s easy to feel small, invisible, or powerless.

But I keep going back to my mom’s words: “They need to see you.”

Even in the face of uncertainty, showing up matters. Our presence reminds the world that we are still here, still standing, and still living proof of resilience, courage, and hope. Whether it’s standing up for what’s right in a meeting, mentoring someone who feels unseen, or simply showing up as your authentic self—you’re making an impact.

This week, as we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, let’s commit to showing up, speaking out, and supporting one another. Together, we’re stronger than any noise trying to drown us out.

Call to Action

Take a moment to reflect:

? What's stopping you from showing up fully in spaces that need your presence?

? Where are you holding back, and how will you take up space and amplify your voice this week?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reply or share this newsletter with someone who might need the encouragement.

Tomorrow, January 21, 2025, I will honor my late mother and my great-great-grandmother, Matan, whose strength still guide me. I honor Dr. King, who taught us the power of courage and vision. And I honor every single person who refuses to let fear or hate stop them from living their one, precious, incredible, and magnificent life.

Because of them...I’m still here. And yes, I'm at work.