Through the Intersectionality Lens: Processing Vice President Harris's Journey as a Woman, Black Woman, Immigrant, and a Mother.

In this moment of reflection, I sit here holding four powerful identities close to my heart: woman, Black woman, immigrant, and mother. Where I had been zoned out of the election news, things changed when Vice President Harris came on the ballot as a Presidential candidate in the summer. Over the last few months, I have viewed Vice President Harris's presidential campaign through these distinct yet intertwined lenses—each one revealing a different shade of significance, touching a different part of who I am, and adding depth to what this moment means for our collective future.

Though the outcome isn't what we hoped for, her journey as only the second woman, the first Black woman, and the first daughter of immigrants to come this far has already reshaped what's possible.

#WOMAN

As a woman, I recognize the familiar contours of this moment—the experience of being exceptional yet still finding barriers intact, of watching another crack appear in the highest glass ceiling—significant, meaningful, yet not quite the breakthrough we yearned for. I am allowing myself to feel pride in how far we've come and the ache of "not yet."

Through the lens of womanhood, I witnessed her stand on debate stages proudly, refusing to be silenced or interrupted. I saw her demonstrate that leadership need not conform to masculine stereotypes—that strength can coexist with empathy, and that power can be wielded with grace. When they called her "too ambitious," she showed us that a woman's ambition is not a liability but a force for change and that our presence in halls of power isn't a privilege to be granted but a right to be claimed.

#BLACKWOMAN

Through the lens of Black womanhood, I watched her navigate spaces historically closed to us with unwavering dignity. With her long history of accomplishments, standing firm in the face of still being questioned for "competency." Each time she stood at the podium, she carried the hopes and dreams of generations.

She showed America that Black women's leadership—so long trusted in our communities, churches, and movements—belongs at every power level. When they scrutinized her every word, gesture, and expression, she remained unwaveringly authentic, transforming barriers into bridges that connected history and powerful black women role models.

#IMMIGRANT

Through the lens of immigrant identity, I recognized the familiar courage of charting unprecedented paths. Like her mother, like me, she carried dreams bigger than herself. I recall my flight from Lagos to Houston in 2009, carrying dreams heavier than my two pieces of luggage. Like Vice President Harris's mother, I crossed oceans believing in America's promise.

When they questioned her belonging, she demonstrated that one could be both proudly immigrant-born and powerfully American, that our accents carry wisdom, and that our journeys bring strength and build resilience.

She showed America that immigrant stories aren't peripheral to the American story—they are the American story.

The intersection of these three lenses reveals the full magnitude of this moment:

• As women, we saw leadership that didn't apologize for its strength.
• As Black women, we witnessed representation at unprecedented levels.
• As immigrants, we recognized our stories in the highest halls of power.

Today, I chose to Pause and reflect.

While Vice President Harris's campaign did not end in the presidency, it irrevocably changed the landscape of possibility in America in a few short months for me and maybe for a lot of people like me.

Through each lens, the path forward remains clear:

For women: Our ambition is not a flaw to be hidden but a strength to be unleashed

For Black women: Our leadership is not a privilege to be granted but a power we already possess

For immigrants: Our stories are not footnotes but central chapters in America's continuing narrative.

#MOTHER

As a girl mom, this is my fourth intersection. Maybe this one especially helps me keep going because it is futuristic.

That commitment to make my daughter's path smoother than my own.

I think of every little girl who watches this/us and waits.

I think of that moment I first held my daughter, whispering promises of limitless possibilities into her tiny ear.

Today, I tell her a new story: about a woman who looked like us, who made history not by winning today but by competing fiercely and authentically at the highest level.

When my daughter asks, "Why didn't she win?" I'll tell her, "She showed us what's possible, and sometimes showing what's possible is just as important as winning because we are getting prepared."

• For the girl who practices her speech in front of her mirror, dreams in an accent, and carries generations of hopes in her backpack. YOU Sound Beautiful!.
• For the girl who is told to be more "feminine," she's "too much," "too loud," "too bold, too ambitious," and "too different." Keep being too "All of You." That is your power.
• For my daughter and every daughter watching, We are not just writing history but changing its language.

Today, I stand in the fullness of all these my identities:

• Proudly Woman - because our strength is limitless
• Proudly Black - because our excellence is undeniable and
• Proudly Immigrant - because our dreams cross oceans.
• Proudly Mother - Because the future is here.

I proudly carry forward the hopes of every little girl, my younger self included, and like my daughter with all of these intersections, who will one day shatter not just the ceiling but every barrier that stands in her way in our workplaces and in society.

The work continues........

Because those little girls watching today will be the leaders of tomorrow, and they now know without a doubt that they belong everywhere: decisions are made, leadership is shaped, and history is written through their stories.

The ceiling is not intact; the cracks are way deeper.

Watch us rise.

Watch us lead.

Watch us transform "NOT YET" Into "JUST YOU WAIT."

#WomenInLeadership #BlackWomenLead #ImmigrantExcellence #Intersectionality #RepresentationMatters #ThreeLenses #WomensPower #FutureLeaders #DreamBig

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I'm Lola Adeyemo, a Nigerian-American who believes in the power of community and data to transform workplace culture. As an ERG and DEIB expert, TEDx speaker, and mom, I bring scientific precision and heartfelt understanding to helping organizations truly support their people. My approach is simple: combine robust data with genuine human connection to create meaningful change.

Through my award-winning book "Thriving in Intersectionality : Immigrants, belonging and Corporate America," my podcast "Thriving in Intersectionality, " and my work to support early-mid career immigrant professionals at the 501c3 non-profit Immigrants in Corporate (IIC) , I've aired countless powerful stories of resilience and growth. I'd love to hear and share yours. Whether you're navigating your journey or looking to strengthen your organization's cultural initiatives, let's connect. Reach out via LinkedIn DM or email me at [email protected].

Together, we inspire and propel, and we can build workplaces where everyone truly belongs.