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Inspiration June 26, 2018
These women are the badass bosses who can help you become a badass boss yourself.
In our dog-eat-dog world, it is time to end the cat fight. Women have been pitted against each other throughout history. In the wise words of Abraham Lincoln, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” If we want to win the war, women have to go into the battle for equality together.
These five women seem to have realized early on the power women can have when they support each other. They each have made impactful contributions to the well-being of women everywhere. With these women building us up, we are sure to reach and break through the looming glass ceiling above us.
Valeisha Butterfield Jones is an incredibly accomplished woman. As you look from the list of achievements that follows her name to every interview or write-up, it seems almost impossible. Her current titles include a Global Head position at Google; CEO and founder of her own organization; author of hugely successful book; deputy director in the Obama administration; and national and executive director of inclusion at the Alzheimer’s Association. And she still finds time to be a wife and a mother. It’s tiring just looking at this list. While the titles themselves are already super impressive, the actual organizations and programs they are attached to are what’s most striking. This is because so much of what Jones does revolves around the empowerment of women, specifically women of color. Her consistency in striving to better the lives of under-represented groups is inspiring.
For example, Jones is the co-founder and CEO of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN). WEEN is an awesome, mentorship-like program that helps provide plans and paths for women of color on their way to success. We here at ENTITY are big fans of mentorship. To see it executed so effectively and with such an important goal is moving and monumental.
Jones is also the author of a mentorship book, entitled “The Girlprint.” This book details some of Jones’ journey to reaching her own levels of success, as well as providing advice to readers. Perhaps one of the most inspiring features of this book is its encouragement of the pursuit of dreams. Sometimes, we just someone to give us permission to be passionate. Receiving that permission from Jones is truly motivating, as one can so clearly see where her own drive landed her.
Cheryl Hunter is an author and life coach dedicated to using her own life experience to improve the lives of other women. Hunter speaks openly and honestly about her own tragedies, including being kidnapped, beaten and raped at a young age. In her Ted Talk about the beauty of imperfection, Hunter mentions her own shame and reclusion after these events. Hunter was able to transform her shame into power. She developed her voice and now spreads her messages to women in need of hearing them. According to her website, Hunter’s goal is to “liberate” women from whatever it may be that is holding them “captive.” She preaches on the importance of seeking your real worth, and she opposes settling. Whether in the realm of careers, relationships or creative goals, Hunter’s desire to support women and assist in their growth is admirable.
Hunter offers more than merely one-on-one coaching sessions. She has also created several YouTube videos, which she shares on her blog with more general advice. This way, she is able to reach a larger number of struggling people at no cost. In all of these videos, she encourages discussion through the comments available on her blog. Thus, she works to create a community of people who share with and learn from one another. Her certainty and spirit is inspiring and courageous. The fact that she uses her voice to speak a language of help and not hurt proves the resilience of women and the amazing things that happen when women support women.
Michelle Wolf is the founder of EmpowHer LA, an organization dedicated to building women up via coaching, community programs and inspirational speakers. Wolf herself has lead a life filled with success, pursuing marketing both out in the world and in academia. Recently, she made her way down to ENTITY headquarters, where she inspired and uplifted the mentees. Wolf comes across as the cool, progressive aunt we all want in our lives. She is kind and gracious, never sacrificing strength for sympathy, but rather using the two hand in hand. She took the time to answer questions from anyone who had them. Wolf even stayed late just to speak with more mentees. The activities she provided gave us a real opportunity to bond and develop confidence.
This is exactly what her program is all about, empowering women by connecting them with other bold and inspiring women. On the organization’s website, Wolf writes, “One of the many things I have learned is as women, we are better when we work together!” We agree, Michelle! While EmpowHer LA does have a focus on entrepreneurship and getting women to discover and successfully pursue the careers they really desire, it has a bigger focus, too. Michelle Wolf spoke to ENTITY about the importance of empathy and real connections in the workplace. She encouraged mentees to strive for deeper understanding of their peers, asking the real questions, not just fluff. By keeping empathy in the equation, Wolf teaches us to rely on and love each other as we all seek to rise to the top.
Joy Donnell has acquired quite the resume. According to Joy’s website, she is a “brand and content strategist, activist and entrepreneur dedicated to creating media that increases humanity.” Based on this information, it is safe to say Donnell is in the business of raising up those who are marginalized.
Donnell got her start in public relations (PR). This may not seem like a direct route to supporting women in need. However, Donnell’s view of public relations reveals its more human qualities. In an interview with Black Hollywood Live, Donnell speaks about PR’s ability to give a voice to those in need that will actually be heard. She speaks on her experience early on in her career, as she attempted to bring a refugee and her daughter into the US. Because she didn’t have the ability to speak on the matter in such a way that others listened, she failed. This was her first exposure to the power of public relations.
As a strategist, Donnell is able to supply honest tips and tricks to those who desire to climb their career ladder. She is also editor-in-chief of Vanichi Magazine, which Donnell described in an interview with InspiHer Magazine as “dedicated to discovery and inclusion.” Her website is also littered with articles that emphasize diversity and focus on female adversity. When you listen to her speak or read her writing, you immediately notice her intelligence and expertise. She is a major advocate of mentorship and serves as a mentor herself. Donnell uses her skills and experience to empower and drive forward the careers of women on the rise. Therefore, Donnell is truly a woman dedicated to supporting women.
Erin Loos Cutraro is the CEO and founder of She Should Run. This change-making organization is aimed at encouraging more women to run for office, as well as helping those who are on their path make it all the way to their government goals. In our world, men are encouraged to be presidents and women are encouraged to be teachers. The inequality between male and female representatives in the US government is undeniable. Perhaps this is due to the constant pushback against women with ambitions exceeding the careers society deems acceptable for females. She Should Run certainly thinks this is part of the problem. This organization is stepping in and coaching women seeking a career in politics instead of redirecting them to other careers. Thus, She Should Run is making dreams come true.
Part of what makes this organization perfect for this list is its development of community. On the She Should Run website, anyone can nominate a woman they believe is fit to run for office. Giving people an opportunity to praise and raise up women who may be too afraid to submit themselves is an enormously important step in creating an environment that is truly equal.
Another way in which Cutraro’s organization is supporting women is with the She Should Run Incubator. This is a set of online courses that helps connect and educate women who are interested in running for office. Because She Should Run is non-partisan, it brings together a diverse community of women, with everyone having something to learn from everyone else. Cutraro’s clever and generous thinking has lead to an inspiring organization that makes possible a future in which men and women are on more equal playing fields.
Life is uncertain. The news is unsettling. Our government is unsatisfactory. In this time of much need, let us cling to our fellow women. Taking inspiration from these five powerhouses listed above, let’s all work together to enrich the female community. Cheer for your friends when they get the job, instead of sinking into envy. Raise your girls to be bold, not polite. Celebrate your own triumphs and the trials, as it is all a part of growth. With any one of these five female bosses holding the ladder, women are free to climb to their rightful places at the top. Let’s get to stepping.
