I asked my daughter, Aliza, what she wanted to be the other day to help her prepare for a project at school and she said "Mayor." 🥹 She's six so depending on the day, this answer can change  but it still made my heart swell. This week's quote by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor makes me think of Aliza and all the other girls and women seeing women in leadership roles. 

The more we see women succeeding in various fields, the more it inspires others to pursue their own goals. It breaks down barriers and shows young girls (and boys!) that there are no limitations to what they can achieve. You don't have to be in elected office or the first woman to do it (that's cool too!) to help with this mindset. 

Here are some ways we can all contribute to this positive cycle:

• Amplify the achievements of women: Share stories of inspiring women in your network, industry, or community.
• Support women-owned businesses: Choose to shop, work with, and invest in businesses led by women.
• Mentor and sponsor other women: Share your knowledge and experience to help others climb the ladder.
• Celebrate women's accomplishments, big and small: Recognition goes a long way in boosting confidence and inspiring others.

 Tell me some ways you do it too! 

This one feels powerful. I have found that knowing myself is such a key part of being a strong leader. Knowing my strengths, blindspots, abilities has helped me with everything from day to day meetings to long term goal setting to leading with empathy. Being able to hone my skills and know where I need to improve has helped me be a better leader. It also helps to know my limits and triggers so I can anticipate how to work through them in the moment. 

One of the scary things about public service is being in the public eye, receiving public criticism. "You gotta have thick skin". I've never really thought of myself as having thick skin but rather the tools to take the comments and criticisms without letting them break me. Tools like knowing myself, strong friendships, a growth mindset, mindfullness, and exercise to name a few! 

15 Ways to Empower Women To Apply For Leadership Roles

This article from Newsweek brings together advice from women in company leadership roles and while these focus on workplace, many can be applied to public office, community boards, and civic organizations. Not surprisingly, this list makes for better organizational culture all around!