What I'll Be Taking With Me from S.H.E. Summit NYC
What happens when you get a bunch of smart people together to talk women’s leadership? You move the conversation slowly, but surely, and in ways you might not expect, forward.
This is why earlier this month I was thrilled to moderate, “A Woman’s Nation, the Change that is Coming” at the S.H.E. Summit in New York City. Stephanie Schriock of EMILY’s List, Olivia Morgan from the Shriver Report, and Terri McCullough of No Ceilings: The Full Participation Project at the Clinton Foundation discussed the role of men in the women’s movement, what it takes for women to run for office, each of their hopes for the women’s movement, and more. Watch the full conversation here.
Equally as powerful was getting the chance to hear other panel conversations and “fireside chats” with folks like U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power and Sallie Krawcheck of Ellevate (formerly 85 Broads), among others. Here are some of my favorite quotes/powerful reminders from the Summit, copy-and-paste-able here in order for you to tweet and share far and wide!
Journalist Mariane Pearl on movement building:
“When you look at history, how do you control people? by controlling the narrative. This is why women’s voices are so important.”
Actress Kelly Rutherford on feminism:
“I thought the women’s movement was over. I said to my mother and grandmother, to that older generation, ‘You guys did such a good job!’… and then, life happens to you.” –Kelly Rutherford
TV personality and author Nigel Barker on marriage and partnerships:
“Two is stronger than one, her insight is something I don’t have… This doesn’t make me a modern man; it makes me human.”
Promundo’s Gary Barker on men’s role in advancing the rights of women and girls:
“Our feminist colleagues are right. We shouldn’t have to depend on them to tell us how to be advocates for women.”
“Change IS coming on gender equity… the question is, how do we speed this up?”
“Find the men who are willing to talk about [gender equity & women’s rights] and support them.”
Ellevate’s new CEO, Sallie Krawcheck on diversity and gender balance:
“When you have greater diversity of perspective and thought, you don’t make faster decisions, but you do make more effective ones.”
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power on women and foreign policy:
“When women are involved, peace agreements are more likely to last. What you get is more root cause solutions than moving chess pieces.”
CNN’s Geraldine Moriba on diversity and gender balance:
“There’s still is a culture of pattern matching. People hire who they’re most like. We have to break that.”
“If more of us collectively spoke up, we would be heard.”
McKinsey’s Joanna Barsh on leadership:
“Leadership is about feeling that you are the owner of your own experience and future.”
The Li.st founder Rachel Sklar on what she’s noticing in the women’s movement:
“It’s not that the women aren’t there, it’s who’s getting visibility, recognition, and money.”
“As more women take on leadership roles, it’s not a coincidence there’s more messaging like, ‘You know, you don’t have to be CEO'”
Journalist and activist Jimmie Briggs on men’s role in advancing the rights of women and girls:
“One of the primary issues for men is we don’t see ourselves as a problem if we’re not actively violent, oppressive, abusive. Being an advocate for women is not about simply NOT oppressing women, it’s about actively standing up for women.”
EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock on why we need more women in office:
“What is the impact of having 20 women in the Senate? They ended the government shutdown and reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act. The impact is real.”
About the Author
Lex Schroeder is a writer and speaker on gender equity, systems change, and the future of work. She is a Leadership Ambassador with Take The Lead and is based in NYC. She can be reached at lexschroeder@taketheleadwomen.com. Follow her on Twitter @lexschroeder.