5 Easy Ways to Support Women Leaders
Vanessa Loder
● YPO Retreat Facilitator ● Global Keynote Speaker ● Co-Founder Goddess Fun d ● Author of The Soul Solution ● Women's Leadership Advocate ● Energetic Spark Plug
March is Women’s History Month – Woo Hoo!! To kick things off, here are a few simple ways to celebrate and uplift women leaders:
1. Reach out to a woman who has inspired you and share the impact she’s had on you.
A quick email or text can have a lasting effect. Do it now! (I'm serious) It takes less than two minutes.
Heck, send one note every day this month to a woman encouraging her to keep going or sharing how she's inspired and influenced you. You can't do too much of this.
2. Invite a woman speaker to your company, organization or bookclub.
Bringing in a woman leader for a keynote, fireside chat or webinar is an easy way to support women in your organization. Investing in women's professional development and networking events builds diversity and improves talent.
See a list of popular speaking topics HERE. (Email [email protected] for details)
3. Buy from, invest in and support women-owned businesses (especially women of color who are double penalized and deserve double the investment!)
Here’s a list of 99 Black Women-Owned Brands and Entrepreneurs to Support
You can also search for vendors that are women of color in the service industry. A client of mine intentionally hired a female landscape architect for a recent project at her house and the structural engineer that she brought in was Asian American. You can look for (ask for) POC, women and WOC as you look for doctors, lawyers, financial planners, wellness professionals, music teachers, publicity, social media marketing, etc. Even asking a law firm you’re considering hiring what % of their lawyers and senior partners are women of color or female will have an impact.
If you want to invest in women founders and founders of color, check out Portfolia.
4. Support women’s art and play/watch women-led and -made films and songs.
Check out this list for inspiration:
20 Feminist Movies That Will Empower You to Be Your Best Self for Women’s History Month
I’m gonna watch “Gloria – In Her Own Words” this month. I may even do a screening in my house with some girlfriends. 🙂
5. Read and buy books from female authors.
A few of my favorite spiritual feminist texts:
We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: Inner Light in a Time of Darkness
Rise Sister Rise: A Guide to Unleashing the Wise, Wild Woman Within
A Radical Awakening (haven’t read this one yet…it’s on my list for 2022! Highly recommend Dr. Shefali’s other books)
Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive
Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit
Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity for Black Women in America
Journalists, PhD’s and other experts on why women are overwhelmed and how to do less:
Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time
What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood (this one is kind of in a category of its own…if you’re pregnant, a new mom or planning on having kids, it could be your jam)
**Notice if you get a little ‘zing’ of aliveness or an ‘energetic breadcrumb’ from reading any of the titles above, even without knowing what the book is about, that could be a sign you’re meant to read it.
What are some of the most inspiring books you've read by women? Leave a comment and let us know! Are there any female artists or authors of color whose art and books you recommend?
There is so much inspiration available to us when we look for it. Women are incredible. Just writing out this list has me all jazzed up. I hope you feel uplifted and inspired too.
Now, let's all go change the world so it more accurately reflects our dreams.
Managing Partner & Founder of FemHealth Ventures | WSJ's 9 Women Shaping VC
2yNice Vanessa Loder