“Women can no longer be both half the population and a special interest group.”
“When we talk about men who are succeeding, we rightly consider them icons or pioneers or innovators to be emulated. But when we talk about women, they are either exceptions to be dismissed or abhorations to be ignored. And finally, there is no society anywhere in all the world that is not changed except by its most exceptional.”
You are not an exception. I am not an exception. Women are not an exception. Don’t resign yourself to it, don’t hide behind it. Watch this video – watch it every day if you have to. And know that your exceptional nature will make certain, in the words of Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, that “the exceptions will begin to rule.”
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Thanks for posting this. I like her last comment: “When we change the way we see ourselves, others will follow. And it is time for all of us to think bigger!”
YES! I know I’m thinking bigger. Woohoo!
This is a fabulous message – women are not the exception – however we are exceptional. And how can we be more than 50% of any population and be a minority? Great questions. We need to own and accept our greatness and more importantly seek it out and expect it in ourselves and others!
Beth, this is so true! You’re helping me to harness and recognize my own greatness! I love it.