When Did You First Know You Had Power?

Do keep on posting those wonderful stories of women in history who deserve greater recognition than they get.

Today, I also have an extra question to ask. I’m delivering the keynote address at an event that recognizes two very important women in history: Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. I’ll be at the University of Rochester’s Stanton/Anthony Conversations, speaking on “How Women Use Power: Transforming Leadership.”

My question is: Was there a moment when you knew you had the power to….(you fill in the blank)? If so, what was it? If not, was there some other process that occurred to give you a sense of your own power to…(your words here)?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

5 Comments

  1. Serena on October 15, 2010 at 2:14 pm

    I love that you are talking about Stanton and Anthony when it comes to women realizing that they have the power to do something. Talk about 2 ordinary women who did amazing things simply because they were willing to speak up.

  2. Mary Eileen Williams on October 17, 2010 at 10:51 am

    I think women’s history and our struggle for a parity with men should be taught to every schoolchild throughout the country–elementary through high school. It is a critical albeit unsung chapter of our nation’s history and it’s about time that both boys and girls learn from the lessons of the past.

    Although I’ve done quite a bit of research on the topic myself (I find it fascinating), I never heard of Sybil Luddington–a woman of great historical importance. Had I not read your important and engaging book, I’d never have known about her.

    As women claim our power more and more, HERstory needs to spread far and wide. Far too many of the young women of today, haven’t a clue.

    • Gloria Feldt on October 19, 2010 at 4:47 pm

      So true, Eileen. I hope that one of the goals women’s groups will take on in the near future is to infuse women into the history curricula everywhere and at every level. It is actually quite fascinating to learn about these women who deserve a place in history but are little known or not at all.

  3. Tekla Szymanski on October 19, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    When did I first know I had the power?

    I’ve pondered that question a lot, and I have come to the rather painful conclusion that I have lost much of my power.

    I had the power to do anything when I just started my career as a journalist. Doors opened, my work had an impact, I was appreciated (and rewarded) for my abilities.

    But now, I am faced not only with a crumbling economy, but also with the fact that my profession is collapsing all around me. To top it all off, I am held back by middle age: I am loosing the battle competing with younger, much cheaper writers and editors, who are eager to receive a byline and little pay as they crash with their parents.

    This is my half-empty cup.

    I do, however, also possess a half-full cup (which keeps me going, although it feels at times more like trying to run underwater). My career-deep-freeze has caused me to find the power to think outside the box, dare I say, see myself as my own brand, as an entrepreneur who can rely on no one but herself.

    Even though I often feel like a deer caught in the headlight (and sometimes even like an old, pathetic looser), I have met incredible women along the way. Women like you, Gloria, whom I consider my mentors, my sisters in arms. You give me the strength to go on; even though you all have set the bar very, very high.

    I thank you for that.

    • Gloria Feldt on October 19, 2010 at 4:41 pm

      Tekla, this is a powerFULL story and I so appreciate your sharing it here. It’s a sure bet that many women have had or are having similar experiences. The first step is to know you are not alone. Keep us posted!

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.