Last Thursday, in celebratory fashion, GBTA WINiT recognized
women who are making things happen in the industry, dare I say, the world! We heard about rising leaders, companies
focusing on empowerment, allies who stand with us, lifetime achievements and so
many more. It was a night filled with
laughter, tears and inspiration. To sit
in a room and celebrate wonderful leaders made heart happy and excited to see
what lies ahead.
Sunday, I went to a college volleyball playoff game. It was hard fought battle but the team I was
cheering for won. Yeah!!! Between sets, I was perusing the program
where the other team had their “feature athletes” noted. They were interviewed and asked a series of
questions. One was, “What is your dream
job/career?” Thinking they were
interviewing college level athletes, I focused in on those responses and was
sad to see that one of them replied, “Being a trophy wife.” I was speechless and most of you know that is
hard to make happen. I googled trophy wife and here is what says: ”Simply put, a trophy wife is a status symbol for her husband. The
term has a bit of a negative connotation to it because it implies that the
woman is nothing but her good looks. In essence, she lacks intelligence, personality,
ambition, or money of her own. She is completely dependent on her husband.”
That is someone’s goal?
Dependency, symbol, lacking personality and intelligence?
In a span of four days, I saw the highs of celebration and
recognition and this low point. Do I
think every woman (man and child for that matter) can change the world? YES! By giving of ourselves, working for a
common good, inspiring others and simply being a role mode…anyone can change
the world. A wife and mom can change the
world. As an executive in the corner office,
she can change the world. This young
woman can be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, construction worker….anything she
chooses to be, and change the world.
We are in November now and it’s a time of year we start to
think of what we are thankful for. I am
thankful for all the people (women, men and children) who inspire me everyday
to set goals for myself and support me in striving to reach those. I hope in some way I can be that to others
and who knows, maybe this young woman will be next on my list. In the meantime, I keep going and ask you do the same!
