The Power of Celebrating Women

Tory Burch is a high-end fashion designer (I definitely cannot afford her clothes, handbags, etc.). But she also is a huge supporter of women entrepreneurs. Last Thursday (March 5th), she held her annual Embrace Ambition Summit in New York City. The description of the event read:

“We are bringing together leaders and visionaries for a day of activism to challenge unconscious bias and empower women.”

I applied to attend the event. There was one question on the application:  

How have you embraced ambition and challenged stereotypes? Please provide examples of ways that you support women and help others address stereotypes.               

I discovered there were 3,000 applications, but only 500 were accepted. I was one of those 500. When I went back and re-read what I had written on my application – I rocked it!

The event was held at the Jazz auditorium at Lincoln Center. We arrived between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. for registration, a light breakfast, and coffee and the program began at 9 a.m. It was a full day, with the last program ending around 5:30 p.m., then time for cocktails and networking.

I can’t overemphasize how much I needed the positive energy this day exuded. Somehow, I couldn’t help but imbue the vibes of excitement flowing through the air as soon as we all stepped into the venue. The prominent color was bright orange, a powerful, yet feminine color.

The lineup of speakers and moderators kept getting better each time the panel changed—from the youngest speaker, a 14-year-old activist for the rights of the disabled, to the oldest, Claudette Colvin, an African-American woman who, as a 15-year-old girl refused to give up her seat on the bus two weeks before Rosa Parks, to athletes, models, entertainers, businesswomen. There were women who I felt it was an honor and privilege to hear in person; Sylvia Earle, a groundbreaking geo-marine biologist, the pioneering designer Diane von Furstenberg, and of course, the iconic feminist Gloria Steinem. When she spoke, I got chills.

During the breaks, women flooded the lobby for coffee and snacks, and of course, to beat the ever-present line at the women’s restroom. I soon learned if I didn’t get back into the auditorium quickly, I’d end up in the mezzanine, high up and very far away from the stage. There was a giant screen playing video above the stage, but still, I found it disconcerting to feel so out of the action.

During lunch, I went to ask one group of women at a table if I could join them and one woman actually said, “No, we’re at our limit.” Seats filled up quickly, so I found myself eating at a stand-up table. The boxed lunch was inedible anyway – I was glad I’d brought yogurt and some snack bars. In a room off the lobby with a glass wall overlooking Columbus Circle, about ten entrepreneurs who were part of Tory Burch’s fellowship (a mentorship) program, set up booths promoting and selling their wares. Tory Burch also had a store in the center. I purchased an Embrace Ambition bracelet because I could wear it all the time and, when I look at it, be reminded of my vision. I resisted the urge to buy an “Embrace Ambition” t-shirt for $48. All profits went to the Tory Burch Foundation.

One woman’s booth caught my eye as she had postcards at her booth telling a little bit of her story. She apparently had suffered from depression and had been inspired to create holistic healing products. Her company is called Essential Rose. I love using them. I bought Brighten Mood Mist and Tranquil Mood Oil, a roll-on essential oil for my wrist. I spray the mist on my face first thing in the morning and I carry the roll-on with me for a quick stress reliever. I was never one for these types of products and I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying using these.

The day before the Embrace Ambition Summit, I found myself crying at work. My (relatively) new manager had sent me (yet) another e-mail telling me what I was doing wrong. I was acutely aware of not making my numbers the month before, mainly because my work-issued cell phone had locked me out and I was not able to get another one for over two weeks. That phone is the one we use to make our client calls. However, no one in management seemed to recall that tiny detail.

I was sick of being micromanaged and when this e-mail came on Wednesday afternoon, I started crying. I flipped on my “out to lunch” status light on my computer (remember, I’m a telecommuter) and took my rescue dog, Shelby, for a long walk. When I got back to work, I felt a little better and reminded myself only three hours left until my day off and the Embrace Ambition Summit.

After Gloria Steinem spoke, I thought what could top that? In one respect, of course, nothing. It had been a long day and I’d spoken to a couple of people who came from as far away as Florida and Denver. Apparently, one of Tory Burch’s favorite songs is “Finally.” CeCe Peniston came on to the stage to sing “Finally” and she had the entire audience on their feet, dancing and clapping. It was exactly what we needed to restore our energy and I strode out of there, like it was first thing in the morning.

I can’t wait for next year!