I was recently given advice that I should create a brand for myself as apparently this is all the rage de rigueur. Make sure that people know exactly what I stand for and make my opinions matter. I do this every day in my work place and in my community but do you see me? There are millions of women who are stepping up in their workplaces and earning accolades quietly. Do you even see us? I’ve heard so many stories about accomplished women with multiple Ivy League degrees and bonafide work experience to support their current position, only to be reduced to the demeaning and absurd objectification that they are where they are because they used woman power with their male bosses or some other powerful man lurking in the shadows. Do you see us? Do you see the millions of hardworking, well-educated, multitasking women out there who are contributing to their families, supporting their aged parents and still making magic in the office? What is this notion about getting ourselves out there more? Why don’t you see us? We are everywhere, everyday. Men are appreciated for being ambitious and assertive while women are admonished for being aggressive. Many of us are working towards the same goals. We want to be recognized for our hard work. I’m not speaking for those women or men who seek shortcuts through subterfuge and illicit means. I’m talking about women like myself – well-educated, well intentioned, hardworking, credentialed, honest. We aren’t perfect but we deserve to be seen.
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