Every year around this time, I not only look forward to the coming of Spring and to another birthday, but I also look forward to honoring the outstanding achievements and contributions made by women both past and present!

Women’s History Month (designated as such in 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9) is also a great time to reach out to (and re-connect with) the women in your network, and to let them know how absolutely fantastic they are! Let these great women know that they are truly special, and that there is nothing they cannot accomplish – especially when they have other great women (and men!) guiding, supporting, mentoring and high-fiving them along the way!

During this month, I also encourage you to support the organizations that help to support the amazing women in your circle!  Join these organizations and provide not only your financial resources but also your time – a number of these organizations are volunteer-lead, and are always looking for ways for members and supporters to get involved!

It is said that Spring is a time for new beginnings… Begin today by committing to lifting up women, being an ally and serving as a resource – and don’t forget – their story is your story is our story – we’re in this together!

A few weeks ago, one of my WGR DEI Committee Members reached out to myself and the other members of my DEI Leadership Team to get some advice on how to handle an uncomfortable but crucial conversation that she needed to have with another person in her professional circle.  As it turns out, the conversation that the DEI Committee Member had with the other person went well, and they both are now on the same page about how to move forward!

This experience prompted be to begin thinking about the value that occurs when uncomfortable but crucial conversations actually take place!  I believe that oftentimes apprehension about having a crucial conversation stems from how you believe the other person may “show up” to the conversation (e.g. with a closed-mind or angry/dismissive). It is important, however, to approach each uncomfortable but crucial conversation with both an open mind and heart.  A good number of conversations turn out to be a positive experience, with both parties at the very least getting on equal footing, and coming to a place of shared understanding.

The next time those anxious or negative thoughts jump into your mind related to your next uncomfortable but crucial conversation, consider the “glass half full” scenario and come to your conversation with no pre-conceived notions and a willingness to yourself be fair and open-minded!