Founder’s Message July 2021

by Pauline Field

July 4th – Independence Day, the day we celebrate being free from British rule.  Freedom and independence are strong words that we often take for granted.  Many women are not free, even in this country.  They are not free from domestic violence, workplace harassment and sexual violence.  Many women feel enslaved by their work or by their families.  When Betty Friedan wrote The Feminine Mystique in 1963 she voiced what so many women felt – that they were trapped at home raising their children and not able to realize their potential in other ways.  Covid-19 felt to many women like history repeating itself, having to work from home and take care of their children, whether or not they had a partner.  Once again it was women who bore the burden of childcare and their zoom education.  We may have made progress since 1963, but how much?

Our Money 101 Financial Literacy program is helping women live independently – with their own careers, and having the knowledge to manage their own money.  Many of our participants are homeless, dependent on a nonprofit for shelter and food. Their dream is to be independent.  Our High School Interns in our Summer Internship Program on the other hand, although dependent on their parents, are learning everything they can to ensure their independence.

Whether you will be enjoying barbecues, fireworks displays or travelling on July 4th, take a moment to be grateful for your freedom and independence, and to notice anywhere that you are not. Maybe now is the time to break free, use your voice, and follow that dream.  Be the leader you can be.

Later in the month, on Saturday, July 10th at 10:00 am PST / 1:00 EST, join us for Lemonade and Laughter – an hour of trivia fun! For more information and to register Click here.