Boss Women
November 29, 2024
Writer: Fallon Kogan
Editors: Dani Eder & Sarah Bowie
Photo: Pinterest
My mom is a boss woman in every sense of the word— confident, ambitious, and unapologetically herself. Growing up, watching my mom balance motherhood while dominating as the president of her company was my normal. Both my parents were equally dedicated, showing me that hard work and resilience were qualities naturally shared by both men and women. In our family, strength and leadership weren’t limited by gender— they were qualities my parents embodied together, setting an example that shaped my early belief that equality was simply a given.
Beyond my parents, I was constantly surrounded by powerful women. From the talented women who work with my mom to her wonderful and intelligent girl friends, I had role models on every corner. This influence was not limited to the people I knew personally; my mom made an effort to expose me to influential women in the broader world through events and media. She even took me to the Glamour Women of the Year Awards a few times, where I had the opportunity to watch as women were celebrated for their significant impacts in fields like entertainment, politics, fashion, business, and activism. These people and experiences normalized a world where women thrived as leaders and decision-makers. I am lucky to have grown up with a perception of society that gave me a sense of confidence that equality in the workplace was not only a possibility, but already a reality.
I was naive.
Time and time again, I heard stories in school, online, or on the news about women facing challenges in the workplace or men having an advantage over us. However, I never considered how these issues were a reality for the very women I admired— or how much overcoming them contributed to where they are today.
It wasn’t until I entered the workforce myself that I realized this vision of gender equity was, in many ways, an idealized version of what actually exists. I never felt like my voice wasn't enough, but I witnessed and was exposed to work environments catered for men. This shift broadened my perspective and made me realize what a gift my parents gave me. They made me feel empowered as a young girl, and taught me to be intentional in using this strength to navigate these spaces.
Even with my parents encouragement, I’ve noticed that I sometimes need to adjust aspects of my femininity to be taken seriously. My brother once told me that I can’t let my male coworkers outshine me— I needed to deepen my voice and speak up more in order to be seen. What seemed so natural to my mom and all of the women I looked up to felt like qualities I had to muster up lots of strength to embody.
As I continue to grow into my professional life, I am learning that my femininity and authentic voice are not limitations if I don’t allow them to be. I view these aspects of my identity as some of my greatest strengths. Watching the women I admire navigate their paths has shown me that success does not require me to change who I am. Instead, I can embrace the resilience, empathy, and quiet confidence that define me. With the foundation my mom and so many incredible women have set, I feel empowered to lead confidently, authentically, and with a sense of purpose— trusting that my strengths will enable me to thrive in all aspect of my life.
