Yolanda

“I believe that each of us carries a bit of inner brightness, something entirely unique and individual. A flame that's worth protecting. When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it. When we learn to foster what's unique in the people around us, we become better able to build compassionate communities and make meaningful change.”
― Michelle Obama, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

“What does this white lady know about struggling at work? She wrote a career book from a place of privilege, and she already had a seat at the table, so leaning in was easier. Her feelings were valid, to be clear, and I don’t want to take that away from her. But while she was pissed about not having a prime parking spot during her pregnancy, black and brown women were dealing with systemic racism that prevents us from using our voice to speak on subject matters like support for working mothers or the wage gap, because we often aren’t yet at “the table.” Imagine me busting down Sergey Brin’s door at Google and demanding new workplace policies. He would probably call security. Who is this crazy black woman leaning in!”
― Minda Harts, The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table

“When someone chooses to lift the curtain on a perceived imperfection in her story, on a circumstance or condition that traditionally might be considered to be a weakness, what she’s often actually revealing is the source code for her steadiness and strength.”
― Michelle Obama, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

“All I could think about was Shirley Chisholm’s quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
― Minda Harts, The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table