by Solange Lopes | Nov 16, 2016 | Career
After the outcome of this election, I frankly couldn’t wait to hear about other women’s perspectives. What does this mean for women? And most importantly, can we start a conversation, albeit an honest, tough one, about we can and should be doing from this point forward? In the midst of all this confusion, where do women really stand?
So last night, I had the pleasure of virtually attending the “America’s Future: Fast-tracking issues affecting women” event sponsored by the Ellevate Network organization. The event was aimed at discussing the new, post-election leadership’s impact on the future for women and gender equality, with extraordinary panelists Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevate Network‘s Chair; Jamia Wilson, activist, feminist, storyteller and Executive Director of the Programs at the Women’s Media Center; and Lauren Leader-Chivee, co-founder and CEO of non-partisan campaign to empower women All In Together. Here are some of the most significant moments for me…
The event was opened by Jordan Brooks of the White House Council on Women and Girls. After praising Ellevate Network for their work to incentivize companies to consider and act upon the issues affecting women, she spoke about her own work on behalf of the Council on Women and Girls to end the violence against girls, and expand entrepreneurial opportunities for women, among other initiatives. She also mentioned the “Advancing Equity Project for Women and Girls of Color” conducted by the White House, which gives young women of color the opportunity to positively effect policy change. Her opening words made me realize how much positive work is being done on behalf of women and girls, and how this ought to inspire us to do even more.
But it was the introductory words of Mark Lipton, the event moderator and Professor of Management at The New School, that tugged at every fiber of my feminine consciousness. “Hillary, CEO“: such was the headline of the post he had pre-written even before the elections results came out. When he spoke about waking up on that fateful Wednesday morning (kudos for being able to sleep at all, Mr. Lipton) to realize he wouldn’t, after all, publish the post, he embodied mine and the disillusionment of so many women…
Until panelist Jamia Wilson proudly announced that despite her shared disappointment, she would be running for office (which was welcome by a thunder of applause by the audience). Jamia’s self-described passion to fight for women, gender non-conforming and people of color, especially in the media, had me beaming with pride at the prospect of how much we can do as women to create change! Her desire to run for office was also echoed by All In Together CEO Lauren Leader-Chivee, whose book “Crossing the thinnest line” emphasizes the importance of diversity in the future of our country.
My biggest AHA moment of the night happened when Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevate Network’s chair, spoke about the concept of “empowering women”. Empowering, according to the definition of the word, means ” to be given power”.
But why would we need to empower women, when women already have the power?
As Sallie Krawcheck reminded the audience (and enlightened me in the process), women control over 80% of consumer spending and constitute more than half of the workforce. Not to mention that if as women we’re not satisfied with how companies are treating us, we can always create our own businesses.
Truth is, the business world needs women more than women need the business world. And as all the advice for women to act more like men to succeed, Sallie’s advice is actually to act more like ourselves! Which also means buying more from women-owned businesses, and investing in companies that promote women, not as a way to bash men, but rather to use the power we already have to effect real change!
And this real change can only happen if, ass Lauren Leader-Chivee said so well, we don’t forget about women’s political power. Now more than ever, it’s crucial for women to be engaged politically. It could be as easy as just sending a letter to your representatives, or running for local office, if only in a a part-time capacity…
Beyond our business and political involvement, activist Jamia Wilson kept it real by talking about the hard conversations we need to have as women. As she mentioned, 94% of Black women voted for Hillary Clinton, as compared to lower percentages among other groups of women. Which may mean a conversation needs to be had about race, identity, and where we stand as women.
This point was echoed by Sallie Krawcheck, who spoke of this election as a “wake-up call”; while Lauren Leader-Chivee urged us to consider the issue of women not agreeing with each other and needing to have these difficult conversations.
It was sobering to hear from Sallie Krawcheck that “research shows that when women are perceived to be seeking attention or power, they evoke feelings of outrage and disgust in both men and women”. Which also explains why it’s been more challenging over time for women to help other women rise in the business and professional worlds.This argument was further explored by Jamia Wilson, who spoke about the myth of meritocracy or how we as women assume that the more we work, the more we should be rewarded for it. In other words, how we fight to be recognized for merit, most times to no avail.
As Jamia recounted her own experience in private and boarding school, during which many parents and fellow students believed she got there because of scholarships, I could deeply empathize with her, being a Black woman who’s found myself in many environments where there were very few minorities, if any. But what really struck me is when she cited iconic feminist Gloria Steinem’s compelling argument around the need to have a sisterhood to support each other as women.
Ultimately, it was the questions asked by members of the audience that really gave a pulse to the issues affecting women after this election. The question that most struck me came from an African-American woman working in the financial services industry, who admitted to facing discrimination in the workplace and being unsure of what to do.
Activist Jamia Wilson’s answer to this was remarkable, as she urged her to actually seek support from people and groups at her place of work. “Get people to advocate for you!”, she said. Or even better, “roll deep, as they say in hip-hop”. She gave the example of Refinery 29, a largely millennial company, that rallied around its employees of color after disturbing events such as the death of Philando Castile; and turned a traumatic event into a community healing, as well as just good business practice.
Another question from the audience was around the issue of how some women can be other women’s biggest critics. To which Sallie Krawcheck reminded us that when men advocate for women and other people of color, they’re well-received. However, quite the opposite happens when women advocate in the same way, which explains why it happens so much less.
A very important question was also brought up around how women can be more active to fight political change. Lauren Leader-Chivee announced an upcoming partnership between her organization, All In Together, and Ellevate Network, to help women advocate and lobby for causes that matter to them. I personally can’t wait for it!
Another very pertinent question was around the role of men in this conversation. As Sallie Krawcheck so realistically explained, “We haven’t figured out the right way to bring men in the conversation”. Yet, as Jamia Wilson put it so well, we need to lean in TOGETHER.
So many other great questions came from the audience. As the event concluded, this phrase from Jamia Wilson remains in my mind and spirit as I go on today to fight my own battles in the world: “Take care of each other!”
Let’s take care of each other as we face the issues of this world, and create change for generations to come!
Thank you Ellevate, for a great event, and for daring to continue such an important conversation!
Cheers,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 15, 2016 | Career
Think about this…If your resume were that killer outfit you’d wear for that coveted social event, your cover letter would be that finishing touch that would seal the deal. Yet, all too often, whether in your outfit or in your cover letter, something may be missing…That intangible something that makes recruiting managers do a double-take and piques their interest among the sea of similar cover letters they receive daily…
And yes, cover letters still do matter, even in the age of social media and selfies! Jobvite’s 2015 Recruiting survey actually found that 63% of recruiters agree that cover letters matter!
You can Google how to write a cover letter, and get about a thousand iterations of what to include, how to write it, etc. What you cannot Google is how to add the one thing that will absolutely distinguish you from any other candidate, and does not require you to have the most credentials or lengthiest work history. It’s the one ingredient that’s missing in so many cover letters: P.E.R.S.O.N.A.L.I.T.Y.
I see you over there, rolling your eyes as you’re reading…What does personality have to do with a professional cover letter aimed at getting you an honest way of paying your bills? And who needs your sassy self to come off the page when you’re trying to land a secure position (and not relinquish your shoe allowance forever)? I mean, do you really want me virtually snapping my fingers at the poor recruiting manager reading my cover letter?
While you may want to keep your cover letter as professional as possible, you don’t want it to be flat-lining your entire application. You can have more degrees than a thermometer, and have more letters behind your name than the entire alphabet. But if your application is lifeless, your chances of getting the job officially go on a diet.
Here are a few ways to revive your dead cover letter and add some personality to your words and stand out:
Define Your Personal Brand.
My definition of personal branding is: “Personal branding is the melting pot of who you are, what you are passionate about, and what you do really well, channeled into a concise, clear and focused message about who you are and how you stand out.”
Using your personal brand is one of the most powerful way to let your personality shine through your cover letter. Who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what you do really well, should all be channeled through your words, in a concise yet effective way.
Are you passionate about helping others? Does your educational and personal background make you an asset to the organization you’re applying into? Are you particularly skilled at writing? Don’t be afraid to be creative and express these in your cover letter. And don’t forget to wrap it all up with strong words and a powerful call to action showing that you intend to follow up on your request.
State the Unexpected.
Do you have a Finance background, but have also been freelancing on the side? Or is your first degree in Fashion Design, before you decided to take on Accounting (yes it happens)? Think of the additional dimension you can add to any job with a prior experience or degree in a totally unrelated field…
While you may want to strictly stick to your professional experience, bringing out some less traditional and more unexpected sides of your personality and life can definitely add that missing touch to your cover letter.
Share Your Vision.
If you can see it, you’re halfway there. “It” meaning the mission and vision you’d have for your role and contribution to the organization you’re applying for. Very few candidates are involved, bold, or frankly care enough to go the extra mile, and actually share their vision.
Do you envision your potential role in that organization as one that would help strengthen the culture of diversity? Do you see yourself bringing about new technologies and ways of conducting business? While you may want to tread carefully in sharing your vision and may want to align yourself with the current organizational culture, it will definitely help in making you stand out.
PS: For more on effective cover letters that stand out, check out my Cover Letter 101 Checklist: 7 must-have ingredients for your cover letter!
How do you add personality to your cover letter?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 15, 2016 | Career
Our Wear to Work section features selected pieces of professional and business attire for women at work. This week, we’re featuring the iconic pantsuit.
The pantsuit, and its revolutionary history, has been front and center during this election. And as part of our work wardrobe, it also deserves the spotlight, Hence today’s Wear to Work pick, this Tahari ASL faux-leather trim pantsuit from Macy’s.
Loving the original inverted notch collar in faux-leather trim on this otherwise traditional pantsuit. It’s the perfect look for work hours and beyond, and is $280 at Macy’s.
I also like this more traditional two-button pique pantsuit, also from Macy’s. This houndstooth number from JC Penney is also great for work and after-hours.
Which one is your fave?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 12, 2016 | Career
So it’s about that time again…When the temperatures are dipping down low, and your workwear needs to start dipping into its winter reserves. Which means also stocking up on some essentials you can just grab on the go as you’re gulping down your coffee and finding your left shoe, to get dressed for work in the winter.
I would know, as a professional last-minute dressing resident expert…Nothing like having a few essentials in place to put together the perfect outfit in a matter of minutes. Here are my 7 non-negotiables for a great (and easy to pull) winter work wardrobe:
A Statement Coat.
Nothing like a statement coat in the winter to upgrade your outfit in a few seconds. This year, my absolute favorites are long camel coats, which spell “classy sophistication” whatever you decide to pair them with.
I also love the silhouette of this Kenneth Cole wool-blend maxi wrap coat from Nordstrom; as well as the punchy color of this Bernardo textured long coat, also from Nordstrom.
A Power Midi Dress.
Granted, power dresses are for every season. But in winter especially, a strong midi power dress can be a staple in your work wardrobe. You can easily wear it alone or pair it with a cardigan or blazer under your coat. Or even using it as a skirt on days when you want to switch it up…
I love this Kate Spade New York 3/4 sleeve ribbed wool wrap version from Neiman Marcus, which is perfect for work and after-hours. This Trina Turk 3/4 sleeve collared dress is also a perfect addition to your work wardrobe (check out my sweater dress roundup here).
A ClassicTurtleneck.
I love me a classic turtleneck in the winter. To me, it’s the ultimate cold-weather staple. Like this basic-but-not-so-basic Neiman Marcus cashmere turtleneck, or this fancier (and pricier) Isabel Marant embellished number from Net-A-Porter.
For additional selections, check out my recent turtleneck roundup HERE.
Elegant Cardigans.
If blazers are the more formal part of your work wardrobe, cardigans are their close cousins. They’re also a must-have essential of any winter workwear. When in doubt, wear just about anything and throw on a cardigan.
This season, I like the slightly longer versions, like this Eileen Fisher wool version from Neiman Marcus. Or this original Vince side slit number from Shopbop.
Otherwise, traditional cardigans like this colorful Tory Burch “Simone” version from Neiman Marcus are great to have on hand.
Spanx Tights – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Classic Hosiery.
Let me start by saying that hosiery and I have had a pretty rocky relationship for many years..Mostly due to the fact that it was challenging to find items with much originality, shade or great fit.
But thanks to some double-duty products, like these Spanx luxe tights from Revolve, the fight has reached a compromise…I also like this plaid version, also available at Revolve.
Sensible footwear.
Franco Sarto Knee High Boots – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
I always believed the right footwear can make your outfit. Especially in the winter. Yet, when it comes to sensible footwear for work, there can be a fine line between appropriate and not-so-appropriate.
When it comes to knee-high boots for work, these Sarto by Franco Sarto Effie Knee High beauties from Nordstrom are perfect for the office. I could also splurge on these Gianvito Rossi suede boots from Barneys New York.
As for booties, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites HERE.
Great accessories.
Wool and Cashmere Scarf – Photo credit: shopstyle.com
Accessories add the perfect finishing touch to any work outfit. When it comes to your winter wardrobe, accessories like a fabulous scarf, or an elegant hat, can take your work style from ordinary to wow!
I like this St Laurent classic wool and cashmere scarf from Off 5th, or this bright Rag & Bone fringe number from The Real Real. This felt cloche from DVF.com hat is also a stylish addition.
I’m partial to leather gloves like this whipstitched pair from Barneys New York, or this long Neiman Marcus cashmere-lined pair.
What are your favorite winter workwear essentials?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 11, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news roundup, where we round up exciting news of the last week and we let you have it…ahem, news-wise that is…
Think of it as your career gossiping section on steroids…
And while you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,IG, and Pinterest!
Here we go…
Happy Veterans Day!
- More power to women! Forbes comes out with its list of the world’s most powerful women in business in 2016;
- In light of the 2016 (shocking) elections, Ellevate Network’s Chair Sallie Krawcheck penned this amazing letter to young women;
- Worried about surviving the elections? Forbes Woman has this great post-election survival guide;
- Worried your co-worker is trying to undermine you? Business Insider lists these 15 telling signs;
- Wondering why you’re not getting promoted? Ellevate Network suggests 5 reasons to consider;
- Are you a small business owner? Black Enterprise points out how a Trump presidency may impact your business;
- If you are a minority- or woman-owned business in New York City, you will smile at reading this Ellevate Network article;
- Getting ready for Black Friday? JC Penney‘s giving out $500 coupons to lure shoppers;
- Got 60 minutes? Food52 suggests 19 Thanksgiving dishes to make in an hour or less;
- Shopping for winter fashion? Refinery 29 has a list of best ethical places to shop from.
Happy Friday!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 7, 2016 | Career
We’re at the eve of a major U.S. political election. And while you may be getting ready for work, or have already started your coffee-fueled day frantically typing away at your computer, there is something much bigger that may be impacting your career. It’s whether you choose to vote or not, and how the simple act of voting can impact your career…
What do you mean, voting can impact my career? It’s not like it’s on my resume, or part of my performance review…
Ok, I get your drift….But let’s think about this…Back on August 18th, 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution finally allowed women to vote. Still, women, especially African-American women, faced a lot of resistance and scrutiny when trying to exercise their legal right to cast their ballots.That’s only less than a century ago, in the U.S! In countries like Saudi Arabia, women have only been allowed to vote since….2011! Yes, only five years ago…
Fast forward almost a century, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which prohibits gender-based wage discrimination between men and women performing jobs requiring the same level of skill and effort, was only passed in….2009! Which also means less than 10 years ago, it was legally ok to be paid less than your male counterpart for doing the exact same job! Sobering, isn’t it?
So, yes, voting will not be reflected on your resume or performance review…But the simple act of exercising a right so many women were deprived of for so long, while suffering from wage inequality, is also a powerful way to protect your own rights and career!
Exercising your right to vote is not about candidates, it’s about the platforms and laws that can push women’s careers forward, or on the flip side endanger the rights and aspirations of working women everywhere!
As a working woman, a mother, and an immigrant, I believe it to be so important to raise our voices, so as to send fundamental messages that can ripple through every woman’s life and work. Messages like these:
I have a voice, and I will use it.
I mean, one of the biggest obstacles we have as women, whether it’s in our careers or businesses, is having our voices heard. Most times, it’s a matter of opportunity, especially for women of color. Viola Davis said it so well in her historical Emmy speech in 2015, when stating that the only difference between women of color and other women is opportunity.
Any area women can use their voices in is one more area where our concerns are heard, respected and addressed. Especially when it comes to deciding what our futures as women will look like…Which takes me to my next point…
My future matters. And so does my children’s.
How our lives and careers are shaped depends on the people we choose to elect. It’s not just about electing a President, but also about the legal, economic and political day-to-day decisions made in the background. Those are the ones that really affect our daily lives and that of our families.
Your career/business/future, and that of your children, may very well be on the line.
I care about resolving the issues we face as women and people.
I get it… The political landscape is not always exactly appealing. Actually, many times, we may just want to shut off the TV and hunker down under our covers on Election Day.
But if anything, casting that ballot says “I care”, despite all the obstacles. And that alone can move things in the right direction…
Do you agree that voting has impacted your career as a working woman?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 5, 2016 | Career
This is our weekly career and lifestyle news roundup, where we round up exciting news of the last week and we let you have it…ahem, news-wise that is…
Think of it as your career gossiping section on steroids…
And while you’re at it, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,IG, and Pinterest!
Here we go…
- This week, right before Election Day, Dell released an open letter to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump listing what women need to succeed;
- This Sunday is Daylight Savings Time. Inc. has the 1 way to make it amazing, productive and enjoyable;
- Tuesday, November 08th is Voting Day in the US. Business Insider has the state run-down of how much time you can take off from work to vote;
- Have you heard about that male contraception story? The Huffpost tells you why women are so fed up of it;
- Forget the glass ceiling, now it’s all about the “Diaper Ceiling”! Ellevate Network tips you off on how to crack it;
- According to this study reported in Fortune, Uber and Lyft drivers discriminate against women and African-Americans;
- Ellevate Network writes about women fueling business as a force for good through the Force for Good Accelerator/Fund;
- Evil HR Lady tells you how to pick the best holiday presents for your employees and clients;
- Black Enterprise suggests you put your phone down…well, at least for some time, if you don’t want to ruin your work-life balance;
- Do you have a branding website? The Personal Branding Blog tells you why you also need to have a blog to connect with your brand audience;
- Thanksgiving’s right around the corner. Serious Eats has 16 delishThanksgiving appetizer recipes you can try;
- Coloring your hair at home? Pop Sugar has this easy-peasy five-step guide for you.
Happy reading!
The Corporate Sis.
