Be the visionary who opens their imagination courageously, engaging with whom and what matter most.

This is the quote that threaded the talk I gave earlier this at the University of Washington for the PNCWA Leadership Symposium. This dynamic group of women, all leaders in their fields, gathered to share stories as we all broke down the meaning of resilient voices. This is a time, and honestly, it has always been “the” time for women to be visionaries, step courageously and use their voices for change and the good of all.

We can’t get stuck in the absurdity of laws being reversed, progress being dismissed or injustice being spread like wildfire. We must use the injustice, perverseness, inhumanity of it all as fertilizer. Stamp it down with our feet, so we can rise. We must liberate ourselves by imagining what doesn’t exist and believe it into being. 

As we put on our boots, we must step courageously toward that which calls us. Honor the voice within. Not the voice of ego, skepticism, or doubt, but the voice that dwells in each of us that is whispering encouragement, faith, trust and willing us to allow. Not allow the shit storm but allow it to get messy and uncertain. Then we step again and again, moving forward with strength, and unstoppable courage. 

I have been intimidated by bold, brave, confident women in the past and I am certain that comes from not believing that I had the same boldness, bravery and confidence within. When we can all tap into what we are truly made of, hushing the naysayers, we will create more progress, change, and life-giving realities for the ones who are being crushed and quieted the most.

Let’s continue to be what and who we already are–the truth speakers, the fixers, the caretakers, the leaders, the compassionate wisdom, the grace in the storm, the change agents of justice, peace, and altruism at its core.

While the world is going backwards, we will go forward. While current U.S. leadership is absent as it slashes the progress of the past, we will tap into our imaginations, remembering who we are. We are the vessels responsible for birthing compassion, beauty, and love–so let’s keep creating beauty with love and with unshakeable power for we know that is what is going to make things change for the greater good of all, and once again we are the ones who will do it.

Be the visionary who first fuels up with compassion, empathy and all the things that buoy the strength you already have within you to walk fearlessly, breathing, birthing and believing what must be, into being.

Cheers, Jenny