This is my mother's briefcase. Nearly the only woman in her MBA class. A CFA and CPA, in a time where women were barely trusted to manage the household grocery budget. A secretly brilliant, blonde Betty Boop, who said she was 5'1", but wasn't an inch over 4'11" (using teased hair to make up the difference). She carried this briefcase, with the gold imprint of her initials, as the only woman on the floor in her first job at Ernst and Young. And she carried it as she ran the office of a successful medical practice, and later in founding a financial investment firm. She was incredible. Her briefcase hangs on the wall of my office. Before every tough meeting, after every punch in the gut, through every sideswipe from the world of business, I look over at it, and I sit up a little straighter. 5'3" and a half. And, don't you forget the half. To all the women making it happen today and everyday, and to anyone who needs a little kick in the pants to stand up straighter, this briefcase is for you.
Joleen Katula
7mo
I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to frame your mom's briefcase photo and hang it on the wall as a reminder. My mom did not carry a briefcase. She scrubbed floors on her hands and knees to make sure I could carry one. This picture is a reminder of what we have done and what we will do to make each other stand up straighter.
This post rocked me to the core. My mom didn’t carry a briefcase and challenged every inch of me when I chose to pick-up mine. She is true to her 5’4” self, and that’s the gift she gave to the 5’10” daughter she raised. Now that I am front row, and present, watching my 6’0” daughter chose her path, I celebrate all of the women that demonstrated that there is not a single reason why she shouldn’t.
This is an amazing thing to have. (Both the inspiration and the actual briefcase). As a leather hobbyist, please know that leather is a perishable item and needs care. From the picture, it does appear to be drying out. I don't mean to be critical, but a little conditioner will go a long way and keep this treasure vibrant and strong. My girlfriend (now wife) gave me a handsome Italian messenger bag for my college graduation which I have used for 25 years. Because I treasure it so much, it's care has morphed into my leather hobby!
My mom grew up in a single parent household, with her mom getting a job at a bank with only an 8th grade education and supported them both! My mom only made it thru her second year in college because of finances being so tight. She later went back at age 57 and finished her bachelors. I got my bachelors right after high school, but recently went back in my 50s to get my MHA. You can do it! If you’re thinking of going back to school, and wondering if you’ll even remember everything, you got this!
And for all the women who never got a chance to carry one of these because of all the potential reasons: economics, race, class, education, religion, family, abuse, geography, disability, genetics, opportunity etc. We honor the women who carried them, but without the women who didn’t, we’d be nowhere.
Timely post.. I just lost my mom three days ago..It hurts so much…😢This post helped to remind me of how strong she was, navigating life as a single parent of a very audacious child. She demonstrated to me that no matter what type of wave rocks your boat in life, keep faith in God and hold steady on your intentions, preserve in spite of and focus on your goals. Thanks MOMMY..I truly cannot repay you for everything you have done for me 😭
Shanan Fennema
7mo
I frequently tell my daughter, “you are from tough stock” in reference to the power house grandma and great grandma that are part of our history. They were both renegade women in their own ways at different times. While Chloe wasn’t blessed to grow up knowing them, their strength and perseverance are part of our story and strength! Your mom is part of your story and what makes you a compassionate badass and someone I feel fortunate to know. It’s a extra bonus to read your LinkedIn connections’ stories as well. Your mom raised an awesome woman!
I resonate with 5'3 and a half! :) I also think I used teasing for quite a while and heels for that matter, to add a little stature. Your Mom sounds impressive...made me think of my own Mom, who worked her way through administrative assistant roles to office management in a medical practice, and ran a tight ship, all the while building strong, caring and wonderful relationships with everyone she worked with, worked for and the vendors that engaged their workplace. She is a force - never underestimate the power of humor and laughter and a smile (and hard work.) Thank you for sharing!
Carol Miner, PMP
7mo
I really enjoyed this post. The story reminded me of my first professional manager and mentor who likewise was maybe 5' but a force of nature Harvard MBA/Radcliffe grad. One morning she told me about a conversation she had with her preschool daughter. She asked her what she wanted when she grew up and her daughter replied "a bra and a briefcase". While comical, those symbols represented maturity and success to her. I'm grateful this generation gets to see a changing tide of women supporting women by honoring those who paved the way before and lifting one another up now. Thank you for the reminder and the kick in the pants to always stand tall.
Doctoral Candidate | Healthcare Consultant | Public Health Advocate | First Generation
7moFor me, it’s strawberries and tomatoes. My mother was a field worker and picked the fruit that ends up on our dinner tables. My mother, along with many other humble workers, are why I am thankful to each person we work with. Respect the Janitors just as much as the CEO. I’m grateful to come from a fearless Queen. I’m grateful that she paved the road towards the success of our family. I am proud to be a first generation ♥️