Let’s celebrate women in leadership who deserve the spotlight on this special day. Each woman I have chosen has had an incredibly positive impact on my life this year. I highly recommend connecting with all of these effective leaders who step out of the 20th century and define leadership as democratic leadership; encouraging open conversation and setting those around them up for success.
Marsha Collier | Marketing Maven
I always tell this story because it is pivotal in my career. When I opened a Twitter account with only 70 followers, Marsha followed me and personally reached out. She helped my network grow by sharing my blogs with her outstanding network of millions.
I felt so seen at that moment, which gave me the confidence I needed to jumpstart my career in social media marketing. Now that we have known each other for over a decade, Marsha supports me personally, too, always sending prayers and reaching out when something happens. Marsha is an incredible example of a woman who doesn’t take the other woman’s crown but rather fixes the crown for her. I aim to be a Marsha in my life.
Jessica Taylor Storey | Real Estate Queen
I met Jess in my junior year of college in Spanish class. When she found out I had a stalker, she would walk me to my next class so he couldn’t pull me into another conversation or give me one of his many surprise gifts.
She then outright told the stalker to beat it, and he was never a problem again.
Jess has been present for so many memorable moments, including the first time I ever gave a sermon. She got to the church super early so she could sit right in the front and not be pushed to the back by the group of people in attendance.
Beyond being a great best friend, Jess is a stellar real estate agent who quickly learned the value of using reels to bring in leads via social media. I love it when one of her reels randomly pops up on my feed because I am so proud of her social media savvy. I highly recommend that all realtors follow Jess; you might learn a tip or two on increasing your quality showings.
Mom | Humanitarian
Of course, I have to include my mom! I had a baby last year, so my relationship with my mom morphed yet again into an even more supportive place. Mom lived with us for three months after our son was born and helped give me tips on being a good mother.
I was scared to death, as neither my husband nor I had ever been around babies. Yet, my mom made it a smooth transition and even gave some secrets away when it came to entertaining our son and keeping him happy.
My mom lost both of my sisters to suicide and STILL has the strength to guide me on my journey. I don’t even know how she is still standing after such trauma. Despite trauma, my mom makes it her mission to reach out to those in her community and care for them. She volunteers to drive people to appointments, sit with them while they need prayer, and take them to dinner to discuss their weekly issues.
I think of her in all my decisions, hoping they align with her survivor-altruistic approach to life. Her way of thinking of others first affects my daily leadership style with my team members.
Marghaid Howie | Digital Marketing Extraordinaire
I met Marghaid through a previous agency I worked for, and we instantly connected. Marghaid asks the right questions and attends the right events. She is a passionate, energetic, and strong leader who mentors and supports her team at Scott Logic.
Her leadership qualities are outstanding. She is always on the go, so she can attend every event that will help her continue to expand her knowledge. Marghaid is a woman who knows there is power in educating yourself and that you never stop learning.
I highly recommend connecting with Marghaid so you can see all of her high-quality, valuable posts. You will also learn much about her management styles and commitment to effective leadership.
Angela Dwyer | Mrs. Measurement
Angela and I worked together at my very first job. At the time, she was an encouraging mentor who supported me as I first dipped my toes into the career world. Since then, Angela’s career has taken off. She is an influencer in the measurement space, always speaking at significant events and publishing research needed in communications and marketing.
I lean on Angela’s advice for all things ROI and frequently visit her LinkedIn to discover new findings that give me an upper hand in my job. Angela understands the role great leaders play in the measurement space. I highly recommend connecting with Angela so you can see her constructive posts.
I was Jane’s client when I worked for KOHLER Co. Jane is a burst of energy. I remember the first time I spoke to her and suddenly feeling like the energizer bunny. She motivates, inspires, and encourages other leaders to focus on measurement to create the best strategies.
Since our time at KOHLER Co., Jane has continued to soar by appearing as a guest speaker in multiple high-visibility conferences. I admire Jane’s work ethic and ability to be so honest and transparent with her clients. She has mastered effective leadership, understanding that leadership’s long-term goal is positively influencing others through your work.
Ginny | Princess Grace
Here is a lady you cannot follow but can support! Ginny is my mom’s 97-year-old neighbor who gave me her 1947 wedding dress for my church wedding. (You know me, of course, we had multiple weddings. LOL).
She is the classiest woman I have ever met, with most handmade clothes tailored to fit her small frame. No matter what Ginny is going through, she is full of tact and grace.
Ginny just went through a horrible period in which her family abandoned her by surprisingly moving her out of her house and into an assisted living facility within one day. They abandoned her, so we are now the only family she has. Mom checks in on her daily while I no longer live in the area.
Please support this iconic woman by saying some prayers for her.
Nina Brant | Social Media Luminary
I met Nina when we were 13 years old. My family summered in Wisconsin Dells, and so did her family, so we met in the pool of the condos we all stayed in.
We have been inseparable since she lived most of the year in Hungary, and I was in Wyoming then. We’ve followed each other through moves, breakups, job changes, etc. She was just at my son’s one-year birthday party.
As a new mom, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for Nina’s support. She is a good leader in parenting and is teaching me leadership characteristics as I master motherhood and my career. She helps me let go of my Type A, complete control personality as I allow my son the space to grow into the fascinating human being he is.
Nina is not only the best friend I’ve ever had, but she also is an influential social media guru. Nina runs the social media for the small town of Baraboo, nestled in the Wisconsin bluffs. While it may be a small town, it’s famous for tourists because The Ringling Circus started there. Nina has her hands full promoting all of the downtown events and festivals this bustling community hosts, and I could not be more proud of her social media prowess.
If you are an event-focused brand, I recommend following Nina to learn from the creative ways she approaches promoting events across social media platforms.
All eight women exceed expectations in leader settings and leadership positions. The role of leadership in their lives does not go unnoticed. Whether you are in executive management, or just starting out your career, I hope you will follow these solid women who prove every day that women are incredibly valuable in our society.
To these women, thank you for being such inspirations and cornerstones of my life. I am grateful a strong tribe surrounds me, and I can lean on any of you at any time. Happy International Women’s Day!
– Marji J. Sherman