(S)hero Month in New York City: An Inspiring Future

While it’s my iron-clad opinion that every day should be a day to celebrate and recognize almighty women, the dedication of March is a place to start. Over the last two weeks, I had the honor of attending two incredible events in the spirit of March: an unveiling of Ashley Longshore’s installation at Diane Von Furstenberg’s Soho boutique and the third-annual Women@Dior event.

Arriving in a metallic wrap dress and filled with butterflies in anticipation of meeting my favorite artist, I could barely maintain my composure once entering DVF studios. Beyonce’s Run the World poured through the space, putting a swing in the hips of every woman -of all ages, backgrounds, and faces. Faces decorated with proud smiles and with a story of their own.

The beaming face in rhinestone glasses was the one I was most excited to see. Pop artist and human ray of sunshine, Ashley Longshore, presented her 37-piece collection of women in history. The room of pink featured Longshore’s hall of queens including Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, Malala, Oprah Winfrey, Jackie Kennedy, Diana Ross, Frida Kahlo, and of course the hostess, her majesty DVF.

While we find ourselves on our own paths, one of the strongest forces of strength is found in role models. To see canvas after canvas of milestone women throughout time, recognized for their gumption, for their ambition, and their force for good is certainly worthy of idolization. Rule breakers who changed the status quo and believed in a more inclusive and brighter future with a seat for a woman at the table.

The overall message from the International Women’s Day event (besides the confirmation in my Ashley Longshore obsession) was the power of community. Uplifting instead of criticizing and supporting instead of competing. Shoutout to my girl gang of true substance, equal parts fabulous and fierce.

Come Wednesday, I headed to the Lower East Side to the Public Hotel where my dear friend had no doubt organized the most gorgeous space to host the third-annual Women@Dior event. Renaud de Lesquen, chief executive and president of Christian Dior Couture North America, kicked off the event with remarks on influential women in his life and corporate values that support equality. Next up, Emmanuelle Favre, SVP of Human Resources as Dior, spoke towards the role of both men and women towards the cause of equal opportunity and a healthy work-life balance. Hitting on an overarching notion that we should ALL be feminists. Hell of start.

Following Emmanuelle, Marlène Schiappa, French Minister of State for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, candidly addressed the audience about the systemic stereotypes of men and women in the work place. As she narrated, you see a man wearing a suit and assume he’s an expert, you see a woman in a dress and question her credentials. I joined in the audience’s unison head nod as if to silently applaud this acknowledgment. She concluded her remarks with her guiding mantra, when you shine, I shine. These words truly resonated in the succeeding keynote by Charlotte Regnér, deputy executive director of U.N. Women.

Regnér not only touched on the importance of sisterhood, but also addressed the fact that gender equality on a global platform is night and day from the issues women face in America. Staying informed about the unimaginable situations women in other countries face in terms of their freedoms, education, reproductive rights, and human rights should always be a priority. Needless to say this closing was an impactful takeaway to be left with.

After rooftop champagne and conversation of reflection and communion with the other incredible attendees, this event could not have had a stronger bookend. Kickstarting Dior’s mentorship program and listening to the inspirational words from female leaders had me filled to the tippy top with optimism.

As we finish out the rest of this important month, take a moment to remember that when you shine, I shine.