Celebrating Women’s History Month: Women in Leadership

Arquella Hargrove 0 Comments March 21, 2021April 21, 2021 Blog

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Women in Leadership

March Gladness is in full effect and I can’t help but to think to myself, “I am woman hear me roar!” In 1972, those powerful lyrics sang by Helen Reddy provoked society to rethink the power and possibilities of a woman and haven’t stopped since. Today, I celebrate Women’s History Month by saluting every woman who dared to unleash her inner roar, defy odds, set and break records, bulldoze barriers, and shatter glass ceilings.

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” -Ayn Rand

For decades, women have played vital roles throughout American and world history. Coupling their intelligence, strength, and courage, women have achieved unparalleled accomplishments within government, business, science and technology, education, sports and entertainment, health and beauty, and other fundamental industries that shape our society. Rising out of the shadows to the world’s highest positions of power with tenacity, women have completely redefined what it means to “fight like a girl” while leading with confidence and authority.  

As the CEO of Epic Collaborative Advisors consulting firm and a Diversity and Inclusion expert with over 25 years of distinguished experience in HR management, I’m often asked what it’s like being a female industrythought-leader. Truth is, it wasn’t easy getting to where I am today, but you better believe it was worth it. There’s nothing like having the influence to empower and positively impact a professional’s career… Especially another woman who feels inadequate or less-than because of her gender. It’s that kind of thought process that has hindered so many women from achieving their full potential, and it’s my mission to dismantle those fallacies.

“Tremendous amounts of talent are lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.” – Shirley Chisholm

The top three pieces of advice I give to any woman in the workplace are:

1. Show up everyday ready to work hard and smart: Working smart doesn’t replace working hard. It takes grit and determination to get to the top. Be ready to get in the game when others are whining for a timeout.
2. Run your race in your lane: Don’t focus on what everyone else is doing. Yes, there will always be competition, but above all compete with yourself first. Be better tomorrow than you were today.
3. Lead with confidence: Your voice has a right to be heard and your genius has a right to shine. Don’t downplay your skills or talents, ever.

Much of my success is accredited to phenomenal women leaders whose encouragement throughout my career fueled my determination to stay the course. Today, I have chosen a few women to highlight and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the month, so stay tuned! Their unwavering support helped unlock fortitude, gifts, and talents that excelled much of my career and I want you to know who these women are! Please join me in celebrating them! 

Joni Goodman: A fellow Association for Talent Development expert, collaborative partner, and the go-to for Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead program. She is a combination of joy and authenticity at its finest.

Shanta Eaden: A DEI champion at Weatherford driving cultural change and advancement. I’m honored to have her as a client and friend.

Katie Mehert: The CEO of Ally making her mark to change the makeup of the energy industry. I’m honored to be a member of the Ally Faculty and witness such great progression.

Also, if you’re in the Houston area, I encourage you to check out the following resources for businesswomen who are ready to take their career to the next level!

1. Women’s Business Alliance: its mission is to Inspire. Influence. Grow. This exclusive members-only networking group is designed for mid-career, female professionals and provides development resources empowering them to advance career opportunities, form strategic partnerships and build a network of advocates.
2. The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce: A nonprofit business organization of highly influential and diverse women and men dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education, advocacy and mentoring.
3. Houston Professional Women’s Organization (HPWO):  Its mission is to recognize and honor remarkable and powerful women role models in our community. It serves to inform, inspire, and build meaningful, long-term connections with its members. It’s one of the few platforms to highlight not only South Asian women but professional women from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” – Unknown

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