This week I’m Sylvia and I’m ‘Me’. Two years ago I spoke to an extraordinary woman. Since then, I’ve spoken to over 100 women. 100 ordinary women doing extraordinary things. I didn’t set out with a specific goal in mind. But it turned out that as smart as I may have thought I am, I learned something new and different from each of these women.
Dr. Alisa Stephens-Shields is an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a mom of an infant and a 5-year-old. The field of science has always been a struggle for female scientists to break into. On top f that, add being a mom to the mix and that struggle becomes a whole lot more challenging. A female scientist, mom and a woman of color and you’re looking at a very rocky path. And that was before the pandemic.
Alisa’s job is demanding. It is technical and detail oriented. It involves long uninterrupted hours of thought. How was she able to do her job and take care of her family during this unprecedented pandemic?
Goodbye 2020…Hello 2021
The New Year is almost here. Yes, two days from today. The last few months have been tumultuous to say the least. Baking and jigsaw puzzling were among the craze. For me it was connections – old and new. Connecting with extraordinary and inspiring women – a diverse group of women from all over the world. And a diverse group of topics to have conversations about. Happy, sad, inspiring and candid, we were let into their lives.
What does 2021 hold for us? I’m going to predict that 2021 will bring us hope and inspiration from extraordinary and inspiring women – women who are making a difference in our world!
I want to thank all of you who have come along for this amazing journey!
Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!
Ladies, we have been getting a bad rap for some time now. Guess what, we are not the only ones who can find the salon a safe haven. Our favorite salon can be a place that gives us a little piece of peace, serenity, friendship, intellectual conversation and yes, maybe even some gossip.
