2006: Dear?, The mentor gets mentored

Dear?

Not sure of the year or even the location.  Picture a large hotel ballroom, early on a mid-week morning buzzing with the energy of approximately 300 women who have come together for a day of mentorship, learning and inspiration.  I enjoy public speaking and a room like this one always felt welcoming and friendly.  I was asked to be here to simply share my story and hopefully mentor and inspire.

On this day, turns out I was the one mentored in return.  I had often referred to “the moment when women joined the workplace” as a flashpoint in history- driving all kinds of changes at home and in industry-the advent of the dual income household etc.  I am forever grateful for the brave and accurate young women stood up at the conclusion of my remarks to point out that most households had always had working women unmasking my obvious privilege and bias.  I wish I had taken the time to learn your name and to thank you for a moment that has stuck with me ever since.  On this day, this room felt event better than welcoming and friendly it felt like a small slice of progress. 

Thanks for your courage and correction,

Ann Simonds

aka Annie Hoagland