Oh Mama — the Amazing First Lady that Could!
What a remarkable night in Philadelphia. Sure, I am proud of my hometown. Still, the story goes much deeper than that.
I am just feeling hopeful and could not agree more with the now infamous words of Michelle Obama;
“Don’t let anyone tell ever tell you this country isn’t great”
Really that is the premise of the It’s Working Project — we will listen well and we use our insights carefully. Our mission remains the same —help the private sector bring families back to work with ease, as a matter of course and with a sense of pride. And, in the spirit of Mrs. Obama’s words — our goal is to optimistically support the private sector to not only reach compliance but better still, to create simple solutions that allow us all to rise.
Monday night, inspiration came in a remarkable array of shapes and sizes — personal experiences, universal expectations and a bold view of what will come next with Hilary Clinton at the helm.
I was moved, as so many of us were by the powerful words of Cory Booker, the way in which the crowd responded to his compelling and passionate words and even getting a laugh or two out of the duo of Franken and Silberman.
But what really got me? The view of parenthood shared by the remarkable Michelle Obama. And she was not alone, though she captured the crowd in ways that echoed into day two and likely for years to come. She reminded us of her early days in the White House as a mother first, and of course, the concerns and doubt that accompanied moving her family to DC, her girls starting their first days at Sidwell Friends School and their secret service escorts to that first day as new students in a brave new world. I identified and smiled broadly from the way in which Kirsten Gillibrand identified herself as a mom at pick-up. And from the rich candor with which Linda Sanchez spoke of finding her work-life fit. It was honest and yes, it was optimistic.
We all have a story — what is yours? And how can you share yours to help us change the view of working parents in this Country? Join us….