Meeting Gloria Steinem

Gloria. G-L-O-R-I-A.

Gloria Steinem spoke at MCLA this week as part of the Ruth Proud Charitable Trust Public Policy Lecture. It’s been on my calendar to attend since early September 2013.

She spoke about the importance of letting go of labels, gender equality, the end to violence, connecting in person in our technological times and the continued need to organize and act for social justice. She laughed, smiled with ease and gave the impression that I too, could do “this.” “This” meaning the great work of one’s life–for everyone that will be different. Yet, next to the importance of being together with others, my big take-away was that there is still much to do for all peoples of the world. And that each of us can find our niche where we make a difference, but that we must do it and we must do it together.

A complete bonus and absolute surprise came when I was invited a few hours before to a very small reception before her talk. It was a great opportunity for me to connect with a number of faculty and other people at MCLA that I don’t normally see. In some ways, I’m not sure which was more important for me–connecting with these other women, or hearing Gloria speak. It all comes together in her words–Because we were here today, hopefully each of us will have a better tomorrow.

And, I did get to meet her briefly–and give her one of our PRESS calendars–based on our popular monthly mantra cards that feature inspiring quotes from notable women. I hope she liked it.