Lead Like a Lady

Conservative women are serving in Congress, running businesses, excelling across different industries, raising up the next generation of leaders, and volunteering in their communities. This year, the Network of enlightened Women, known as NeW, is celebrating conservative women in leadership and the positive impact they have on our society. We are highlighting women as leaders in their homes, across their communities, on their campuses, and in their careers. Leadership isn’t defined by a title, but rather by the impact someone has on others, their communities, and the world. Conservative women are having a big impact.

We’re challenging all women to be leaders now in whatever their season in life.

While liberal women grab women’s magazine headlines and make the front pages, they aren’t the only trailblazers. Justice Amy Coney Barrett is the youngest woman and first mother of school-aged children to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Kellyanne Conway was the first female campaign manager to run a successful presidential campaign. Carly Fiorina was the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company. Condoleezza Rice was the first female National Security Advisor to the president under President George W. Bush. Jeane Kirkpatrick was the first female to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Ronald Reagan. And Margaret Thatcher was the first female British Prime Minister.

What does it mean to be a leader? A leader is someone others turn to regardless of age or title. Leaders unapologetically stand up for what they believe in, even if their views aren’t popular or they are standing alone. Female leaders recognize the women who came before them and what those women have achieved. They embrace the strength that comes from their femininity. Leaders help other women, celebrating their success, rather than trying to push them down.

As we celebrate women as leaders, we must recognize the different values and life experiences women bring to the table. Some women lead under a title, while others set a quieter example for others to follow. Leaders can be anyone from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to presidents of the PTA, student or city councilwomen to mothers or informal mentors, or small business owners to young professionals in entry level positions.

Follow NeW on social media for high-level interviews, policy graphics, and national and local programming. Throughout 2022, NeW will promote the Lead Like a Lady program. We will share social media graphics on policy areas that impact women—from education policy to workplace policies. We will host quarterly video chats with female leaders and share the stories of young leaders through Instagram Empowering Chats. We will host a Professional Development Week in early April, giving NeW members an opportunity to focus on specific professional skills. We will be giving chapter leaders shirts that say “Lead Like a Lady” to encourage the conversation on campus and empowering campus events. This theme will carry throughout our national programming, such as our Essay Contest, National Conference, and Leadership Retreat, with special programming on leadership.

Through this program, NeW will gain recognition for conservative women leaders and inspire women to lead where they are today.