Women's History Month Edition

March is one of my favorite months – the start of spring, the excitement of March Madness (take me back to the early 00’s at Pitt #IYKYK), and the celebration of Women’s History Month (WHM)! Not to mention, my oldest turns 13 (!) later this month.

Did you know President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th, 1980, as National Women’s History Week? The week was chosen to correspond with International Women’s Day (more on that in a bit). Less than a decade later in 1987, Congress passed a joint resolution designating the month of March as Women’s History Month.

This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” According to the National Women’s History Alliance, the “theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.”

How will you celebrate? Here are a few ideas:

Select a WHM themed book and host a Book Club discussion. I’m reading Dinners with Ruth, A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg. For anyone who needs to hear this, a club can be just two people!
Visit the National Women’s History Museum in DC. While you’re there, squeeze in a trip to see Qing Bao and Bao Li at the Zoo and take in the Cherry Blossoms which will soon be in bloom.
Listen to Episode 13 of the Take It Off Podcast when it drops Tuesday, March 11. Jess and I talk all things Women’s History Month and share some ways to introduce WHM to your littles.
Honor International Women’s Day (IWD) this Saturday, March 8, by posting your #IWD2025 image on social media. Find templates at www.internationalwomensday.com.

My awesome shirt is from The Bee & The Fox, a woman-owned business.

Speaking of International Women’s Day, it’s been celebrated since 1911—yet many of the challenges hindering women's advancement remain unchanged. Almost a year ago, I started JMW Collective because I was restless and frustrated with the slow progress being made to advance women in business. I wanted to do more to accelerate action which just so happens to be the 2025 theme for IWD. Manifest much?

In the first edition of Leadership Couture, I shared with you that “too many incredible women around me (were) doubting their brilliance and playing small.” Now is not the time to play small, and now, more than ever, we need your brilliance.

Your brilliance is a part of your Executive Presence (EP), a topic I often write about. Last month, I shared the first two components of EP – appearance and communication. The final component is gravitas. I love this Forbes article by Lisa Hale. She writes that gravitas is “the ability to trust ourselves enough to focus our attention on the people we are leading. It's not about being the loudest voice in the room; rather, it is about exuding a presence that reassures and motivates.” You can read the full article at the link below.

Style Up

Now, more than ever, we need leaders that both reassure us and motivate us. Now, more than ever, we need YOU to play big. Now, more than ever, we need your beautiful brilliance, all of it.

Welcome to this month's edition of Leadership Couture - a special celebration of women! Like the great women we celebrate this month, get ready to try on new ideas, take off what doesn't fit, and confidently wear your Leadership Couture!

Stay stylish, stay courageous, and as always, lead with intention.

Your Leadership Stylist,

Try it On like Marie Curie

Expertise in Your Field

Marie Curie was a trailblazing scientist whose groundbreaking work in radioactivity not only revolutionized physics and chemistry but also shattered barriers for women in science. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—and the only person to win in two different scientific fields. In 1903, she and her husband, Pierre Curie, along with Henri Becquerel, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery of radioactivity. However, Marie was initially excluded from the nomination, and was only included after Pierre’s insistence that her contributions be recognized (#maleally). Her relentless curiosity and commitment to scientific advancement paved the way for future generations, proving that brilliance knows no gender. Celebrate Marie with this short video on her life.

Style Up

Take It Off like Rita Moreno

The Labels, The Expectations, The Roles

If you're not familiar with Rita Moreno, I think you just found one way (or three) to celebrate Women's History Month. You could: (1) watch the original film adaptation of West Side Story where she delivers her Oscar-winning performance playing Anita, (2) watch the documentary on Netflix, Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It, or (3) listen to her interview on the podcast Wiser than Me which was recorded last year on her 93rd birthday!

When I think of women in Hollywood who have had to strip the labels and expectations placed on them, Rita Moreno is at the top of the list. Here's what she shared about her experience in a 2015 commencement speech, "When I first came to this country, I was just a little Puerto Rican girl with big dreams. But Hollywood told me I could only be one thing—‘spicy,’ ‘fiery,’ the ‘exotic other.’ For years, I believed them. I let them define me. But the moment I stopped trying to fit into their box and started embracing who I truly was—that’s when everything changed. And let me tell you, that freedom? That’s where the real success is.”

In addition to being the first Latina to achieve the EGOT, she's also known for giving the shortest Oscar acceptance speech ever. Check it out below.

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Wear It like Lupita Nyong'o

Hello 90's Fashion

In her 2022 study of Executive Presence, Sylvia Ann Hewlett found that leaders are "expected to show up in the world looking authentic." If you're wondering how authenticity shows up in your appearance, look no further than Lupita Nyong'o.

She recently told Vanity Fair, "I always want to feel like myself on the red carpet - an elevated version of myself, but myself nonetheless."

It helps when your stylist is your BFF. She and Micaela Erlanger have been teaming up for over ten years. This year's Oscar dress was a reimagining of Chanel's haute couture spring-summer 1991 collection.

Check out the full Vanity Fair article to see the infamous Linda Evangelista in the original on the runway. Dare I ask, who wore it better?

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What I'm Loving AND Amplifying...

The Gathering,

We are meant to do life together, and I love that this year’s Women’s History Month theme celebrates “the collective strength and influence of women.” Because the truth is—we are stronger together.

One of my monthly highlights is facilitating a Mastermind group through MyNetwork, where I get to witness the power of women supporting women firsthand. My fellow facilitators and I are passionate about expanding this opportunity, making it accessible to even more women.

At MyNetwork, we believe in equipping, empowering, and enhancing the lives of women in leadership. That’s why we created The Gathering—a series of virtual events designed to bring together like-minded women ready to grow, connect, and lead with confidence.

Our first session, Authentic Leadership with Amie Haar, is happening on March 31st at 2 PM EST. Want in? Share your contact info at the link below, and we’ll send you the registration details!

Style Up

1892 Refined,

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Des Moines, IA, for the first time and share my work at the Nationwide Women in Ag Symposium—what an amazing experience! I absolutely love engaging with workshop participants (because #StrongerTogether), and this session was no exception. When one woman, Cloie, shared with the group, I was struck by two things: 1) her vulnerability and thoughtful contribution to the discussion, and 2) her darling cow earrings! As it turns out, Cloie is from Pennsylvania—just one county over from me (small world!). She also owns the most charming shop, 1892 Refined, where she curates beautiful handmade products from local vendors. While you won’t find her cow earrings on the site (they were a sweet gift from her mom!), you will find plenty of unique, handcrafted treasures.

Check it out in person or browse online at the link below.

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and Bowl for Kids Sake.

What if all youth achieved their full potential? What if?

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) exists to make this vision a reality. I'm honored to serve as the Board Chair for our South-Central PA affiliate of BBBS. The team serves kids across seven counties. There are countless ways to get involved: 1:1 mentoring, site-based programs, and fundraising. Speaking of fundraising, one of the best is just around the corner - Bowl for Kids Sake. I invite you to throw on some stylish bowling shoes, grab your friends and family, and join us at a lane near you. Register your team or make a donation (Julie Webb's team is accepting donations!) at the link below. Thank you!

My mentee and I at BFKS a few years ago. She's slaying (as my 10-year old would say) in her second year at PSU!

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Power & Presence

Elevate your Wardrobe, Elevate your Confidence

Are you looking for a unique and engaging way to bring your women’s team together?

I have the perfect solution that doesn't require hours of golf lessons or seven AM breakfasts!

Elevate your wardrobe and your confidence with an interactive cabi Fashion Experience designed just for professional women! You pick the time and location, and I'll bring the fashion. Here's what to expect:

What to Wear, Wherever You Work
Executive Presence & Personal Branding
A Fun, Interactive Experience

So treat yourself to the gorgeous spring line and message me to schedule your experience today. Spaces are filling up!

Style Up

PS: I do enjoy golf on a beautiful day and an early breakfast if oatmeal's on the menu!

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