This International Women's Day was a truly special one for me. I kicked off the week participating in the Bold Movers program, an incredible leadership and professional development initiative sponsored by Vital Voices Global Partnership in partnership with Stuart Weitzman.

As one of just ten leaders selected from across the United States, I feel immensely grateful and honored to have been chosen for this two-month program investing in women working to advance workplace inclusion, address challenges for working mothers and caregivers, and shift cultural perceptions around women in society.

If you've followed me for any length of time, you know these issues - pay equity, economic freedom, and flexibility especially for caregivers - are causes incredibly close to my heart. So you can only imagine my excitement at the prospect of ideating and learning alongside a small but mighty cohort of fellow advocates and activists striving towards these same critically important goals in their respective spheres of influence.

The program kicked off in style this week with leadership training at the headquarters of Tapestry, the parent company of Stuart Weitzman. It was an energizing few days surrounded by amazing leaders at all levels within the Tapestry family. We dug deep into strategies for creating truly equitable workplaces where working mothers, caregivers, and ultimately everyone can thrive.

In addition to the invaluable learnings, there was no shortage of fun, connection and celebration! Highlights included a cupcake toast, full photoshoot (complete with hair and makeup), and quality time bonding with my extraordinary fellow Vital Voices fellows who have become like family already.

As I head back to Ohio, I'm feeling galvanized to continue driving change, armed with new strategies, an incredible network of co-conspirators, and no shortage of inspiration from the bold leaders I was privileged to spend time with this week.

I can't wait to see how this journey as a Bold Mover unfolds over the next two months and beyond. My heart is full of gratitude to Vital Voices, Tapestry, and Stuart Weitzman for championing this critical work and creating such an empowering experience. Let's keep blazing trails towards gender equity wherever we can!