With women dominating the media in the past few months, lotus823 wanted to celebrate Galentine’s Day. In the words of Leslie Knope, Galentine’s Day is best described as “Ladies celebrating ladies” — but we are inviting everyone to celebrate! The lotus823 team was happy to talk about the women in their lives who inspire and empower them, which you can read about below:
Someone I just recently discovered but who has been very inspiring for me is the author Jen Sincero. Sincero is the author of the popular book “You Are a Badass,” which encourages readers to break free from conscious and subconscious beliefs that are holding us back from living our best lives. Since many of the motivational books I read are written by men, it was really refreshing to have a female writer offer such insights, and I really felt empowered by her unique and funny take on the subject.
Melissa Hunt | Senior Digital Marketing Strategist
My mom is and has always been the woman that inspires me to be the best version of myself. Not only does she empower me through her supportive and loving nature; she also inspires me through leading by example. She spreads joy just by entering a room, and puts everyone else’s interests above her own. I hope to become even half the woman she is one day.
Olivia Munafo | Assistant Account Executive
My grandmother had the greatest impact on my life. She was an incredible woman who always told me to be me and not follow the flock. She was supportive, accepting and loving of all.
Nancy Kohlreiter | Chief Operating Officer
Obviously, my mother is my number one idol for personal inspiration and empowerment. However, when it come to business, I always look for strong female mentors who have a lot of knowledge to pass down, and who are not scared to trail-blaze and make a splash in business. I’ve been very lucky to find multiple women like this throughout my career. Bindu, my colleague and friend, taught me to trust my gut and to not have a care in the world about what others thought. My mentor, Mel, truly believed and preached that you should follow your heart, because that would lead you in the right direction. Lastly, Corrie and Lisa, have had no fear in a corporate environment ruled by men; they taught me how to be strong and to not back down! All these lessons- confidence, heart and strength- are things I still carry with me today and hope to pass on someday to others as well.
Sam Lins | Senior Account Manager
I’ve always admired and been inspired by my mother for her strength, independence, and generosity. She graduated high school in just three years, jump started her career, and worked day and night to achieve her Master’s degree when I was a child. She has always worked harder than anyone I know for everything she has achieved in her life, and with her own will power, has been able to create an incredible life for her family. I can only hope I am half as inspiring as she is when I’m her age.
Lindsay Botts | Assistant Marketing Coordinator
My grandmothers were creators and hard workers — they exuded patience. They were and are evidence that, with love, we can overcome most if not all hardships.
Heather Hewit | Senior Account Manager
Joan Crawford has always been one of my heroes and someone about whom I can never learn enough. She came from a very poor and difficult childhood in rural Texas, worked her way through school from the age of six, and eventually went on to become one of the greatest actresses of Hollywood’s golden age. Her perseverance, poise, and grace in the face of controversy, baseless gossip, and unending misogyny has long inspired me, not to mention the fact that she had a hell of a sense of humor and an incredible fashion sense. Even though she died before I was born, I’ll never stop being influenced and entertained by her.
Dan Kulp | Vice President
I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by so many inspiring women. First and foremost is my mom. She has been through a lot in life but she always gets through it. She is my best friend and I would be nothing without her. My grandmother has also made a huge impact on my life. She is the strongest woman I know. She raised four kids on her own while starting her career at the very bottom of a company to retire as the Vice President of Billing for a national laboratory. I could go on for days about all the women in my life but they all know who they are and that they mean the world to me.
Amanda Erdmann | Digital Marketing & Operations Analyst
In a world where women still fight for equality, I’ve been inspired by strong women who have taken a stand and made a difference for women’s rights, such as Rosa Parks and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. They continually inspire me and remind me we are deserving of equal respect and opportunity.
Allison Hernandez | Co-Founder and Managing Partner
One person that inspires me is Claudia Oshry, or better known as Girl with No Job. Not only is Claudia my doppelgänger (a younger and better looking version of me), but she has relied on her humor and sarcasm to grow a huge following. She has made a name for herself as a social media influencer, working with top brands to increase attention for the brands as well as herself. While the idea is that she has no job, she in fact works pretty hard – both online across leading social media channels and offline through in-person events. What speaks to me most about Claudia (beyond being my twin) is that she communicates by making fun of herself using her own version of comedy – something I try to do in my everyday life. Plus, if she can make a career out of posting memes and funny videos of herself,, there is hope for us all.
Beth Gard | Senior Manager, Client Relations and Operations
I have so many wonderful women in my life, but for this I would like to honor three: My Mom, My Aunt, and friend Ang. My Mom is everything, she gave me life and has always been there for me. Now that I am older I appreciate our strong relationship even more; she will do anything for me and I am forever grateful for that. My Aunt has not always had it easy, raising three boys, two of which who have disabilities that require constant attention and care. Despite that, she has remained one of the most positive, happy, and good people I know. Finally, my friend Ang has gone through more in her 30 years of life than some people do in a lifetime. She has fought for her life and come back stronger than ever. It was an honor to read at her wedding and I couldn’t be happier to watch her get healthier and happier everyday.
Cait Coyle | Senior Account Manager
In my personal life, I am fortunate enough to look up to my mom, who puts everyone’s needs before her own. She is considerate, strong, and has a unique sense of humor. I am lucky to call her my mom and best friend. In my professional life, I am lucky to have been guided by Erin Ford. Erin is intelligent, creative, and willing to go the extra mile for anyone. I am grateful that she pushed me out of my comfort zone in the short time we worked together.
Kaitlin Crocilla | Account Coordinator
I have been blessed to have strong women surround me through my formative years and beyond, but it all starts with my mother. Her strength, courage, and endless love and support for my sisters and me gave me the inspiration and belief in myself to dare to dream, and then turn the dream into reality through hard work and perseverance. Coming to America as immigrants fleeing Castro’s regime, she embodied the fearlessness and determination that she would pass on to me and my sisters. My mother, though passed, is with me and I hear her words of wisdom and encouragement every day.
David Hernandez | Co-Founder and Managing Partner
I have always admired Angelina Jolie. When she starred in the role of Lara Croft/Tomb Raider, I taught myself how to french braid my hair so I could feel like I somehow resembled her. As I aged, I came to appreciate how she utilized her celebrity recognition as a platform for good, to bring attention to people and issues around the world that would otherwise go unnoticed. To me, she is someone who has it all, and handles everything through grace and quiet perseverance.
MJ Thompson | Senior Digital Marketing & Design Manager
A woman in my life that inspires me is Barbara Barnwell, or to me “Granny.” She is kind to everyone she meets, puts everyone else before herself, is always put together well, and is an all around, classy gal. She reminds me to follow my heart and not care what anyone thinks. I can only hope to be half as amazing as her one day.
Samantha Barnwell | Assistant Account Executive
My cousin, Karen (Cuz), makes everything seem possible, simply by the way she lives. She turned her life around more than 10 years ago and is still going strong. She went to school, started a new career and raised two beautiful children on her own. Her positive energy and conviction are truly inspiring for me, the family, and the people she’s worked with and mentored over the years.
Rachel Litner | Chief Strategy Officer
We hope you enjoyed reading about the women in our lives who continue to inspire us. Please share your thoughts and the women in your life who empower you!