Post by LYV.on

We often hear the phrase "women are stronger together," and this couldn't be truer. Over the past year, my focus has been on intentional networking, specifically connecting with women who identify as changemakers. Last year, I attended the annual Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) luncheon, where I met Griselda Garibay, MBA, MPS in the most authentic way - a simple introduction that led to a coffee chat shortly after. I knew right away that Griselda was a powerful changemaker and a woman on a mission. Have you ever met someone and immediately thought, "I want to be part of whatever this person is doing"? That was my feeling from the moment I met her. I share this because that simple "hello, let's connect on LinkedIn," followed by a coffee, led me to an initiative I didn't know I needed to be part of. This past Friday, I had the privilege of attending the ResearchHers Breaking Barriers fundraiser luncheon as both an attendee and a Vice Chair. When asked to serve as Vice Chair, my initial concern was bandwidth - I was literally about to give birth to our second son. But something in me kept saying this is bigger than your concerns. After meeting with Emily Steepleton and Carly Schmiedeskamp, they affirmed exactly that: "Do what you can — every little bit will help." I left that call knowing I needed to be part of this - an initiative dedicated to raising funds for women-led cancer research and supporting women leaders in STEM. Walking into that luncheon, you could feel the powerful presence of women and allies united on a mission. The panel conversations were educational, inspirational, and deeply emotional - with leading women in medicine sharing knowledge on systemic barriers in women's health, proactive measures we can take, and how to navigate a system that can feel like an uphill battle for so many of us. Griselda opened with a powerful introduction and a glimpse into her journey as a cancer survivor. Syda Segovia Taylor, M.A. closed by sharing her personal battle with breast cancer - a story that brought many of us to tears but left us with hope and inspiration to keep fighting. It was a moment that drew us even closer together, knowing there is so much we're already doing, and so much more we can do together. Speaking of together - I would be remiss not to thank my tribe of amazing, powerful, supportive women who showed up for this important initiative: Amee Patel, Donna Rolf, Marina, Leah Bressler, Ania Wojcieszak, Blanca, Cynthia, Lilia, and Gwendolyn Ortega. It's moments like these — when you pause, look around at the women beside you, and think how blessed I am not only to know these incredible women, but to have them in my corner for moments that matter. This luncheon left me with two final thoughts: We are stronger together. And cancer is a formidable disease, but women are stronger and more resilient still. Thank you, Griselda, for introducing me to an initiative I didn't know I needed and now can't imagine not being part of.