Madam Mayor and Taylor Swift shattering glass ceilings

When we talk about empowerment and inspiration, it’s not just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about shattering them into a million pieces and paving the way for others to follow. My journey as the Mayor of Lincoln wasn’t just about holding a prestigious title; it was about challenging the status quo and redefining what leadership looks like in the 21st century.

Imagine this: in one of my very first meetings, I had to assert that I didn’t want to be addressed as “Mr. Mayor.” It’s incredible, isn’t it? In this day and age, in the supposed era of progressiveness, I still had to remind people that women can hold positions of power. But I didn’t just stop there. I made sure I was addressed as “Madam Mayor,” proudly embracing my femininity and setting an example for future generations.

Alongside my esteemed colleague, Jasmit, we formed a formidable female team, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations. From promoting Lincoln through innovative platforms like TikTok to ensuring that women’s voices were heard loud and clear, we left an indelible mark on our community.

And speaking of setting examples, let’s talk about Taylor Swift. In the music industry, women like Taylor have faced similar challenges. Did she really write her own songs? Absolutely. Just as I penned my own speeches and brought creative ideas to the table, Taylor and women in music bring their own unique talents and perspectives. Yet, despite our undeniable abilities, we often find ourselves up against biases and preconceptions.

In politics, as in the music industry, women are held to higher standards. We must be exceptional to even stand a chance against our male counterparts. But you know what? We are exceptional. We’re not just competing; we’re leading, innovating, and inspiring others along the way.

So, how do we empower women and ensure they take their rightful place as leaders in every aspect of society? We keep challenging the biases. We keep calling out the ingrained misogyny. And most importantly, we support each other. Because when one woman rises, we all rise.