Let's Celebrate #WomensEqualityDay with Celina Stewart of the League of Women Voters of the US!

Today is Women's Equality Day and marks the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This important day celebrates the achievements of women's rights activists (including my great-grandmother who marched for women's suffrage in upstate New York in the early 1900's) and reminds us of the struggles that women continue to face. Some of these struggles include the lack of equal pay for equal work; gender stereotypes, unconscious bias, and lack of mentorship opportunities in the workplace; a higher risk of sexual harassment in the workplace; under-representation in leadership positions; gender bias in hiring and promotions; and the impact of the motherhood penalty.

According to the National Women's History Alliance, "At the behest of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971, the United States Congress designated August 26th as "Women's Equality Day." The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world's first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women's continuing efforts toward full equality."

Founded soon after the passage of the 19th Amendment, the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan grassroots volunteer organization that operates at the national, state, and local level, was born in 1920 when "fearless women fought for and finally attained the right to vote. Originally designed to help 20 million women carry out their new responsibilities as voters and to nurture civic leaders, the League helps voters - both women and men - become informed and engaged citizens."

Earlier this summer on July 19th in Los Angeles, I had the incredible honor to meet Celina Stewart, the Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States, based in Washington, DC. In February, on behalf of my local League of Women Voters, I had issued an invitation to Celina to visit Southern California and speak to my local League - and she accepted my invitation! During her Southern California visit, also referred to as a "listening tour," she met members of 10 local Leagues and was the featured guest speaker at events held in San Diego, Manhattan Beach, and the San Fernando Valley. Some may argue that the League of Women Voters is no longer nonpartisan, but as Celina explained, "Our positions have remained unchanged over the decades, they were not ever political. People attack the League because we make a difference, but the League is the watchdog of democracy."

A legal expert, voting rights champion, and lifelong democracy defender, Celina Stewart serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States. In this role since August of 2024, she oversees the operations of the inspiring 105-year-old voting rights organization; and she and her team work to foster alignment across the national office and the 750-plus State and local Leagues.

Celina earned her JD Degree from Western Michigan University Law School and her BA Degree in Sociology from Spelman College. Prior to joining the League, she was acting Chief Operating Officer and Director of Philanthropy at an electoral reform nonprofit – and also served as a litigation consultant for law firms and legislators.

In 2018, Celina first joined the League as "Director of Advocacy and Litigation." In that role, she developed and implemented League political strategies and policy positions regarding voting rights, election reform, redistricting, and campaign finance issues. She also directed litigation opportunities for the national, State, and local Leagues in federal courts while serving as the lead lobbyist and liaison with Congress and the Administration.

In 2019, she was quoted in the Spelman Messenger, "Once everyday people are engaged and feel motivated to participate, our democracy is strengthened."

She was promoted to "Senior Director" in April 2019 and to "Chief Counsel" in July 2020; and in those roles, she built stronger relationships with legal partners resulting in increased visibility for the League of Women Voters on Capitol Hill.

Dianna Wynn, the President of the national League, describes Celina as, "A born leader and proven problem-solver. Celina's dedication to the League combined with her strategic vision and leadership are invaluable as the League continues to empower voters and defend democracy."

Here's a quote from Celina's appointment ceremony in August 2024, "We are living in a truly unprecedented and historic time. Every day, there's a new attack, and women are being called to save our country. And that call is urgent. We don't have time for fear or hesitation. All we have time to do is whatever it takes to ensure that the work we are doing today leaves enough breadcrumbs for the next generation of Leagues to carry the organization – and the brand – beyond 2120."

And here's a quote from a blog post Celina wrote as our country celebrated Independence Day last month, "Our movement draws inspiration from the suffragists who founded the League over a century ago. They understood that democracy is – NOT – self-sustaining – it must be actively defended by each generation – because threats emerge in EVERY generation. The suffragists did not win the right to vote by asking nicely. They organized – protested – and demonstrated."

I recalled an important article written by Dianna Wynn (President of the national League) in January about the organization's name where she wrote, "To me, now more than ever, it's clear that 'WOMEN' is an essential part of our name — and always will be...Organizations like the League of Women Voters empower women and fight to protect our freedoms so that we can become more fully represented in our democracy...In these trying times when some seek to take power AWAY from women, it's important to emphasize – including in our name – that women have fought for and deserve a voice at the ballot box and in our government. To drop 'WOMEN' from our name does a disservice to those who came before us. We carry out their legacy as we advance democracy and voting rights into our second century. It also does a disservice to the women of today who are fighting for equality in every aspect of their lives, from political representation to equal pay to reproductive freedom." 

So, when I asked Celina her thoughts about the name of the organization and how to attract more male allies, she responded, "We want the League to be open and reflective of everyone. Our power is as individuals and also together."

During Celina's July 19th event, she said, "We are our ancestors' wildest dreams." I, for one, agree with that statement, because I have accomplished things in my life that my great-grandmother, who marched for women's suffrage leading up to 1920, could only dream about. But, of course, we still have a long, long way to go!

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, the 10th President of Spelman College, wrote in 2019, "Our Spelmanites are ambitious for themselves and even more ambitious for each other and their communities, the mark of real leaders. Join me in celebrating the women of Spelman who have devoted their lives to public service and the welfare of their communities, their country, and the world."

Celina is truly the embodiment of this quote, and I thank her for inspiring me everyday since I first heard her speak at her August 2024 appointment ceremony - but especially today on Women's Equality Day!

Image Credits: LWV-Beach Cities (Debbie Laskey and Celina Stewart photo taken July 17, 2025) and LWVUS.

Read mentioned posts from the LWVUS Blog:

LWVUS President Dianna Wynn: Why We Will Remain the League of WOMEN Voters (January 2025)

https://www.lwv.org/blog/why-we-will-remain-league-women-voters

LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart: Democracy Needs Defenders, Not Cheerleaders (July 2025)

https://www.lwv.org/blog/independence-day-democracy-needs-defenders-not-cheerleaders

CNN: Why Work Is (Still) Not Working for Women (March 2025)

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/07/world/womens-equality-at-work-globally-as-equals-intl-cmd

Read previous #WomensEqualityDay posts on my blog:

Celebrate #WomensEqualityDay with Erika Andersen (August 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/08/lets-celebrate-womensequalityday-with.html

Gender Bias and #WomensEqualityDay with Amy Diehl (August 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/08/gender-bias-and-womens-equality-day.html

Celebrate #WomensEqualityDay with Kim Elsesser (August 2022)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/08/lets-celebrate-womens-equality-day.html

Work Remains for More Women in Top Leadership Roles with Susan Colantuono (August 2021)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/08/as-we-celebrate-1920-work-remains-to.html

Let's Celebrate #WomensEqualityDay with Erika Andersen!

Today is Women's Equality Day and marks the 104th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This important day celebrates the achievements of women's rights activists (including my great-grandmother who marched for women's suffrage in New York in the early 1900's) and reminds us of the struggles that women still face including equal pay for equal work and top leadership roles - which is especially apropos due to the current American Presidential race.

According to the National Women's History Alliance, "At the behest of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971, the United States Congress designated August 26th as "Women's Equality Day." The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world's first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women's continuing efforts toward full equality."

Today, to celebrate this important day, I have invited Erika Andersen to return to my blog. I've had the incredible pleasure of knowing Erika Andersen for many years, and she first appeared in a Q&A on my blog back in 2011. She is the founding partner of Proteus, where she and her colleagues support leaders at all levels to get ready and stay ready to meet the future. Erika advises senior executives and also shares her insights through her books, speaking engagements, and social media. In addition to her latest book, Change from the Inside Out, she is the author of four previous best-selling books: Be Bad First, Leading So People Will Follow, Being Strategic, and Growing Great Employees. Erika is also a popular leadership blogger at Forbes.com, and the creator and host of the Proteus Leader Show podcast.

QUESTION: Today, I celebrate my great-grandmother, who was a suffragist who marched for women's rights in New York in the years leading up to the passage of the 19th Amendment. What does this day mean to you, and what do you hope girls and young women learn about August 26th?

ERIKA ANDERSEN: I'm right there with you – both my grandmothers were suffragists, as well, and they demonstrated for women's rights as young women. In fact, I'd like to share a photo of me as a young teenager trying on my grandma Lote's "March Uniform."

My mom and dad were also feminists, and my brothers and sister and I were all raised to believe that we could build good full lives for ourselves that included whatever kind of work and family we wanted. That's what Women's Equality Day means to me: an affirmation that we will continue to move toward a world where girls and women, no matter their circumstances, their ethnicity or religion, have the freedom to pursue and attain the professional and personal goals they desire.

I hope that girls and young women today learn about the history of the fight for women's rights, so they understand how we got where we are today, don't take what we have now for granted, and commit to keep moving forward. For instance, I recently had a conversation with my oldest granddaughters, who are 11 and almost 14, where I shared with them the fact that only 50 years ago, unmarried women couldn't get credit cards in their own names. They were, I'm happy to report, shocked, and it led to a marvelous conversation about the inequalities that still exist and how to change them.

SHARE THIS: What does #WomensEqualityDay mean to me? An affirmation that we will continue to move toward a world where girls and women, no matter their circumstances, their ethnicity or religion, have the freedom to pursue and attain the professional and personal goals they desire. ~@ErikaAndersen #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Marilyn Loden coined the term "glass ceiling" when speaking on a panel at the 1978 Women's Exposition in New York City. According to the Washington Post, "When her turn came to speak, she thought about how she had been tasked at her company to explore why more women weren't entering management positions. She had gathered enough data that she felt confident that the problem extended beyond what her colleagues were wearing or saying. Loden explained, 'It seemed to me there was an invisible barrier to advancement that people didn't recognize, a glass ceiling.'" While it's been more than 40 years, the problem persists. Many well-known women have used the term including Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Aretha Franklin, and Oprah Winfrey. How do you think women can shatter the "glass ceiling" - perhaps, some ideas that would be applicable in any industry?

ERIKA ANDERSEN: So much good and thoughtful content has been written about this. Before I weigh in, I want to highlight a recent book on this topic, written by a friend and client of mine, Bonnie Hammer, one of the most celebrated executives in media for the past 40 years. It's called "15 Lies Women Are Told at Work...and the Truth We Need to Succeed." Bonnie systematically dismantles the key limiting and untrue things women are told about how they need to behave, to help us break that glass ceiling. It's refreshingly blunt and funny – and so true. I recommend it highly.

Her book aligns with my own premise that a lot of what holds us back as women at work is our own self-doubt, second-guessing, and concern about "the rules." A friend of mine, a skilled coach, used to say that the most effective approach to work was to be "confident but not cocky." And I believe this applies especially to women. Women who believe in themselves, their capabilities, and their ideas without being cocky (i.e., dismissive of others, unrealistically positive without having the facts, etc.) tend, in my experience to have the most success in corporate environments.

At the same time, it must be said that even the most confident, least cocky women will have a hard time succeeding in environments where the deck is stacked against them: where those in power refuse to open their ranks and share authority and responsibility with their female colleagues. So, it's also important for women who do have power, and powerful men who are their allies, to work to make sure their organizations are as fair and open as possible in their policies and culture. 

QUESTION: According to an article published by the BBC entitled, "Why We Use Women's Professional Titles Less Than Men's," "Across many fields, women who have earned formal titles report that others neglect or dismiss these titles, or even condemn women's claims to them." To see proof, we can look to the American First Lady to see how many people dismiss Dr. Jill Biden's title. So, how can we get gender parity when it comes to professional titles?

(Read the full article here: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210216-why-do-professional-titles-actually-matter)

ERIKA ANDERSEN: This is a great article, Debbie – thanks for sharing it. I’ve noticed this "untitling" or "uncredentialing" of women for many years. Another version of it is using women's first names in situations where a man with an equal level of power or achievement would be called by his last name. (I noticed it recently when the two teachers of one of my grandkids were referred to as "Mr. Hutton and Joan.") 

I think we can move the ball on this one by consistently requesting, as women, that we be accorded our proper titles. And if people tell us that we're being "too sensitive," or that "they're just trying to make things less formal and more friendly" (two common defensive responses), we can keep the temperature from escalating while continuing to make our request by saying something like, "From your point of view, this isn't very important. However, it is meaningful to me, so I'd like you to refer to me as X.  Thank you." 

QUESTION: During my career, I've had more male bosses than female bosses, and without a doubt, the men were more supportive. The women were less likely to recognize my accomplishments in group settings and sometimes took ownership of my successes. Were these women leaders what has been referred to as QUEEN BEE LEADERS? And what would you have done in these situations?

(Here's a good post about this topic: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41165076)

ERIKA ANDERSEN: Because I’ve worked with so many women executives over the years, I've observed most every level of supportiveness: from women bosses who were the kind of "queen bee" described in the article, to women who were extraordinarily supportive of other women's success, who actively mentored and coached their younger colleagues and formed strong bonds with their peers.

In situations where I was coaching women who had less supportive women bosses, I encouraged them to get very clear about the specifics of how they wanted their boss to treat them differently, and to ask for it respectfully. I always suggested that they not make gender an aspect of their request – in other words, that they not include any version of "we as women should support each other," but simply ask to be supported as an employee and a colleague. It seemed to me, if their boss had a psychological issue about supporting other women, that leaning into that aspect of the relationship was only likely to backfire!

QUESTION: Earlier this year, you wrote an inspiring post for Forbes entitled, "My Personal Heroines on International Women's Day." Can you please share a brief recap?

(Here’s the link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikaandersen/2024/03/04/my-personal-heroines-on-international-womens-daywho-are-yours/)

ERIKA ANDERSEN: Thank you! The core point of that post was an encouragement for readers to reflect on the "heroines" in their own life and family, and I offered the examples of my paternal great-grandmother, my two grandmothers (the suffragists I mentioned above) and my mom, a powerful and committed feminist.

I love the idea of honoring those who came before us in this personal way. I think most of us have wonderful women in our lives – relatives, teachers, friends – to whom we can give thanks and to whom we can look for inspiration.

QUESTION: And lastly, you penned one of my fave quotes: "Great leaders don't do it alone...they get help." Can you please share a few examples as to how.

ERIKA ANDERSEN: Let's connect this back to the theme of Women's Equality Day. I’ve noticed that when women leaders are in their power – that is, when they're feeling confident and not cocky, and are relying on some of the things that research shows women tend to be better at than men – they automatically include more voices in decision-making, and they are much more likely than men to acknowledge when they don't have experience in a particular domain and to invite the input of others who do have that experience.

In other words, I've found (and again, research confirms this) that women have a more collaborative approach to leadership – which is the definition of "getting help." And the research also shows that this kind of approach increases productivity and feels more fair to those involved. In other words, you go, girl.

As always, my sincere gratitude to Erika for sharing her insights about issues that impact us all. For a special treat, check out Erika's next appearance on my blog on November 4th, when she participates in my #HolidayLeadershipSeries.

Image Credits: Debbie Laskey and Erika Andersen.

Link to book referenced in second question's response:

15 Lies Women Are Told at Work...and the Truth We Need to Succeed by Bonnie Hammer:

https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Women-Are-Told-Work/dp/1797176420

Link to "Research" referenced in final question's response:

https://www.apa.org/topics/women-girls/female-leaders-make-work-better#:~:text=Decades%20of%20studies%20show%20women,organizational%20dedication%2C%20and%20improve%20fairness

Read previous posts on #WomensEqualityDay here on my blog:

Gender Bias and Women's Equality Day (with Amy Diehl) (August 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/08/gender-bias-and-womens-equality-day.html

Let’s Celebrate Women’s Equality Day! (with Kim Elsesser) (August 2022)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/08/lets-celebrate-womens-equality-day.html

As We Celebrate 1920, Work Remains to See More Women in Top Leadership Roles (with Susan Colantuono) (August 2021)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/08/as-we-celebrate-1920-work-remains-to.html

Quotes from Inspiring Women During 2020 (December 2020)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2020/12/2020-was-year-of-women.html

Connect with Erika at these links:

Website: https://erikaandersen.com

Website: https://www.proteus-international.com

Books: https://erikaandersen.com/books

Check out Erika’s previous appearances here on my blog:

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Erika Andersen (October 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_01710409622.html

How Magic and Happiness Impact Leadership (April 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/04/how-magic-and-happiness-impact.html

Tips to Become “Change-Capable (May 2022)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/05/tips-to-become-change-capable.html

Three Leadership Secrets: Build Consensus, Be Open to Challengers, and Delegate (May 2021)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/05/3-leadership-secrets-build-consensus-be.html

Review of: Leading So People Will Follow by Erika Andersen (October 2019)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2019/10/fall-back-to-reading-with-12-thought.html

Leadership + Strategy = Amazing Employee Experience (November 2018)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2018/11/leadership-strategy-amazing-employee.html

Review of: Be Bad First by Erika Andersen (October 2018)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2018/10/fall-reading-recap-leadership-branding.html

Are You the Type of Manager or Leader YOU Would Follow? (January 2014)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2014/01/are-you-type-of-manager-or-leader-you.html

Want to be Nicknamed Strategy Guru? (July 2011)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2011/07/want-to-be-nicknamed-strategy-guru.html 

Inspiring Reading As We Approach Women's Equality Day

As we get ready to commemorate and celebrate this year’s Women’s Equality Day on August 26, one might wonder, how can I become more enlightened about women’s equality on this important day? How about reading eight amazing books?

According to Melanie Gustafson, a professor at the University of Vermont, who writes about the women's suffrage movement and women in politics, “The date of August 26th was chosen to commemorate the day in 1920 when Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the constitutional right to vote.”

While the first two are meant for young readers, they tell timeless stories about two American heroes, or in this case, SHEroes:

I DISSENT - RUTH BADER GINSBURG MAKES HER MARK
Written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by ELizabeth Baddeley, this book chronicles the life of RBG in a memorable way. Its illustrations capture the imagination and bring RBG to life for young minds. It's a must-read for young girls.

HER NAME WAS MARY KATHARINE - THE ONLY WOMAN WHOSE NAME IS ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Did you know that there was a woman's name on this important document? After reading this book written by Ella Schwartz and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, you'll know all about this inspiring woman who ran a printing press, printed and ran newspapers, and served as the postmaster of Baltimore. At the bottom of the Declaration of Independence, it reads: Baltimore in Maryland: Printed by Mary Katharine Goddard. According to the book, "She knew the risk. By adding her name, she was putting her life in danger. But that didn't matter. Mary Katharine wanted the world to know that being a patriot was a sacrifice worth dying for."

GLASS WALLS - SHATTERING THE SIX GENDER BIAS BARRIERS STILL HOLDING WOMEN BACK AT WORK
To quote co-author Amy Diehl from a previous Q&A post here on my blog: "Co-Author Dr. Leanne Dzubinski and I are so excited to bring this book to readers. It will help leaders, allies, and individual women learn how to break down gender bias in two ways. First, we break down gender bias by explaining the six barriers and their subcomponents. These barriers are male privilege, disproportionate constraints, insufficient support, devaluation, and hostility which lead to women’s acquiescence. In the book we tell stories of women who have experienced these barriers. Second, we provide strategies that leaders, allies, and women themselves can use to break down and eliminate each aspect of gender bias."

INVISIBLE WOMEN - DATA BIAS IN A WORLD DESIGNED FOR MEN
Author Caroline Criado Perez sets the tone for this book with her dedication, "For the women who persist: keep on being bloody difficult."

FEARLESS WOMEN - FEMINIST PATRIOTS FROM ABIGAIL ADAMS TO BEYONCE
Author Elizabeth Cobbs' spirit was seen with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's quote that accompanied the prologue: "The fundamental purpose of feminism is that women should have equal opportunity and equal rights with every other citizen."

And here are three books from last year's post:

RBG’S BRAVE AND BRILLIANT WOMEN – 33 JEWISH WOMEN TO INSPIRE EVERYONE
While written by journalist Nadine Epstein, the list of women included in this book were chosen by former Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg during the final year of her amazing life. The women featured include Deborah, the first woman judge in the bible; Emma Lazarus, a poet whose words adorn the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty; Golda Meir, the first and only female prime minister of Israel; Anne Frank, whose diary during World War II became famous; and many more.

SISTERS IN LAW – HOW SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR AND RUTH BADER GINSBURG WENT TO THE SUPREME COURT AND CHANGED THE WORLD
Written by lawyer and cultural historian Linda Hirshman, this book is a story of law, women, and most of all, friendship. Here’s the description in a nutshell, “The relationship between Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Republican and Democrat, Christian and Jew, western rancher’s daughter and Brooklyn girl – transcends political party, religion, region, and culture. Strengthened by each other’s presence, these groundbreaking judges, the first and second women to serve on the highest court in the land, have transformed the Constitution and America itself, making it a more equal place for all women.”

READ MY PINS, STORIES FROM A DIPLOMAT’S JEWELRY BOX
Written by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, this book is a combination of storytelling, history lessons, and images of wearable art from all over the world.

Albright explained, “A foreign dignitary standing alongside me at a press conference would be happier to see a bright, shining sun attached to my jacket than a menacing wasp. I felt it worthwhile, moreover, to inject an element of humor and spice to the diplomatic routine. The world has had its share of power ties; the time seemed right for the mute elegance of pins with attitude.”

“As my pins became more expressive and drew more comments, I had cause to reflect on the relationship between appearance and identity. To what extent, to adopt the old saying, do pins make the woman or, for that matter, the man? After all, the display of pins has never been confined to one gender. Medieval knights wore elaborate jeweled badges that defined their status and conferred a group identity…George Washington sometimes wore a spectacular diamond eagle that included no fewer than 198 stones…Finally, our armed forces also use pins – in the form of ribbons and medals – to convey messages about accomplishments, stature, and rank.”

So, what will you read to celebrate Women’s Equality Day? While you consider your choices, get ready for the Q&A on my blog this Saturday. Amy Diehl will appear here for the third time and share her thoughts about women's equality, the advances made, and the work yet to do. Tune in!

Image Credit: Debbie Laskey's Library.