An Open Letter to Tory Burch

 Last month, I had the extreme pleasure of attending the Embrace Ambition Summit in New York hosted by the Tory Burch Foundation. Having attended business summits before, I went in with the expectation that the same topics presented by the same "types" would be facilitated. Boy was I wrong!

The summit was simply amazing and I honestly cannot think of a time I felt more empowered and inspired as a woman. Every interaction and touchpoint was thoughtful and intentional. I loved how the program included audience speakers who you may not have known but had meaningful stories and impact.

As an African-American woman who was once a single mother, has battled breast cancer, was subjected to childhood traumas, fought (and won) workplace discrimination among other career and life setbacks, it was reassuring to hear stories of perseverance from other women who shared their authentic stories without shame or guilt. Their transparency made me realize that we are never truly alone in any battle we face and that through sharing our truths, we embrace resilience, ambition and one another.

In my darkest moments where I felt like a failure or felt like giving up, I wish I had influences that made me understand that failure is temporary and insecurities are fleeing. We are not what we are made to feel. No matter how low you start, you can finish high. You are not your past but you are YOUR future.

Tory was fearless, She was down to earth and she encouraged women to continue being bold in their pursuits. She may be at the height of fashion but she was fashionably in step with what women need now more than ever. And that is unity.