I was fortunate to attend last week’s Philadelphia Bar Association‘s “Women Who Inspire” program, and inspire they did! The esteemed women who spoke are all female firsts in their respective positions – they all broke through the “glass ceiling.” And they are all continuing to make history as they presented their stories to a rapt audience of lawyers, family members and friends.

Here are some of their pearls of wisdom about leadership and what it takes to be a “first”:

1. “My mother told me I could do anything I want and I believed her.” – Hon. Nina Wright Padilla, President Judge, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

2. “You can be tough without being a bully. You can be kind without being weak.” – Hon. Debra Todd, Chief Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

3. “Mentors showed up for me. Now I see mentorship as my obligation.” – Hon. Jacqueline Romero, United States Attorney, E.D.P.A.

4. “More women in the legislature means more time spent on people issues – including women and children.” – Mary Gay Scanlon, Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives, Pennsylvania, 5th District.

5. “It is a problem not to stand out. Be your authentic self and you will be taken seriously.” – Hon. Anne Lazarus, President Judge, Pennsylvania Superior Court.

6. “Do not be afraid to take risks and fail. Most of us don’t get there on the first try. When you fail, remember to recover, reflect, retool and retry.” – Hon. Renee Cohn Jubelirer, President Judge, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.

7. And last, but not least, Danielle Banks, the 2024 Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Award recipient and Diversity Chair, Philadelphia Bar Association:

“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone.”* 
(*quoting the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor).

Leslie Miller Greenspan Katayun Jaffari Tucker Law #femaletrailblazers #femaleattorneys #womenwhoinspire #femaleleaders #leadership

Gail

“I’m Gail Cummings, a business lawyer turned psychotherapist, coach, and speaker. I help lawyers be productive, develop business, advance their careers, and I work with law firms to develop their talent.”