Blog by Kelly Armstrong
In Philadelphia, we have a rich history of strong women working to make our city a more diverse and wonderful place to live in.
That history positively affects us today. In fact, women make up over 50 percent of key leadership positions in the Kenney Administration!
With 2017’s Women’s History Month coming to a close, we wanted to take the time to get some words of wisdom from some of those women.
We asked women who work in the Office of the Mayor one question: If you could say anything to yourself years ago, what would it be?
Here are a few of their answers!
Jovida Hill, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission for Women would advise herself to keep an open mind towards new opportunities and career paths.
“I would tell myself to count on having more than one career. Each reinvention makes you feel like you did when you were 21 years old — and you believe that all things are possible!” — Jovida Hill
Rae Semidey, Executive Assistant in the Mayor’s Office, would give her younger self some practical life advice.
“Know that bad things happen to good people. It’s OK to trust but try not to be gullible. There is no one person in the world who is the one and only person for you to be with forever. Exercise and eat well. It may not always be easy to stand up and speak out for what’s important to you, but it will always be worth it!” — Rae Semidey
Chief Integrity Officer Ellen Kaplan said that she would advise on keeping a close circle of women friends.
“Make time to gather – and maintain – a close circle of women friends. I have a great group of lifelong women friends. But it’s the ‘maintain’ part that I have too often allowed to get lost because I was ‘too busy’ at work, ‘too busy’ with my kids or just ‘too tired’. Making the time at all stages of your personal and professional life is so important!” — Ellen Kaplan
Jane Slusser, Chief of Staff at the Mayor’s Office advised to not be afraid to reach out to potential mentors.
“Both in college and right after I graduated, I was always too nervous to approach anyone and ask them to be a mentor. Whenever I met someone I admired, I never thought they’d want to take the time to meet with me, and I missed a lot of opportunities because of this. My advice is to get over your fears and take that first step. The worst thing that can happen is that they might ignore you, but they also might be willing to give you some great advice about what you want to do — or help you get on the road to your dream career!” — Jane Slusser
Amber Hikes, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, said she would want to tell herself to remember her inherent value and fight for her beliefs.
”Know your worth — and trust the process! My biggest career milestone is accepting the opportunity to serve the City of Philadelphia and this LGBTQ community during this pivotal time in history. I am profoundly grateful for the ability to live loud and proud and fight every day for the communities I care so deeply about.” — Amber Hikes