For decades now, men have continuously occupied key positions. They have made decisions on critical issues that affected women, like health and economics, in which women had no say. Now, in the 21st Century, things have changed. Women are not only wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, but they are also CEOs, entrepreneurs and major politicians. Every business, from its janitors to high ranking managers, benefit from having women in such roles. Women bring a unique perspective to the workspace. The ability to communicate effectively and critically think during uncertainty are among many of the emotional intelligence soft skills they pose.
Although the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 was the first women’s suffrage movement to help address the social, civil and religious rights of women, it does not mean that such issues no longer exist. As a country, we have too often overlooked, discriminated against and left out qualified individuals in top positions. These discriminations involve unequal pay, sexual harassment and diminished promotions or responsibility despite being qualified, things that men never have to encounter.
Finally, for the first time in American history, women from different backgrounds and walks of life will have the opportunity to weigh in on important White House decisions. The Biden-Harris Administration has appointed an all-women senior White House communications team.
Kate Bedingfield, appointed White House Communications Director, not only served as Joe Biden’s Communications Director under the Obama Administration when he was vice-president but also served as the Campaign Manager for Biden during the recent 2020 presidential election race. She also worked in communication roles for MPAA and Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Pili Tobar, assigned Deputy White House Communications Director, has a history of working for America’s Voice, where she advocated for immigrants. She also worked as Media Director for Charles Schumer, National Director and Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee.
Jen Psaki, assigned to the White House Press Secretary, will speak on behalf of the entire Biden Administration. She will be the media’s go-to for information from the Executive Branch. She previously worked under the Obama Administration as Communications Director and at the State Department as a spokesperson.
Karine Jean-Pierre, named Principal Deputy Press Secretary, has been Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn and a Political Analyst for NBC and MSNBC. During the Obama Administration, she was Regional Political Director.
Ashley Etienne will serve as the Communications Director to Vice President Kamala Harris. She was formally the Communications Director and Senior Advisor to Nancy Pelosi, making her the first woman of color to hold this position. Under the Obama Administration, she was a Special Assistant.
Symone Sanders, Vice President Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson, served in politics under Bernie Sanders as National Press Secretary during his presidential candidacy. Shortly after, Sanders joined CNN as a Strategist and Political Commentator.
Elizabeth E. Alexander, Communications Director for the First Lady, served as a Senior Advisor for the Biden-Harris Campaign. Under the Obama Administration, she worked as the Press Secretary to Biden. Her history in politics is extensive, she was a federal prosecutor, counselor to U.S. Attorney, Press Secretary for the United Nations, Press Secretary for Chairman Terry McAuliffe, Communications Director for Adam Achiff and Deputy Press Secretary for Senator Check Schumer.
Six of the women on the communications team are mothers. This is truly a new era for women. Other young women and little girls around the world will now know that anything is possible, even the impossible. Companies around the world are taking note of what a leadership team can and should look like.
Although there is still work to be done, we are making progress.
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