4 Women In Power On How They Rep Their Feminine Power

Sheridan Labbé

What She Does:

Forrmer Director of Marketing for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Founder of Southern Kouture

What She Says:

"I believe that you should always maintain your femininity in whatever respect that means. Do not feel like you have to tone down who you are or be someone you're not. Your employer hired you because of who you are, not someone who they are forcing you to be (or who you think they want you to be). [To me] femininity means different things for every woman, and you should be comfortable in your own femininity and own it. If your boss wanted to hire someone else, they would have. They hired you because of the diverse perspectives you can bring to the table. My advice?

"Be a boss babe and bring your light, amazing hustle, and energy to every space you occupy."

Marquetta Moore

What She Does:

Director of Music & Celebrity Relations at REVOLT TV

What She Says:

"One challenge that I have faced and have overcome is making sure that my voice is always heard. I know my job better than anyone else at the table, which is why I am there, so I had to learn to not let my suggestions be swept to the side. I have affirmed myself as a leader by remaining consistent and truthful, and always standing by my beliefs."

"As women, our femininity is maintained by being who we individually are."

"Every woman's feminine side is expressed differently, and it is unique to the individual, which is why it is important to always be yourself."

Her Advice To Boss Women:

1. Always speak up, no matter who is in the room. Your opinion matters!
2. Maintain a healthy work/life balance.
3. Find your tribe of sisters and cherish them. You will keep each other going when things seem impossible.

Sherita Nzali

What She Does:

Experienced HR professional, working in Silicon Valley

What She Says:

"My strength is that I am okay with being me. I am very clear on what type of leader I want to be and how I want people to see me in the workplace. I think sometimes we get in our own heads when it comes to what leadership should look like. My perspective is, find out what works for you and own it!"

"When you're comfortable in your own skin, it's hard for people to knock you off your square."

"While Corporate America certainly is male-dominated, I don't see male leaders or coworkers as roadblocks, I see someone who has a different perspective or someone I'd like to collaborate with on a project. Mutual respect goes a long way and when I'm challenged by a male leader or coworker, I take the same approach as I would with anyone."

Her Advice To Boss Women:

1. Don't try to think like a man. Embrace your femininity and think like a woman; that, in itself, is powerful.
2. Be confident, but don't fake it. Get to know yourself and get comfortable in that space. Whether you are truly confident or "pending" confident, people will listen to you and they will have expectations that you can deliver. If you plan to keep your brand intact, you must deliver – so be prepared.
3. Be self-compassionate. It's important to know your strengths and areas of opportunity. It's also important to actively work on those growth areas – and forgive yourself when you're not quite there.
4. Be a champion – for yourself AND other women. Celebrate others' accomplishments and put the practice of shade aside.

Brittney Hill

What She Does:

Transformational HR Operations Leader

What She Says:

"An organization I once worked with was not only predominantly male, but also more senior in age. Admittedly, at first, I questioned myself a lot thinking, 'How do I get them to see me?' Not only see me as an equal, but also see me as an individual that is able to provide value of substance."

"At the time, the organization was in transformation and growth mode, which presented the opportunity for me to assist in strategic projects. So I took this challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities and values, in spite of my gender and age. I was able to lead and implement a series of strategic initiatives that gave me attention, which helped me gain credibility."

"I believe there is a constant battle when you are the minority in gender and age, fighting to be an equal at the table, especially when alignment of management is needed for consensus to move the organization forward. But instead of feeling defeated and accepting that I was seen as inferior, I persisted. I soon realized my competence and my confidence in myself was my greatest asset in gaining confidence by my peers, superiors, and company as a whole."

"Through the years, I've maintained my femininity by displaying to my peers and leaders that I don't have to take on the role of a male in order to be a valued contributor. I always celebrate my values and what I bring to the table as a female, and see those as strengths."

"I don't conform by participating in male-driven discussions or activities, if it borders on the loss of who I am and compromises me as a respectable, professional female."

"It's important for females like myself and others to remember not to play into the good ol' boy segment. When you think the only way to survive and advance is to start playing into the good ol' boy network, then you've lost your feminine identity to become one of them. Find a way to celebrate your femininity and use every opportunity to ensure that other people around you understand that you approach things with the professional views of being a female."