Danita, Kara, Shannon... My Three Women Who Empower Me | Women's History Month

What’s good friend! 

Today, I want to focus on empowering our young women and little ladies, and lean a little into the power of mentorship. I think there's something unique about the energy when women come together to lift each other up and create spaces where everyone can thrive. For me, it’s about more than just leading; it’s about creating a community where young women can grow, learn, and lead with intention in their own right and power.

Building these intentional communities starts with mentorship. As mentors or big sisters, we help young women find their voice, develop their leadership skills, confidently take their place in the world, and support them when they fall. While the future is in their hands, it’s our responsibility to ensure they know how to navigate it with confidence, purpose, and intentionality. Here's an example:

In 2016, my mentor Danita Knight gathered a group of glass-shattering women together in P31, where we walk in the scope of the Proverbs 31 Woman, stay civically engaged, and offer sisterhood to each other and the young women we bring under our wings. I’ll never forget in 2017, when I hosted one of our meetups, Mrs. Danita said, “I want one of you to consider running for office.” At the time, we all looked at each other, thinking, “She’s not talking to any of us.” Yet in 2019, I ran for office. Mrs. Danita is the one who helps me remember my community, my values, and the opportunities I have to give back.

In 2024, I did some deep, intentional work to align myself with my North Star and figure out what I was going to do next. I realized it wasn’t about what's next—it was about alignment. I spent time with one of my mentors, Kara, who helped lay the foundation for this work. What’s so cool about Kara is that I’ve been with her since high school, when she hired me to intern for North Carolina Senator Margaret Dickson. I’ve been with her since I was 16, and because of her intentionality, she’s a consistent force in my life. Kara’s mentorship speaks to my heart and the way I care to show up as I move toward my North Star.

In 2021, I met an amazing boss woman, wife, and mother of five beautiful children—Shannon Battle! Shannon came with an energy I needed for what I was experiencing, especially because she’s local to me. Shannon is a businesswoman who can seamlessly position herself like one of the guys, yet is unapologetically fierce when it comes to business. Over the last few years, I’ve learned to sharpen my business acumen, restructure my strategies, and GO GET IT. To this day, I get excited whenever I have a call with Shannon because, somehow, there’s always a reconfirmation of something I’ve been thinking about in terms of business direction or confidence. Shannon’s guidance has helped fortify the businesswoman I want to become and empowers me to GO... Period.

These are the women of today who I’ve intentionally placed myself around to guide me on my journey, and I say thank you to these women for their guidance.

As we dive into empowerment and leadership, it’s key to reflect on our own journeys. Use these prompts to think about how you can continue to grow as a leader and mentor:

• What was the most impactful piece of advice you received as a young woman? How can you pass that on to someone else today?

• Think about a time when leadership felt tough. How did you get through it, and what did you learn from it?

• How can you empower others to step into leadership? What action can you take today to create a supportive community around you?

This quote reminds us that the empowerment of one woman benefits all women. As we build intentional communities, we must uplift and support one another, knowing that when we rise together, we all thrive. Let this quote guide you in your own journey to mentorship and empowerment.

Now that we’ve focused on the importance of empowering young women, let’s acknowledge the challenges they face. The obstacles I encountered growing up differ from what today’s young women are navigating, but they’re still real… whether it’s societal expectations, gender inequality, or something else entirely.

Here’s what I need you to know: these challenges are real for them. But the strength of a community can help them overcome it. It’s up to us to create spaces where they can lead with purpose, authenticity, and confidence, where their voices are valued and their growth is prioritized.

And let me say this: if you don’t understand something, that’s okay. But never deny a young woman the opportunity to find the help and support she needs. Let’s stay true to our values by nurturing the next generation of leaders with intention and care.

The women who mentor me today empower me to show up boldly and firmly as myself… and to be the same kind of mentor for the little sisters I guide.

• Book: Intentionally Here: Here's What Happens When You Show Up for Yourself by Shakeyla M. Ingram – A memoir and guide that empowers individuals to live with purpose and embrace their authentic selves, transforming their lives through intentional action. Perfect for young women seeking direction and clarity on their leadership journey.

• Podcast: The Michelle Obama Podcast – Conversations with Michelle Obama, where she discusses leadership, mentorship, and the importance of supporting young women.

• Resource: Girls Who Code – A nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, helping young women build the skills to become leaders in tech and innovation.