"I think the ability to discern is a gift that is given to most women. In the Bible wisdom is referred to as a woman. I wouldn't be as wise if I weren't a woman. I call this discernment God speaking to us. This ability has empowered me to fight for incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and marginalized women and girls." - Topeka K. Sam is the founder and executive director of The Ladies of Hope Ministries. The mission of The LOHM is to help disenfranchised & marginalized women transition back into society through education, spiritual empowerment, entrepreneurship & advocacy. She is also the c0- founder of Hope House. Topeka served 3.5 years in federal prison and today is her birthday as well as the 2018 #dayofempathy.
Omary Carreo
"Coming to this country ten years ago made my life. Being here opened up my mind to what it means to be a gay person. When I got my NYC city card they asked me whether I wanted to register as a woman, a man, both or neither. I said, "What? Wow! This is the country that I needed." In my country, Columbia, I couldn't come out as being a gay person. Being here gave me the opportunity to create my business with my wife. The small business center in NYC helped us get through the legal parts of setting up our business and helped us with marketing." Omary Carreo is the c0-owner of Tangerine Cleaning Service.
Susana Martinez
"I grew up in Mexico and my Father worked in construction. There's a lot of machismo in Mexico and my Father didn't think I could work like a man and didn't want me or my sisters to do construction work. He also didn't want me to play sports, except for tennis." - Susana Martinez is a part time student and works as a janitor.
Briana Payton
"My mother is my role model. And since I am a woman, I can model my life and my character based on her example." - Briana Payton is a Truman Scholar studying Sociology at Princeton University. Briana attended the Truman Foundation's 4oth Anniversary Party at Gracie Mansion earlier this month.
Victoria Maloch
"People don't expect a female Democrat from Arkansas to be working in Agricultural Economics. Blanch Lincoln is my role model. She was the first female chair of the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and by example showed that being from a rural place has value. She gave me the confidence that I don't need to leave behind my rural experience or my rural values in order to have a seat at the table. There is a place for me in this field." - Victoria Maloch is a Truman Scholar studying at the University of Arkansas and she attended the Truman Foundation 40th Anniversary Party held at Gracie Mansion earlier this month.
Sally Kopstein
"I just got married last year. It's a gay marriage. I was at an event last night at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center and Edie Windsor was there. (United States v. Winsor) She really made it happen here. Things have changed so much about being openly gay." - Sally Kopstein
Marlene Reisman
"I worked as a Human Resources executive at a company that had mostly male employees. Because I am understanding, the men felt comfortable coming to discuss with me their work issues. Being understanding helped me succeed in this role. I think if I hadn't been a woman, I would not have had as much career success." - Marlene Reisman is a retired human resources executive.
Jennifer Jenkins
" I used to be really shy. I think because I'm a woman I'm more approachable and people would talk to me. It really helped to break me out of my shell and now I am very social." - Jennifer Jenkins being Prince on Halloween.
Jamie Lee
"I was having cocktails with a group of women and one commented about how she hated her job and that she was underpaid. A friend answered, "If you are good at what you do, you can always ask for more. There's always more in the budget." That was the comment that made me want to teach women about negotiating." - Jamie Lee is a consultant with She Negotiates.
Tattum Yvon
"I had a miscarriage. It was rough." - Tattum Yvon is a fashion stylist.
Natalie Williams
"Joan Rivers took a photo with me not long before she passed away and she told me, "You passed. You look hot." I was so excited to get a thumb's up from the fashion police. I love fashion; the lipstick, the nail polish, the sexy little lingerie, the swimwear. This is how I express myself. I love being a woman."
Nadine Villar
" Yes, I made this hat." Nadine Villar is from Nigeria and has six children, 13 grandchildren and two more on the way. The train was coming in two minutes and I didn't have time for me&EVE interview, but I think her beautiful face says it all.
Alice Droogan
"I was in a convent for fourteen years and that is something I couldn't have done if I weren't a woman." I met Alice just as the St. Patrick's Day Parade had ended and she was racing off to catch a train. "It was a great parade. I've been in the parade seven times but this was my first time as an aide to the Grand Marshall."