I attended the 12th Annual Women in Leadership Conference this week. I still serve on the Andrus Center Board as the Treasurer and remain a loyal friend and supporter of Idaho’s most memorable Governor, Cecil Andrus. You only had to meet Cece once for him to always remember your name. If he forgot, he would simply say, “I know we have met and I am sorry but please remind me of your name.” So honest, simple, and straight forward. Cece left a legacy we continue to work to protect; public education, the environment, civility, and women’s rights. I think 3 daughters had a profound impact on his beliefs. Gender equality was a focus for Cece.
When I first moved to Boise, I joined the Arid Club, late l980’s and no women were allowed in membership. Even Idaho was pushed to modernize their approach. I attended the first meeting when the “good old boys” explained how women would ruin the character of the club. One example was that it would no longer be ok to tell off color jokes. I had to say, although only to myself, I have not heard one joke since I joined, let alone an off color one. Regardless, Cece informed the Club that he could no longer be a member of an exclusive club. He had friends and soon the debate became which woman would be the first? I wondered which woman in Boise would even want to be a member. Near the 100th anniversary of the Club, Sharon Allen because the first female member.
Sharon was the Manager of the Audit Department at Deloitte and Touché and later went on to Serve as the Chairman at Deloitte LLP (New York). Sharon was the first women Chairman of a Big Four Accounting Firm. Sharon served as an independent director at Bank of American, Albertsons Corp and Harvard University. Sharon set an example and model for so many women to follow.
This year the conference had 5 amazing keynote speakers. In the time between the speakers there are multiple skill builder sessions, each led by a female presenter. I was honored to introduce Christine Neuhoff, the Chief Legal Officer at St Luke’s Health System. I have worked with Christy since 2008 on the System Board and as a fellow Board member on an Idaho Not for Profit. She is a remarkable professional and a tremendous role model. Christy talked about her extended family and Cherokee Heritage and ongoing involvement in the Cherokee Nation. In 2023 she was honored with their Community Leader Individual Award for her work on a Task Force to Protect Women and families threatened by family violence. As a humble soul, we heard only a bit about the obstacles she has overcome in her career as a Native American and woman.
I thought I was a bit past public speaking anxiety. I had a 3 minute introduction about someone I admire and respect. It was important to me to get it right and I did some work on the overview. I got up on the podium and looked out at the 700 plus women in the audience. One of the earlier presenters reminded us that overcoming your fears was not optional and with that advice in hand I managed to bring Christy to the stage without too much distraction. I think I highly recommend pushing yourself out of your comfort zone occasionally, it will be good for you.
Speaking of comfort zones, I am honored to have a Harris Walz flag flying on my patio. Karen observed a neighbor on the other side of the golf course with a flag for The Tangarine Mussolini aka the Orange Wanker. Unlike the spouse of Alito, Karen kept it civil with a lighted flag that most of the golf course players and neighbors cannot miss.
There really is no choice in this contest.
I hope you will read and copy all of your friends on the New York Times Op Ed—-“The Dangers of Donald Trump, from those who know him” includes a compilation of statements from those who know Trump best. The conclusion is that he is “unfit to lead”.
Bill Barr, who protected the Wanker from the truth of the Mueller report says. “He will always put his own interests and his own ego ahead of everything else, including the country’s interest.” Dan Coats, former Senator and the director of national intelligence said, “to him, a lie is not a lie. It’s just what he thinks. He does not know the difference between a truth and a lie.” There are 91 quotes but I will finish with John Kelly’s, The Secretary of Homeland Security and then Chief of Staff, words, “A person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators. A person that has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law.”
Harris and Walz give me a sense of hope. Let’s elect servants of the people and our first Female President, she is fully qualified. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Mike