Historically, women have been denied access to old-boy business networks that fostered connections, commerce, and prosperity. The Jaycees spent a dozen years and a million dollars in a protracted legal fight to keep women out before changing their ways in 1984. It took a Supreme Court ruling before the Rotary Club admitted women in 1989. And over the decades, women have been shut out of all-male power enclaves encircling Wall Street, Madison Avenue, and Silicon Valley.
Yet men underestimate women at their own peril. Indeed, there are few forces stronger than women coming together to empower women. The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce launched in 2001 to dismantle barriers that kept women from accessing business and labor markets that fuel business growth. Sheryl Sandberg’s 2010 TED Talk led the Facebook COO to pen Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. Countless other women – from media mogul Oprah Winfrey to Spanx founder Sara Blakely – broke through glass ceilings, and then reached back to provide other women with the tools to succeed.
Women Have Been Organizing
While men in many circles continue to trade favors and influence while keeping women at bay, women have been organizing. By forming business leadership groups, women have filled the void and created new pathways to success. For example, Cynthia Ramirez, founder of Moving Evolution Adaptive Wear, has benefitted from the International Association of Women ‘s networking, professional development, and promotional opportunities. Others find resources and mentoring in organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners or the Association of Women’s Business Centers.
Creating a Community of Women on Wheels
As women on wheels, our personal and professional challenges can overlap. The process of creating a life at the crossroads of independence, professional fulfillment, and financial prosperity can be daunting. That’s why we must look to each other for inspiration and encouragement in making the dream a reality. We learn and grow when we share our stories – whether about spirituality, health, business, or babies.
While Facebook groups and forums are a great start, it’s time to take it to the next level. It’s time to form a community of women on wheels who actively work to empower each other in business and in life. Using mastermind groups, conferences, and retreats, we will leverage our unique perspective and life experience for professional development and personal success.
Leading the Way
The seeds of this community have been planted, and are embodied by women who are leading the way and who are committed to this journey of Women Empowering Women. They include:Teal ShererCreator of the “My Gimpy Life” comedy series – as well as an actress, model and mom – Teal is embarking on a journey of health and fitness. She’s ready to share her knowledge with other women in our community.
Watch Teal get her fitness on at @SeizeTheOar.
Ali Ingersoll
Ali Ingersoll is a day trader who is committed to helping other women on wheels learn the strategies and techniques of trading. Ali is also the founder of “Quirky Quad Diaries” , which makes life as a quadriplegic humorous, sexy, and REAL. As if that’s not enough, there’s a series based on her life in the works! Read Ali’s insights and adventures (dare we say “panty dates”?) in her Quirky Quad Dairies column on PUSHLiving.
Gina Schuh
Gina Schuh is a legal eagle who graduated from law school in Phoenix, but then decided it just wasn’t her calling. Instead, Gina created an already-powerful advocacy group, Accessible Arizona. She is also a life coach, and is definitely on a roll!
Watch Gina give an update on her life after recovering from a quad lung-killing battle with a respiratory virus.
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Lisa Wells
While not a woman on wheels, this powerhouse marketing maverick has made it her life’s work to support those who do. Lisa is the creator and former editor of Wheel:
Life and now works with the Cure Medical team in developing a “Cure Nation” that supports individuals, organizations and businesses making positive impacts in our community.
This Southern belle is sharp and experienced, and has much to offer to women on wheels. Lisa will be featured on our April podcast, when she will share how to grow a business and find the resources and skills to make it your own.Cure Medical, founded by a male quadriplegic who wanted to raise funds to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, is committed to ensuring that the company’s catheters are not made with scary chemicals like DEHP or BPA, and that they provide maximum comfort and ease of use. In other words, Cure Medical’s catheters are made by us, for us!
Cure Medical offers free samples to help educate community members about their catheter options.
Kristina Rhoades
Kristina Rhoades has a must-listen-to podcast and had a must-pay-attention-to vision: to create a fully accessible wellness retreat in New Mexico called The Flower of Life.
PUSHLiving is proud to support this effort and will be presenting the first-ever WOW Women on Wheels Empowerment Retreat with Kristina at her New Mexico location in October 2018.Share the Vision
Attend the WOW-Women on Wheels Empowerment Retreat
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
October 15-18, 2018
During this holistic retreat, you will tap into the power of the community of women on wheels. Transformational activities informed by lived experience and shared wisdom will help you manifest the life you envision.For the Mind, Body, and SpiritExperience powerful presentations on a variety of topics, including:
- Purpose
- Health
- Finances
- Business
- Nutrition
- Sexuality
- Advocacy
- Self-esteem
Learn from WOW thought leaders via live broadcast and network within the WOW community to become your higher and best self.
Create new mind-body-spirit connections through a variety of activities, such as:
- Local art studio class
- Photo tour of Old Monticello
- Drum circle
- Singing crystal bowl session
- Adaptive horseback riding
- Animal therapy
- Accessible yoga
- Bodywork
- Life coaching and team building
- Gem and crystal gathering
- Nature walk
- Daily group meditation
- Soaks in healing mineral hot springs
- Spirit card readings
- Bonfire and freestyle dance under the stars
- Star gazing
- Sweat lodge and spiritual cleansing
- A photography shoot
This inaugural event is for women on wheels, by women on wheels.
Discover the power of the deeply inspired woman to create and sustain a community of wisdom and a network of support in order to achieve our dreams. Join us.