Last Thursday, Lipstick&Politics held its final Leadership Salon for the year. Our topic for the evening is one that has been on everyone’s mind since the fateful presidential election: what does our future look like with Donald Trump as our nation’s president? A man, who has been accused of sexual assault, inspires and encourages hate and violence, and constantly lies and denies facts, will be our commander-in-chief and a leader for all people. It is reasonable to be worried about the future of our country.
Photo by Priyanka Ramesh
Our moderator for the event was Yumi Wilson, tenured journalism professor at San Francisco State University and branding/social media expert. On our panel, we featured Portfolia’s CEO, Trish Costello, and POPVOX’s CEO, Marci Harris. Portfolia is a global entrepreneurial investing community and a family of venture capital funds while POPVOX is a “civic startup” with a mission to connect people and government, empower effective participation, and create a transparent record that informs policymaking and fosters accountable, responsive governing.
Photo by Priyanka Ramesh
They discussed a range of topics, from sexism, media coverage, to the leadership landscape. Overall, they spoke from a place of hope and forwardness. Although Trish noted how Hillary Clinton’s electoral loss felt like an echo of many women’s own experiences, the panel did not feel deterred about the potential of women. Especially at this particular event, there were many young women in attendance and the panel acknowledged how important it is to support future women and ensure a world in which they can thrive. Marci, who interacts frequently with legislators, reassured the audience that our government will not simply allow Trump and his influences have their way.
Photo by Priyanka Ramesh
Once the conversation opened up to the floor, multiple participants provided diverse and thoughtful commentary. Many people in the audience were concerned parents and voiced their thoughts and worries, delivering difficult questions with no easy solutions. Ultimately, the event demonstrated the inherent need for conversation in the future of our country. To carve a fruitful and bright future, we as American citizens must be communicative, collaborative, and compassionate. And eventually, we must uphold such behavior as normal.