Let me first say, though I try to imagine walking in your shoes, I can’t begin to imagine all that you have faced in business, academia, government, and life in general. What I do know is that on Friday you all lost a trailblazing hero in Ruth Bader Ginsberg. I know for many of you, Ginsberg helped pave the way for you and countless women to be fully empowered to be whatever they wanted to be. So, I want to acknowledge the loss you may be feeling.

Well before and during her time on the Supreme Court, Ginsberg drove lasting change into law that ensured women had a fair shot under our laws. And I am sure she must have served as an inspiration to many of you.

I have tried – though not always successfully I’m sure – to do my part as a male leader in the roles I have held in business, being intentional about supporting women leaders. As importantly, I hope I have raised my daughter to see she has agency to pursue whatever she wants to in life. My wife of now 31 years has also been a shining example of a powerful woman leader, making a difference in the world. My mom, now 85, also set a great example for me. As a mathematics educator at a community college for most of my time growing up, I’m sure she faced challenges she never even spoke about. She just got back up every morning, fixed our family breakfast, and went out into the world to make a difference.  

Of course I never had the opportunity to meet Ruth Bader Ginsberg, but I have met and known each of you, and I want you to know you have been an inspiration to me through the years of the amazing power of women to lead and make a difference in society. In the years we have worked together, you have shared with me some of the challenges you’ve faced as women leaders, and I cherish each of your stories. Thank you for your friendship and inspiration.