I come from a pretty big extended family and a long line of strong women on both sides. These women have definitely influenced me in my own confidence and belief in myself, but they’ve also inspired the work that I do with Ustyled. Their stories of strength, selfless sacrifice and unconditional love have kept me going in my tougher times.

We also have a pretty broad range of political ideologies in my extended family. I love them all, but I certainly don’t always agree with them. I do, however, appreciate their opinions, because it gives me the opportunity to form my own educated opinion. I always appreciate being around those who are smarter than I am.

This election outcome hurts my heart.

Partly because it feels like hate, bigotry, racism and sexism won over love, inclusivity and opportunity.

Partly because it shows how divided and stubborn we have become. I don’t blame one party, it’s on both parties and it’s on ALL of us.

This election has also lit a fire in me.

Yes, things do need to change here in America. Namely, we all need to be stepping up to ensure that our voice is being heard and we’re doing everything that we can to create the change we want to see.

There is always opportunity and you can always create it for yourself. As soon as you get out of your own way.

I’ve always said this is a Style company because Style is about who you are and how you want to show up. It’s not about trends or fitting in or a mold.

This is about changing the conversation around style and being a confidence catalyst. Because we don’t just need women rising up as leaders, we need the best people rising up as leaders. Those who thrive on helping other realize their potential, those who are open to seeing other people’s sides because that may actually make the end result that much better, those who are life long learners.

I posted my thoughts and a call to action on our Ustyled Facebook page earlier today:

I am committing to you to be YOUR advocate.

However I can support you to grow in confidence, presence and power, I’ve got your back!

Please let us know what kind of support you or your organization needs to see diversity in leadership. (Always feel free to reach out to hello@catherinecassidy.co and we can find a time to chat!)

In the meantime, a few key resources to be aware of as we need to stay committed to engaging and educating ourselves so that our voices ARE heard:

She Should Run

She Should Run is hosting their annual National Conversation on December 6th in Washington, D.C. You can also attend via Livestream. CLICK HERE for more details.

You may remember She Should Run from their cheeky book campaign I shared earlier this year.

The essential goal of She Should Run is inspiring and activating women to run for office. Should YOU run?

All in Together

Running Start

Let’s get them started young! Running Start offers programming and internships for high school and college women who are inspired to make a difference at all levels of engagement – local, state, and beyond. Getting involved at your school and locally is just as important as at the national level.

These young women are indeed inspiring!

Now, one thing to note is that these are all nonpartisan organizations. I think it’s incredibly important that we’re inspiring women to rise up as leaders in private and public sector and that we need diversity in backgrounds, expertise and opinions. It also helps us to have a more holistic conversation when we’re open to engaging with both sides politically.

After all, as Hillary noted in her eloquent and moving concession speech: “Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. So let’s do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear.”

Whatever your political leaning, I want to leave you with some more words from Secretary Clinton:

“This loss hurts, but please, never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it.”

It’s always worth and yes YOU can make a difference. We need you.

One last key resource …

POPVOX

This is a brilliant tool to ensure you’re educated on the bills going through congress and that your voice is heard. You can even read the entire text of the bill being passed through so there is no issue with media bias, so you can decide your position based on your own values and beliefs.