We’ve all seen the benefit that comes from groups of women coming together, whether it’s world-changing movements or just supportive local communities. Through this sort of mutual support and coming together, women have been able to achieve their own milestones in and out of the workplace. These victories may seem bittersweet for us, because we are often struggling against a world geared toward men, not to mention the additional pressure of striving for balance in our professional and personal goals!

Think about this: workplaces are built for men. The standard, in-person work schedule with no flexibility, freezing cold offices, lack of mothers’ rooms and support for parents, and even man-sized technology can all be frustrating for women, and that can be amplified when you factor in disability or neurodivergence. Workplace habits and traditions often create safety for men but exclude women. Women (which includes all who self-identify as a woman) can encounter microagressions, discrimination, and sexual harassment more frequently, are generally paid less, and are not as consistently heard and respected when they speak up. These concerns are almost certainly multiplied many times over for women of color.

Enter a world-wide pandemic. Many who were climbing the corporate ladder were knocked down a peg, if not pushed to the ground. Many of us are learning a new work routine or looking for work while balancing teaching and full-time caretaking. Some have had to make the choice leave the workforce because they didn’t feel they could sustain both their career and their family. Some have lost their jobs and have been forced to stay in an abusive situation. Some have started new jobs, but are simply craving a community that social distancing took away.

We at Blush share these experiences with you, and I thought about what we need in a workplace and community. So I created Blush. All are welcome, but I feel compelled to continue to focus on women and creating that community so we can all rise together.

I love to speak out about my experience as a woman founder, and as someone trying to tackle the child care crisis, gender equity issues, and the need for care workers to be paid a fair, living wage. Please contact me for speaking inquiries here.