Kamala Harris VP Selection Spurs Conversation About Women in Leadership Roles From Women Legal Leaders Across Texas
Becoming the vice presidential running mate, however, may be the easy part for Harris, say some observers who now worry she’ll be disparaged as “bo
It’s official: Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, became the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee Wednesday during night three of the Democratice National Committee’s virtual convention. She joins presidential nominee Joe Biden on the ticket as the first Black woman and Asian American to ever run on a major party’s presidential ticket.
Becoming the vice presidential running mate, however, may be the easy part for Harris, say some observers who now worry she’ll be disparaged as “bossy” and subjected to the double standards and sexism women still face in politics, business and law.
Texas Lawyer spoke to several women legal leaders around the state about the selection of Harris, and what it means within the context of the unusual challenges women leaders face today and the importance of having a seat at the table.
Laura Benitez Geisler
Laura Benitez Geisler, a partner at Sommerman, McCaffity, Quesada & Geisler in Dallas:
I believe the best leaders lead by example. Each time we get to see an accomplished woman, especially a woman of color, in a high-profile leadership position it sets an example. Kamala Harris is an example to young women of color that they can compete at the highest levels with powerful white men. Her unsuccessful presidential bid is an example of leadership for women whose fear of failure keeps them from taking bold risks. One less “first” gets us closer to a day when women in leadership isn’t groundbreaking news. Unfortunately, we have a long way to go.
Meloney Perry, founder of Perry Law
I have seen women discriminated against, treated differently or expected to act differently when seeking or in leadership positions. Women are often challenged when creating boundaries in their work environment. I believe that women must continue to push forward, continue to create boundaries, remain firm in their beliefs and kind with their interactions. Women who find that balance will become great leaders.
The appointment of Kamala Harris as the next candidate for vice president of the United States is a stepping stone to normalcy. It gives young minority women and little girls a chance to believe they have the ability to be anything they want.
Monica Latin
Monica Latin, managing partner at Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal:
She’s a prototypical example of the type of public figure who is frequently subject to the kinds of characterizations we are talking about — strong, fearless, direct, doesn’t mince words. Media reaction to her candidacy will test just how much progress we have made in avoiding embedded implicit bias in their descriptions and impressions. And those words have a meaningful effect on the impressions and attitudes of the public at large.
Yvette Ostolaza
Yvette Ostolaza, an executive committee member of Sidley Austin and managing partner of the firm’s Dallas offices:
Unfortunately, I have often seen people assume that a man in the room was the leader instead of the woman who was the chair or CEO. Also, if you’re are not “in the room where it happens,” you sometimes lack the experience to navigate political and business issues. In some industries, women lack the role models to succeed.
TL: Do you have any advice for someone in Kamala Harris’ situation?
Ignore the haters.
Meghan E. Griffiths
Meghan Griffiths, a partner in Jackson Walker’s Austin offices:
It’s no secret that women leaders, especially women of color like Kamala Harris, face both conscious and unconscious bias and have had to work harder for a seat at the table. When a woman gets that seat at the table — whether it be in politics, law firm management, or a corporate board seat — it’s more than likely she has had to work overtime to make her voice heard and get credit for her contributions. You can also bet there was no free ride to the top and that she got there with grit, smarts, teamwork, and the ability to make allies.
Challenges exist at every stage of a career, but a successful career is a lot like a marathon. Some days it’s a burn and you just have to put one foot in front of the other. Other days, you can see the finish line and the feeling at the end of it all is worth the hard work. I try to get through the challenges by remembering that the “runner’s high” of solving a complex problem, winning a case, or making a certain achievement is in sight, even when roadblocks present themselves.
TL: Do you have any advice for someone in Kamala Harris’ situation?
Don’t listen to detractors and be true to yourself. Listen to that inner voice that you had as a kid. You remember the one. The one that said: “You can do it!” and “Don’t be afraid.”
Marcy Hogan Greer
Marcy H. Greer, managing partner for Alexander Dubose & Jefferson in Austin:
Male leaders are given the benefit of the doubt, while a female leader’s decisions tend to be second-guessed by both superiors and subordinates. You spend a lot more time trying to build consensus before taking action to move the organization forward and often have to enlist a cadre of male allies in advance, even if the action is the most logical approach.
Although I believe that in many ways I’ve established an open-door policy that has been successful in facilitating meaningful changes, I still find that implicit bias is an insidious and powerful force in all aspects of law and business, even nonprofit organizations.
There are so many micro-aggressions that are entirely unconscious, but they have harmful impact. It’s hard to count the number of times that another woman or I have made a suggestion in a large group—usually focused on making positive changes—and been ignored, only to have a man make a similar suggestion (typically only a few minutes later) that is immediately lauded as a great idea or insight. And all the women in the room roll their eyes because they have seen it too. I can only imagine the additive effect of being a woman of color. Since it’s not conscious, a great strategy is for the other women in the room to seize the suggestion at the moment it is first made and validate and give attribution to the woman who first made it. I have seen that strategy be very effective.
TL: Do you have any advice for someone in Kamala Harris’ situation?
I am a big fan of Kamala Harris. I think she has mastered a presidential presence that few—male or female—can match. The key is continuing to be authentic and well prepared. The court of popular opinion, for the most part, sees through attempts to project a counterfeit image. And those of us in the audience need to amplify her credentials and message.