RIMOWA x The Standard Stand Up for Women's Empowerment
Speakers included Amber Asher, CEO of The Standard, Dezaray Romanelli, Managing Director of RIMOWA, North America, Felita Harris, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer of Harlem Fashion Row, Alyssa Nitchun, Executive Director of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, and Nicole McLaughlin, a sustainable designer and entrepreneur. It became clear through the one-hour panel that these women had poured their hearts and souls into their careers in order to grasp success, but almost as impressive as their drive was their openness — their willingness to share the trials and tribulations of their journeys and their desire to uplift others through their stories.
Although each of these speakers experienced different paths leading up to this moment and originated from different backgrounds, careers, and even different generations, there seemed to be a general consensus that it is through uplifting each other that we can achieve our greatest yearnings. When asked about the aspects of leadership that shone through naturally in each, Felita Harris shared, “The ability to connect and garner support of groups came naturally to me, but what did not is being vulnerable. Women should own their ability to empathize.”
Other panelists shared that their most fulfilling career moments were also the moments when they slowed down and listened — to others and to their intuition. Each spoke about defying the expectations that are placed upon women, especially women in leadership positions, from an early age. “Your timeline is your own and you have the ability to create it and make it whatever you want,” said Dezaray Romanelli.
It was a night of pride, sensitivity, and authenticity, and the best part is that we all got to experience it together. Each panelist allowed the guests, creatives of all mediums — writers, designers, business owners — to peek behind the curtain and learn that it is through this vulnerability and interconnectedness that we can continue to make waves in even the most unexpected of arenas. The night ended with a cocktail hour under the glow of city lights, because who wouldn’t want to cheers to that?
Photos from the event can be viewed below.
