In the second event organized by the Jewish Women’s
Alliance, this time in honor of International Women’s Day, MaLora McCullough
explored the challenges women face navigating power, bias, and leadership in
a webinar entitled From Pin Curls to Power Moves: Lessons in Visibility and
Voice. The event, moderated by WJC Elevate member Caterina Cognini,
was introduced by WJC Commissioner for Gender Equality and Inclusion Marie van
der Zyl OBE.
An attorney with over 15 years of experience representing
Fortune 500 companies and currently a consultant with VallotKarp, a firm providing
a broad range of services relating to diversity, belonging, inclusion, MaLora shared
stories about what it’s like to be the only woman and/or the only person of
color in the room, and how this shapes not just how women are treated, but how they
move, act and even speak.
She discussed tokenism, the moments she was overlooked for
key work, the feedback that felt more about tone than substance, and the times she
had to prove—again and again—that she belonged, because inclusion is all about
power: who is heard, who is mentored and promoted, who gets a seat at the table.
In her speech, MaLora underlined the importance of
self-advocacy, drew parallels between the discrimination both Black and Jewish
women have long faced and the irreconcilable double bind that exists for women,
who are told to take up space (but not too much space), to be strong (but not
difficult), assertive (but not bossy). She addressed the fact that women are
acknowledged to be excellent leaders, yet are still under-represented in
leadership positions everywhere, whether in boardrooms or government offices.
In her concluding remarks, MaLora left the audience with
three key asks for driving change in workplaces. The first is to challenge
assumptions, and to notice and call out double standards: sometimes just
asking, “Would this be said about a man?” shifts perspectives. The second is to
find ways to amplify women’s voices and advocate for real
opportunities, whether you’re a leader or simply a
colleague. Finally, she emphasized the importance of allyship, for it is
possible for anyone to be an active ally – when you
hear bias, use your voice to say something, because silence sends its own
message.
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