Upland, CA — During Women’s History Month, we often celebrate the achievements of women who came before us, pioneers, trailblazers, and quiet sheroes whose courage created pathways we now walk. But there is another equally important conversation we must have, how do we sustain the women who are leading today? Women leaders, especially those serving in nonprofit, corporate, and community spaces, are often the caregivers, problem solvers, advocates, and vision carriers for everyone around them. They build organizations, strengthen families, uplift communities, and mentor the next generation. Yet while serving others, many neglect their own health, wellbeing, and personal sustainability. That is why conversations about living whole and well are not optional, they are essential.
Forgiving For Living, Inc. and The Purpose Partner will convene a powerful discussion titled, “Women Helping Women Leaders Live Whole and Well by Understanding Their History.” This meaningful dialogue was made possible through the generous support of The James Irvine Foundation Matching and Discretionary Fund and the East Bay Community Foundation, whose commitment to leadership development and wellness continues to impact communities across California. We are also grateful for the foresight and leadership of Kafi Blumenfield in helping make this possible. The discussion features three remarkable women leaders whose professional experiences intersect at an important truth: understanding our personal, cultural, and medical history, can profoundly shape our future health and effectiveness as leaders.
Dr. Antoinette Harrell, a respected family historian and genealogist, emphasizes that history is more than names on a family tree. It is a roadmap of experiences, patterns, and inherited realities. She highlights how knowledge of one’s family medical history can empower individuals to make informed health decisions, advocate for appropriate care, and adopt preventive measures earlier in life. Too often, particularly in communities of color, medical histories are fragmented or undocumented. Generations may have endured illness without diagnosis, avoided medical systems due to mistrust, or simply lacked access to care. As a result, many women are navigating serious health conditions without the context that could help them manage risks more effectively. Understanding one’s heritage, Dr. Harrell notes, is not just about honoring ancestors, it is also about protecting descendants.
Monique A. Stennis, a strategic communications and culture leader, addresses another dimension of wellness: the invisible pressure created by expectations. In today’s world, women leaders are often encouraged to cultivate strong personal brands that convey competence, confidence, and composure at all times. While visibility can open doors, it can also create pressure to appear “put together” even when one is struggling physically or emotionally. This pressure can lead to overwork, burnout, chronic stress, and delayed care. Many women feel they must carry burdens silently to maintain credibility. Monique emphasizes that authenticity and boundaries are critical to sustainable leadership. A brand should not become a mask that prevents women from acknowledging their humanity.
Gladys Stennis-Mixon, a financial executive with extensive corporate experience, speaks candidly about the unique challenges faced by women of color in leadership. Black women often navigate environments where they feel they must work harder to be seen as competent while also managing stereotypes, bias, and isolation. These pressures can take a significant toll on physical and mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, anxiety, and other serious conditions that disproportionately affect women of color. Gladys stresses that success should not come at the expense of one’s life or longevity.
Across all three perspectives, a common theme emerges: leadership must be sustainable. Living whole and well requires intentional choices. It means acknowledging that self-care is not selfish, weakness, or indulgence, it is a responsibility. When leaders neglect their health, the consequences extend beyond the individual. Families, organizations, and communities all feel the impact. Understanding family history can also transform how women interpret their own health experiences. Symptoms that might otherwise seem random may reflect patterns spanning generations. Armed with this knowledge, women can ask better questions, seek appropriate screenings, and advocate more effectively for themselves within healthcare systems. Your health is not a luxury. It is a legacy. During Women’s History Month, may we celebrate not only the women who shaped history, but also the women who are protecting the future by choosing to live whole, well, and with intention.
Wendy is the Purpose Partner helping women go from Crossroads to Confidence, from Shaken to Unshakable, from Purpose to Power. To learn more visit WendyGladney.com and ForgivingForLiving.org.
