Editor’s note: Attorney Tina M. Patterson, Esq, the President and Director of Research at The PuLSE Institute, delivered the welcome remarks at the institute’s March 21 Women’s History Month Power Breakfast Forum that featured two speakers Tricia Keith, the President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and Joi Harris, the President and COO of DTE Energy. The Forum was moderated by Cynthia J. Pasky, the Founder and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions and Bankole Thompson, the Founder and Dean of The PuLSE Institute. Below is President Patterson’s full remarks.
Good Morning!
And welcome to the PuLSE Institute’s Women’s Leadership Forum in honor of March as Women’s History Month.
My name is Attorney Tina Patterson, President and Director of Research here at The PuLSE Institute.
Today, this event marks our return to live-in person events since the Covid-19 pandemic which began this time five years ago.
If anything, that global suffering has taught us that life is truly precious, every moment of it, and since time is the essence of life, we must steward and soak in every second in full appreciation, for to whom much is given, much is required.
For this simple but profound observation, we are deeply humbled and grateful for your presence this morning, and we thank you for your commitment to attending, and entrusting us as your gracious hosts this morning.
We are also honored to be able to gather together once again to fulfill our mission toward shaping public policies with key decision makers as we attack racial and economic injustice in our desire to create a more equitable future for all to enjoy.
It is no accident, nor is it missed among us, that we are hosting this event in the midst of formidable national policy attacks against diversity, equity, and inclusion, the very attributes that signify our unique and genuinely valuable worldviews of life.
It is not lost on me, as a Black woman, that there are not many individuals such as myself, who are in my position, leading prominent organizations driving change.
Not because they are incapable or unqualified, but because of the societal biases against women, African Americans, and other demographic minorities who are viewed as less competent solely due to their race or sex.
However, conforming to these societal norms has never been my standard of measurement, nor is it the philosophy of this Institute. Rather, we adopt the spirit of the ancient Latin phrase, Excelsior! Higher, Always Upward.
Which brings us to today, and why we are hosting this event, with women who are likewise breaking barriers and blazing trails for others to follow at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Our theme for today’s event is Women in Corporate and Economic Leadership.
It is particularly critical to highlight the work and demonstration of leadership of our guests of honor as the chief executives of major companies, because it is and must be accepted as a reality that women can capably and comfortably command significant resources and lead immensely profitable organizations.
Women can speak the language of money, business, economics, and finance, while guiding the service mission of companies, contributing valuable unique perspectives, and encouraging and supporting the next generation of leaders.
We encourage you to listen to these leaders with sincerity, learn from their insight and experience, and leave inspired to take action.
The future we desire, the future we fight for, the infinite potentials of eternally better tomorrows are right here in this room with us. And that begins with the power that lays dormant, groaning to awaken, within each of us right now.
Today, this day, is the only time we have. And that is all we need to create that beautiful future we imagine, right now.
Thank you.