Lessons in Leadership: What My Mom Taught Me About Leadership

Growing up, the story of my mother, Betty Kalliney, always inspired me. My mom overcame gender barriers and became a trailblazer in chemistry.

She studied mathematics in college and was one of the few women in the chemistry program in graduate school. After graduating in the 1960s, she kept one foot in academia to help my father obtain his advanced degrees in chemistry, working as his research assistant and English translator since my dad had emigrated from Egypt only a few years earlier. Let’s just say that my mom and dad had chemistry when they met!

In addition to her work with my father, my mother took on a full-time role as a forensic scientist. However, during that time, women were not typically welcomed in the sciences. One of my earliest memories is going into the lab with her, where I eagerly played the crucial role of "lab assistant" for the day and got to play with office supplies. Even at that young age, I felt proud of my mother's hard work, dedication, and achievements, which helped pave the way for other women like me to pursue STEM degrees and careers.

In those days, women were completely stigmatized in fields like science. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the headline of an article about my mom, which appeared on March 17, 1969. This article ran in The Sun, a newspaper based in Springfield, Ohio. In what world would a headline from 1969 read “Man Chemist Analyzes Clues In Crime”? Laughable.

One of the key lessons I learned from my mother is that true leadership is not just about being in charge, but about having the courage and conviction to pursue a goal and bring others along with you. My mom demonstrated this in her work as she was responsible for analyzing evidence to help solve crimes. Her attention to detail, analytical skills, and commitment to equality were just some of the qualities that made her an effective leader.

My mom's story is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms, and that anyone can be a leader if they have the courage, conviction, and perseverance to pursue their goals. Her example has inspired me to pursue my own goals with determination and resilience, and to use my own leadership skills to inspire and empower others.

Women like my mom have long been leaders in their families, communities, and workplaces. We bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, and we continue to break through gender barriers to achieve success and inspire others.

Here are some action items that will help promote and support women’s leadership:

1. Celebrate women leaders. Highlight the achievements and successes of women leaders. Recognize the contributions of women leaders in all fields and promote role models for future generations.
2. Encourage women to take leadership roles. Inspire women to step up and take on leadership roles in their workplace, community, or personal life. Highlight the benefits of leadership and provide support and resources to help them succeed.
3. Create a culture of inclusion. Foster a culture of diversity and inclusion that recognizes and values the unique perspectives and contributions of women leaders. Encourage respectful dialogue and create safe spaces for women to share their ideas and experiences.
4. Promote gender equality. Advance gender equality in all areas of society, including education, the workplace, and politics. Advocate for equal pay and equal opportunities for women, and challenge gender stereotypes and biases.
5. Provide training and development. Offer training and development opportunities to help women cultivate the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in leadership roles. Offer leadership programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support their growth and development.
6. Engage men as allies. Build alliances with men to help promote women's leadership. Encourage them to challenge gender stereotypes and biases, and to support women in their pursuit of leadership roles.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day and the contributions of women to society, let us remember the importance of women in leadership. Let’s challenge continued gender biases and stereotypes. Let’s continue to work towards a more inclusive and equal world in which women can achieve their full potential and thrive as leaders.