Pearls of Wisdom
from Dr. Johnnetta Cole and Snowden McFall
“If you educate a woman, you educate a generation. The depth of influence a woman holds begins in the womb of her informed mind, carrying into every role she assumes: mother, teacher, caregiver, leader. Women do not only absorb knowledge, they transform it into wisdom, empathy, and communal uplift. Their power emanates from this transformative capacity, melding intellect with nurturing intention to shape societies,” from Dr. Cole’s 1989 speech at Trinity Washington University commencement.
From Dream the Boldest Dreams: And Other Lessons of Life:
“There is an ancestral chord that resonates in every woman’s heart, a song of hope, survival, and possibility. It is a melody handed down quietly across our bloodlines and nurtured in the stories we share. This chord reminds us that being a woman means being both creator and curator: of life, of history, of dreams. Our abilities reach far beyond the tangible, touching realms of spirit, identity, and collective memory.”
In her 1995 address to Williams College: “As women, we are summoned not merely to dream, but to build, to both envision possibilities and craft the means to realize them. Our nature is dual: we are bold dreamers and pragmatic engineers. We conceive of a world rooted in justice, yet we also lay the bricks and mortar of community, policy, and presence. This is our power: to refuse a world that exists and to co-create the world that should be.”
From her speech at the 20th Anniversary of the Jacksonville, Fl Women’s Business Center, Snowden McFall spoke these words: “Eleanor Roosevelt said ‘Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world.‘ There has never been a time when the collective wisdom, emotional intelligence and resilience has been needed more.”
“According to the Wells Fargo 2025 Report, in 2024, women-owned businesses significantly contributed to the US economy. 14.5 million women-owned businesses, representing 39.2% of all U.S. firms, employed 12.9 million people, generating $3.3 trillion in annual revenue.” Women have a huge impact. When we make money, research has shown that we invest large amounts of it back into our children, our communities and our world. Women have tremendous power, economically and otherwise. We just need to remember to use our voices in collaboration and miracles can happen,” from Snowden McFall
“Women have the ability to make a significant difference in the world. With our social and emotional intelligence, ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, willingness to collaborate and find peaceful solutions, women have the innate ability to create effective social change,” Snowden McFall writes in her book, Fired Up! How to Succeed by Making Your Dreams Come True.” I believe each of us has unique, rare and wonderful gifts, and when we own them and share them with others, we bless the world.”
Lessons from Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole and Snowden McFall
They both believe in the incredible power and abilities of women to make a huge impact on the world.
”We are living in a pivotal moment in history, one that calls for hope, commitment and connection. When women share stories from a place of truth and vulnerability, something extraordinary happens: we build community. And from community, real and lasting change begins.” (From the Women Making Change™ website.)
Action Steps You Can Take:
- As a woman yourself, where can you share more of your gifts and talents?
- What education have you always wanted but never pursued? What leader could you approach to mentor you?
- What woman has had a major impact in your life? Write her a letter now to share your gratitude.
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