At the Leading Women Defined Summit in California, former Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage to warm applause, setting the tone for an afternoon focused on leadership, resilience, and community. She began by sharing a personal story from her early days in public service—recalling the first time she addressed a skeptical audience and felt her voice tremble with nerves.
In that moment, she admitted, fear almost held her back. But instead of stepping away, she chose to speak up. That experience, she explained, taught her that courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about pushing forward even when doubt is present.
Her message resonated deeply with the audience, a gathering of women leaders from across fields—entrepreneurs, educators, artists, and advocates. Harris spoke directly to them, acknowledging that every leader, at some point, has experienced uncertainty and hesitation before discovering her voice.
Throughout her address, she shared stories of everyday strength: a teacher who transformed her classroom into a place of creativity and growth, a small-business owner who rebuilt after facing serious setbacks, and a community leader who stood firm in the face of challenges. Each story highlighted the power of perseverance and the impact of taking even small, courageous steps.
Continue reading on next page…