As we are in the midst of the call for nominations for the 3rd Annual List of 40 Women to Watch Over 40 we took time to check in with some current honorees to find out what #40over40 meant to them. Today’s post is with is with Ruth Ann Harnisch, President of The Harnisch Foundation; Co-founder of SupporTED and former Emmy-nominated “recovering journalist”. Read and get inspired to nominate a woman who making in impact — disrupting, innovation and forging new paths for women of all ages.
What did it mean to you to receive this honor? When I was named to the FortyOver40 list, it underscored my decision to step out more boldly with my philanthropic and social change work at the Harnisch Foundation. I’d like to think I fulfilled your hopes for me, as theHF just launched a new website and a new mission to focus on advancing women and girls. (http://thehf.org)
What role models / mentors helped you reach this point? In the past year, my professional involvement has been inspired and guided by a woman less than half my age. Lindsey Taylor Wood, a strategic consultant, led the Harnisch Foundation’s organizational restructuring. Along with the FortyOver40 honor, she forcefully underscored the notion that a woman old enough to choose her Medicare Part B plan can continue to achieve new professional heights.
How can more women become involved in disrupting? Our ability to be disruptive is enhanced by knowing other disruptors, and that’s where FortyOver40 makes a contribution. When we know about others, we can form alliances and support each other. We can reach out to recruit, encourage, and affirm the next disruptors. There is strength in numbers and we must continue to build our collective momentum through networking and concerted action.