When Jessica Williams, co-facilitator at WiSTEM, woke up on November 9 she had to blink her eyes a few times because she thought, in her words, she was still dreaming.
"I woke up...ready to celebrate the first black president passing the torch to the first female president of the US and that is not what I saw," she said. "I’m in shock and numb because I don’t believe that he has our best interests at heart. As a woman and a person of color that fully supports the right for all of us to have equality, love who we want and make decisions that support our bodies and our lives, I'm afraid for our future. I think that we all need time to grieve and be angry and feel how we need to feel."
But each one of us has the capacity to make change for ourselves, our families and communities
"But each one of us has the capacity to make change for ourselves, our families and communities," she added. "It is within our power to do so and as long as we remember that, we can effect change and inspire others to do the same. It is not the time to give up and hide under the covers no matter how much we want to. It’s time to fight."
This election has been simultaneously inspiring and deeply challenging for women. Some of the most memorable moments--Donald Trump's Access Hollywood comments, his Tweets on former Miss Universe contestants, the infamous "nasty woman" debate--have fueled conversation around how women are viewed and treated in the US in their personal lives and workplace.
That isn't to say that Hillary Clinton was a candidate that appealed to all women: Women supported Clinton over Trump, but not by overwhelming numbers--54 percent to 42 percent--and Trump won white women 53 percent to Clinton's 43 percent.
But for women in leadership roles at tech companies and startups, it resonated that Clinton was going up against "the highest, hardest glass ceiling," as she said, in a time when women hold just 22.5 percent of leadership roles at top tech companies and receive just 10 percent of venture capital funding.
Chicago Inno reached out to several women founders, tech executives, and organization leaders to hear their reactions after the election. While many expressed frustration and fear, women also expressed resolve to push forward, and the importance of entrepreneurship and tech as a means to equality. Here's what they had to say.
Amanda Signorelli, CEO of Techweek
“Tuesday morning I went to the polling stations and voted in a pantsuit. I have never been so excited to cast my vote for an overwhelmingly qualified candidate and inspiring leader. While the results are different from what I hoped I am very thankful that in the wake of this election more women than ever before have been encouraged and challenged to break the glass ceiling. Seeing the real possibility of a female president has forever changed the way young girls will imagine their own potential. Moving forward under a Trump presidency it will be vital for every female leader to rise above the sexist rhetoric and to take an active role in championing female leadership.”
Terri Brax, cofounder of Women Tech Founders
“I'm a person who rarely cries, but found my eyes welling up this morning as I watched an image of Trump's face on the Empire State building. It took my breath away. And, it made me realize that all the fears I've had as a minority and woman, as a daughter to an immigrant, and as a friend to members of every other community Trump mocked and threatened--were legitimate. Surreal.
Having Donald Trump for president means we have collectively (traumatically) failed. As entrepreneurs, when we fail, we use the failure as a lesson. We learn from it. We re-energize our teams. Then, we rebuild a more powerful platform.
The importance of helping women leverage their power through technology in business has never been more critical. It is the key to making their voices heard.”
Allyson Scrutchens, founder at FORWARD Planning
"November 9, 2016 was a sad day for America and it was evident starting early that morning with social media, all the way down to the late night protests that took place across our country. Hopefully it was a reality check as to how important the role politics plays in our day to day life, and push us to get more involved in the beginning and not just on Election Day. Now all we can do is understand that what's done is done and we can only move forward. Let's also realize that this is our opportunity to organize and refuse to allow the discriminative antics of people like Donald Trump and his supporters be accepted and/or adopted. As women entrepreneurs under the Trump presidency, all we can do is build and grow our businesses so we can have a larger influence in 2020, as well as in our local elections. The time is now to stop complaining and be the change we want to see in this world. The glass ceiling is real and this election just proved it. It's time to organize and strategically plan to break it."
Genevieve Thiers, founder of Sitter City
“I had really hoped that America was ready to let a woman lead. Now, seeing the extraordinary lengths that we have gone to as a country to prevent that, I am really not sure if this is an America I can understand or live in anymore. My entire [Wednesday] morning has been consumed in conversations about whether to flee the country (in all seriousness) or try to stand and fight.
The fact that women did not get behind other women in this election breaks my heart.
I have fought for women and moms my whole life. I’ve tried to solve major issues we face as women and as moms head-on. I founded Sittercity.com (which also runs hellochime.com,) I am on the board at 1871, I mentor tons of women and I have directly invested in 10 women-run tech companies, including Brideside, Itsbyu, Pixavo, KnowledgeHound, Zipfit, BallotReady and more. I have done all this because I have directly faced issues being a woman leader in tech and because I realized that the only way to stop it was to band together.
The fact that women did not get behind other women in this election breaks my heart. We’ve taken a huge step backwards. I am stunned--beyond words. This is the first time I have considered entering politics, because the alternative--which is here--is literally unthinkable.”
Michael Donnelly, CEO of Brandless Group
"This election was fascinatingly complicated. At Brandless, it’s safe to say we come from a house divided. I voted for Hillary due to her lifelong advocacy for women and families, her years of political service, and the class she showed throughout the debates. My business partner, Ric is not the stereotypical Trump supporter. He’s a white Hispanic, a feminist, his best friend is black and he actively supports gay pride parades here in Chicago and San Francisco. But he’s a proud supporter of Trump for the effects on our political state, the supreme court decisions ahead, and his business acumen. As you can imagine, we have some very colorful conversations around the office.
I can’t speak for everyone, but there’s so much happening--right here on a local level in Chicago’s entrepreneur community--we can’t shift the blame to Trump. He doesn’t affect what goes on with female entrepreneurs from a day to day basis. I’ve experienced the let downs, the frustrations and mistreatment long before Trump.
What I think that continues to work so well in Chicago’s entrepreneurial community is that we remain focused. Looking to shift any blame to Trump is a distraction. We all need to agree that everyone deserves a chance and opportunities. If you really take a close look you’ll see there’s a shift away from any sort of narrow-mindedness to moving forward and encouraging diversity in the workplace. It’s inspiring to see the positive and supportive culture that's formed around us. It’s why we were able to pull together the recent VentureFWD (For Women & Diversity) Summit.
What happened in this election was summed up beautifully in a post on Facebook by a friend of mine who recently spoke at VentureFWD, Rebecca Lima, "In Tech, we have a word for what happened yesterday... Disruption. The people ‘and political system’ have spoken. This is the result. Be whatever you need to be today ‘and this week’ but just like everything else in life we push forward and move on. Be kind, respectful, gracious and loving to one another. Everyone has the right to their opinion, this is what makes this country beautiful."
Elizabeth Salcedo, founder of Everpurse
“Trump's win is a wake-up call to all of us, from protectionist policies that would make entrepreneurialism more difficult to sexist rhetoric which foments hate. Each of us needs to actively fight for the change we want to see. As an entrepreneur, I have the amazing opportunity to build a company that champions equality and diversity and offers a platform for empowering women. I think this is one of the greatest tools we have for fighting hate and fear.”
Cayla Weisberg, partner at InvestHER Ventures
"The first qualified and capable female presidential candidate, one who ran faster, jumped higher, and endured longer, fought to win the election and lost. She lost... the election. We lost the election. But did we lose the fight? No. Because it's not over yet. Nowhere close, unfortunately. The result of this election has however, enabled all American citizens to be mindful. We are entitled to our own thoughts, feelings and words. But those things can be hurtful, narcissistic and inclusive. Today, Donald Trump is our President. We can crumble and ignore the truth, or we can live our lives with intent, and rally our communities to be fully present during this crucial time. Our responsibility as human beings in a time of shock needs to be this if we do anything at all: stop when we get rattled, show kindness, resiliently champion equality, expand to include, remain hopeful, and when self-worth is compromised, speak up. We all see the extraordinary possibilities, and together we will get there. We can't afford not to."
Lisa Davidson, executive managing director at Savills Studley
“I am saddened by the results. The reasons people vote for a particular candidate are complicated but it is a shame that a woman with unprecedented qualifications could not get elected against a man like Donald Trump. However, her nomination was a step forward and I do think her candidacy will bring more attention and conversation to the “glass ceiling” that still exists.”
Looking to shift any blame to Trump is a distraction.
Gule Sheikh, COO at eazyScripts
“The election result was shocking for me. Regardless of the side you are on, I felt the 'better suited' candidate should be elected and in this case Hillary showed experience, knowledge and political stamina. I didn't want to believe this election process could have been different had a male candidate been in her place, but can't help feel the sting when clearly an experienced policy maker with strong relationships in government was passed over for a candidate who is inexperienced and vocally disrespectful towards women and minorities. This is a crucial time for women to come together, stand tall and get involved in politics, technology and human rights.”
Shradha Agarwal, cofounder of ContextMedia
"Wondering what to tell your kids in the morning about the state of the nation they live in? We elected the first Indian-Jamaican Senator in California. We also elected in a close race the first Latina Senator in Nevada. A Somali refugee is now a MN lawmaker. All three are also women. If this isn't progress, what is? Any other country in the world where this is possible?
Change is a process. I sincerely hope everyone remains engaged throughout the next four years, not just give up today and regret again in 2020.
This isn't about Trump. This is about the 60 million+ people who are afraid of the future. And we can only step into the future if we bring everyone with us together. We had naively assumed the people left behind are a minority view; not so. 60 million is the size of Italy and larger than 180 other countries.
Kill with kindness. The way of change management is not to further marginalize those not on-board but rather doubling down to prove their fears unfounded by showing them otherwise. We have to upskill for new jobs, create programs for economic gain, and deliver tangible value to them.
Education wins. On two levels - helping people learn to think for themselves. Opinions are not facts; perspectives are not truths. And for people to understand civics and economics. If you're disappointed or frustrated right now, channel that to creating educational opportunities for all. It matters. For generations. To create real and lasting progress."
Katy Lynch, founder of SocialKaty
"I am optimistic about the future, however this is not the outcome I had hoped for. Hillary Clinton was far more, in my opinion, fit for the role of Presidency, given her background, qualifications, and experience.
I am worried about how our country is perceived internationally. I am worried about the Muslim, refugee, black and LGBT communities. And, I am also deeply concerned about the millions of women affected by the outcome of this campaign - mentally and emotionally.
We cannot just sit back and be outraged by the outcome of this election. We have to be proactive.
There is one thing I do want to hit home to every female entrepreneur out there. And that is we cannot just sit back and be outraged by the outcome of this election. We have to be proactive. We need to continue to work hard, support and help each other, and most importantly, stand up for what is right and what is fair.
The truth is, change doesn't happen on its own. It happens when, collectively, we put our brilliant minds to work to find better solutions that we are super proud of, and that will impact future generations."
Nicole Yeary, founder of Ms. Tech
"Force = mass x acceleration. The greater the force applied, the greater the speed and distance traveled. Keeping an eye on the work ahead, I'm focused-- and the future is bright AF."
Note: Story updated to reflect correct spelling of Michael Donnelly's name, and with additional quotes.
