Blog

This year has been filled with so many remarkable moments, which makes it difficult not to acknowledge their impact on our lives when they happen. As a result, I thought it would be a good idea to use this month’s column to appreciate the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In expressing my appreciation, it is not my intention to even attempt to capture the countless contributions she made to enhance the lives of women and marginalized groups in this country. Instead, I took some moments to reflect and honor the fact that many of the opportunities that recent generations have been afforded are largely a result of the relentless efforts of one of the most notable supreme court justices.

Having the Courage to Stick to Your Position

As I navigated through law school, I remember learning more and more about Ruth Bader Ginsburg through her dissents. I recall thinking about how much courage it must take to opine against the majority on landmark cases that impact the future for so many people. As I reflect now, I am empowered by the thought. As we all experience constant change and unfamiliar territory, it is more important than ever that we have the confidence and willingness to iterate our belief systems even when those ideas may not be popular. By taking that approach, we can help move the needle forward on issues and circumstances that could use a fresh perspective. I take the notoriety of RBG’s tendency to dissent as a reminder that it is sometimes necessary to go against the grain to both stay true to yourself and to support unpopular perspectives that deserve recognition. 

Shattering Glass Ceilings

When you experience something on a regular basis, it can sometimes be difficult to realize all the events that had to happen in order for you to get where you are. I think taking the time to learn more about those events and reflecting on their impact can help us get through the difficult days and be more apt to figure out ways to chip at the glass ceiling so that it no longer exists and is a complete afterthought. With a role at the intersection of law and technology, I am often reminded of the privilege I have to work in this nontraditional space. As I continue to traverse the paths of my career journey, I will continue to honor the work of RBG and make it my mission to do my part in creating opportunities and pathways for the women after me – both in my profession, my industry, and beyond. 

It is my hope that the legal profession and the tech field continue to make strides in the same direction.