DefyingGravity.life
will help you
answer that question.

Co-Founder, COO

As I got ready for college there was no hesitation as to what curriculum path I would follow as there were, maybe, three or four main options that seemed available to women. Although I thought being a teacher was what I wanted, in retrospect, I realize that teaching was one of a very few careers I saw modeled by women. No high school counselor had other suggestions and my family was pleased with my choice. I was very disappointed when I realized this occupation was not right for me.

I graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Special Education. I taught elementary school for a few years but then moved on to my 38 year career, of selling textbooks and software to schools. I became active in professional organizations and had a rewarding career. I discovered strengths that no one would have guessed I had, least of all me. The sales profession is tough, requires real discipline and tenacity and a thick skin, I was the thinnest-skinned person I knew.

In 1970, sales was a man’s profession, it was just that simple. I will never forget attending a critical function in an all-male club that didn’t want to let me set up my exhibit. At times, I was my own worst enemy, trying to please and not standing up for myself. For example, I eagerly filled in for the secretary when she took her two-week vacation at winter break since schools were closed. I reasoned that I was available to take on her tasks of answering phone calls and typing letters. It wasn’t until a male manager saw how unfair this was and insisted that every sales representative (all men) take a turn working as a secretary during her absence. It was a learning experience for all of us, but today it would be unfathomable to let that happen. When I was pregnant, one of my male competitors told our customers that he understood, that I would be returning to my job after the baby was born. This was supposed to create the negative image of a working woman leaving her child behind to be cared for by a stranger—who would want to do business with such a monster? Well, it turned out that most of my customers were female, fighting a like battle—I had one of my best years ever.

I became active in professional organizations and I worked with other women entering the company to provide a more comfortable environment for all of us. We shot down stereotypes, the most egregious being that women couldn’t sell, take rejection and negotiate. We showed them we could do it all.

As I began contemplating retirement, I realized that there were so many roads I could take. I spent time talking with my dear friend Iris, a friend since childhood. We discussed all the opportunities ahead of us. I was excited to embrace this new freedom, but scared and anxious about the journey. After talking to many women in my situation, I realized I wasn’t alone in my feelings and discomfort. Iris had also found that there were many women who were excited but struggling with their thoughts about retirement. Through our conversations, we decided to create a virtual community to address these needs.

My husband Bob and I raised a son and daughter in Glenview, Illinois. Our two adult children are now exploring what life has to offer in New York and Illinois. I really enjoy spending time with family and friends, I am always energized being around smart women. Reading, yoga, baking and traveling, always make me happy. I really look forward to my new challenge working on DefyingGravity.Life. My hope is that it provides a meaningful vehicle for women who are looking for their life to be a continuing adventure.