Women Leaders at the Grassroots

This book reveals how women at the grassroots become leaders in their own lives, how they “hold up half the sky,” and create foundations for their communities, organizations, and families day-to-day that allow life to flourish peacefully.

Here are two reviews:
This is all at once a paean to everyday women, a how-to self-help book, a herstory of leadership, an homage to those who broke ground before us and continue to do ‘women’s work.’ Joan Goldsmith inspires with narratives about people you know, people like you, and delights with her Forrest Gump-like encounters throughout her own historically significant life. A joy and inspiration to read. You might run out and start your own non-profit! Jen Cook-Ortiz, former NYC Public High School English Teacher

This book captures a pivotal moment in our history to deepen our understanding of women’s courageous leadership capacities and contributions to peaceful engagement in our world progress. The eminent leadership scholar, Joan Goldsmith, enlightens our views of life and career design with her powerful and insightful stories and strategies that guide us to richer and meaningful life paths. Mariko Gakiya,
Assistant Professor, Tokyo University

Over time, life offers women (and men) of good will ample opportunities to lead. But all too often, our lack of role models and personal introspection causes us to step back instead of stepping up. This book solves that problem. Through powerful stories and insightful exercises, Joan sends readers along the path to confident, genuine leadership across a variety of difficult situations. I know this on a very personal level because, as I’m writing this, my father, Merlin R. Kennedy, a lifelong civil rights activist, is entering the final stage of hospice care. Gratefully, I now feel prepared to lead my family and myself through the uncertainty that lies ahead. Thanks, Joan. L. Therese White, Employment Mediator & Workplace Conflict Consultant