On Friday, I was honored to attend a private book author luncheon featuring Condoleezza Rice and her new book Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family.
Condoleezza (yeah were old friends now, so I call her by her first name) told stories of her upbringing. She was warm and charming, the kind of person you’d like to invite over to your house and have coffee with.
This year I have seen two other authors, Meg Whitman and Dara Torres. Both were inspiring in their own ways. Meg is a powerhouse business woman, Dara a powerhouse athlete. Both were alpha females and you knew it. Condoleezza was different, you could tell how she got the nick name the “Warrior Princess.”
By the way she spoke you knew she was was smart. She was articulate but didn’t leave anyone in the crowd going huh? I’ve got to look that word up in the dictionary.
From what she said you knew she could debate as well, okay, better than any other man or woman in the room. But she wasn’t forceful. She listed to the questions and answered with great ease.
She spoke of her parent in the highest regard. She spoke about her families evangelism for eduction. She spoke about her mother and father as involved parents. I loved her story about how her family would watch the Mickey Mouse Club every night together with they Mikey ears on and sing the opening song.
She was unapologetic when she spoke about how she became a professor (Ph.D at 26 people!!) though affirmative action. And for what its worth, I agree with her view on it. (my view, in 50 words or less: affirmative action has a place. It is a channel for diversification but not a guarantee for a positive outcome. Quotas are unnecessary and often damage the process. Broadening the search for diversification is good, broadening the search for a number is bad. In other words, it will get you though the door, but won’t keep you in the room).
She seemed kind yet you could tell she wasn’t a push over. She was funny, but not a comedian. She demonstrated her will in a subtle way with grace and manners.
I was really inspired by Condoleezza as she seemed to be an extraordinary ordinary woman.
Worn to Condoleezza Rice Book Luncheon
Suit- Margaret M
Top- Theory
Leggings- Leggs
Shoes- Alejandro Ingelmo
Bag- Lambertson Truex
Necklace- ?
Wow, loveth that magenta top with the power suit! You look smashing!
Delane this look is fabulous.
I am sure you turned heads when you walked in…..