To The Women in My Life

To the women in my life, my friends, my family, my mentors, my greatest supporters, my sisters --

Thank you. I am the product of a community of strong Black women coming together to mold and educate more strong Black women. I am the result of a community of women, of all races and backgrounds, who support and uplift one another. Today, I say 'Thank you'.

Because of you I am brave and I am strong. I know who I am and I know who I'm not. I can take chances and be whatever I want to be because I stand on the shoulders of giants and I stand amongst legends in the making.

Today may be International Women's Day, but I am thankful every day for you. Let's continue to be each other's iron so that we may sharpen one another. #IronSharpensIron

To my mother, Venus Antoinette Thompson, I hope that I have grown into someone who makes you proud. As I've grown older, I've learned so much more about you and I am in awe. I can only hope to be half the woman you are. I'm honored to see so much of you in me. Your work ethic, your perseverance, your ingenuity, your entrepreneurial spirit; I see them all reflected in me. I am who I am because of you. I hope you're proud to see yourself in me too.