April has been a fantastic month. I was recently matched with a little from Big Brother Big Sister who is amazing, and I’ve been enjoying springtime on the Riverfront by running and exercising more. I’ve also been been reading quite a bit lately. I’d been neglecting to read, but it’s always been one of my favorite pastimes and hobbies. I’ve been reading mostly non fiction, and recently finished a particularly good book that was suggested to me by both a colleague and one of my fellow fellows: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg. In the book Sheryl urges women to “Lean In” and take a stand in both their professional and personal lives. She contends that few women hold the position of CEO and other executive positions because of an ambition gap. As women she asserts that we don’t actively seek out opportunities because society has ingrained the belief that we cannot achieve. As a result, we have internalized these thoughts. Some believe that this book is just another “feminist manifesto” and others contend that as a privileged women (Sheryl is the COO of Facebook and is a billionaire due to her holdings in the company) her book doesn’t apply to women who don’t share her economic standing.

This book was a game changer for me personally. I believe that despite your position in life, any and every woman can take away something from this book. It made me reflect on so much-my life, my career and the decisions that I make day to day as a woman. Am I holding myself back because I cannot achieve, or because I THINK I cannot achieve? This book also made me think about my role in Detroit as well. As Detroit rebuilds women will be vital in its transformation and I want to make sure that I “Lean In,” sit at the table and make a stand. My question now is to all the women: How can you ‘lean in’? And for those who live in and around Detroit: What is your role in Detroit’s transformation and its continued legacy? How can you ‘lean in’ and make decisions for this city? LEAN IN.