Today, for the Women’s History Month, we are celebrating this fabulous woman
Meet Lynn Bromley, a mother, an author, a consultant, a speaker and sister.
Lynn Bromley was born in rural Vermont in the tiny unincorporated village of Bakersfield, and though her roots are deep there, and a big piece of her heart remains, it is Maine that has been her chosen home for the past four decades. She raised her children here, built a career here and can’t imagine living anywhere else – even in the midst of winter.
On her education, Lynn said,
“I recall overhearing a kitchen table discussion between my parents in my late high school years. They had a bill paying ritual that involved a box with envelopes and bills and each month they would sit with it between them and decide what to pay and what could wait. On this particular day I heard my mother say ‘I don’t see how we can afford to send Lynn to college.’ to which my father replied ‘We can’t, but we will.’ So my choice was limited to state colleges with the most affordable tuition. We lived in Massachusetts at the time, so I chose the one the farthest from home – Bridgewater State College. Money was very tight, and I was too proud to ask for help, so I took a semester off to work full time in my senior year – returning the next year to finish. Much later in life I got a Masters Degree in Social Policy from Boston College, as well as a certification in Innovation Engineering from Eureka Ranch, and one in Fintech and Future Commerce from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.”
Lynn is an author, a consultant and a speaker.
"After a brief moment teaching high school English, I fled the profession for the private sector where I worked until my first child was born. Then graduate school which led me to my work as a family therapist, a social activist and then to my career in public service – first as a Senator in the Maine State Senate, and later in the Obama Administration as the Small Business Advocate for New England. It was in the Maine Senate where I discovered my keen interest in innovation, the small business economy and my esteem for small business owners and innovators that is at the center of my consulting practice today. With the recent publishing of my book, I am excited to begin an additional focus to my work - speaking, facilitating and writing about gender justice." Says Lynn.
Life challenges – and how you overcame them?
"Ahhh…life challenges are many for all of us – mine revolved around persistent low income growing up, lots of alcoholism in my family, my years of infertility, and my ever present and on-going discomfort with injustice in all its forms but particularly gender. As for overcoming – it was and remains some combination of persevering and finding creative ways to push against and rebel. As for injustice specifically – I spoke up and out as an activist, an advocate and an elected official. And more recently I have learned the comfort and utility of a sisterhood – so useful in overcoming and managing life's challenges."
Life achievements?
"Finding a key to joy and delight in the midst of tenacious inequity and all that is dark and dispiriting in the world.
A body of work, personally and professionally, that reflects my values and beliefs.
My recently released book ON THE PATH TO JUSTICE – The Dangerous Myth of Empowerment for Women. It is an homage to the women of my line and all the women who came before us. It notes challenges and progress and suggests a path from here – an intentional sisterhood."
Passions?
"Meaningful relationships with humans - family and friends first. Writing, travel, the next new thing, and gender justice"
What do you value most in life?
"Empathy and connection"
Advice for other women?
"Make consistent time and room for your sisters"
A favorite quote of Lynn's:
When asked what she would most like to say to young people the first black woman US Supreme Court nominee, Ketanji Brown-Jackson said
"Persevere, I would tell them to persevere". Lynn added, “Persevere, but with boundless empathy for yourself and your sisters”.
*****
Thank you, Lynn, for sharing your journey with us all! Very Inspiring!
#whm #womenshistorymonth #womansupportingwomen #mainephotographer
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