|
women + business = inspiration
This equation has been part of American history from the beginning.
Bess Evinrude conducted business by mail. Letters and contracts from Bess—the sales manager and co-founder—were signed B. Evinrude so her product, not her gender, would stand out.
Maggie Lena Walker was the daughter of a freed slave whose small laundry business supported her family. As America’s first female bank president, Maggie Walker made creating financial opportunity and security for others her life’s work.
Mrs. Frank Leslie inherited Frank Leslie’s Publishing House just as the creditors keeping the debt-ridden company afloat called in the loans. Good luck at finding new financing and good business judgment allowed the new Frank Leslie to save her company and make it profitable in less than one year.
Their struggles are recognizable. So is their tenacity and courage.
Evinrude, Walker and Leslie are a few of the 28 women profiled in First Ladies of Business: A Journal of Professional Determination. |