Women rock! We work (sometimes multiple jobs), volunteer, sometimes have a hobby, and even parent at the same time. We still make less than our counterparts and if you have a little melanin in your DNA, you make way less than what you’re worth. There’s a lot of us out here smashing goals and barriers and writing it off as our personality when we get an award or pat on the back.

It’s great to be humble but sometimes we find ourselves questioning, “Why me?” We sit on boards and committees where we’re the only person who looks like us and unknowingly question if we deserve these opportunities. I’m here to tell you that you earned that award, raise, opportunity, and or spot on that board. Stay there and hold the door open for someone else that looks like you. You’re confused because you might be suffering from imposter syndrome.

Don’t fret Imposter Syndrome doesn’t require a doctor. It just takes a little change of mindset.

Some of my favorite people like Michelle Obama, Tina Fey, Maya Angelo, and even Serena Williams have suffered from Imposter Syndrome. I learned about it some time ago but really felt it set in as a black woman in politics in a city where we know it’s extremely hard to be a black woman.

There’s no cure per se but we need to talk about it more so we can build each other up. A technique I’ve adopted when I feel a little Imposter Syndrome setting in is I tell myself that I’m pasta and everyone likes pasta. Even if I’m at the table as a young face, black woman, or even a token, at least I’m at the table to make change. Someone noticed my drive and it’s that paired with my passion and expertise that got me this award, opportunity, or seat.

The age of social media is a highlight reel. We need to celebrate our wins but also vocalize our failures so we can learn from each other. Brag about all your accomplishments even our smallest wins. We deserve gold stars for squeezing 25 things in 24 hours and making the impossible possible.