By Mary J. Dowell
- 2017 Bookvana Award | Category—“Business: Inspirational/Motivational”
- 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award FINALIST | Category—Careers
- 2017 Midwest Book Awards FINALIST | Category—Career
Author Mary Dowell’s Playing Through the Fence is an essential read, not just for those in the workforce, but for all goal-oriented women fixed on elevating their quality of life — socially, professionally, spiritually, and financially.
The back-cover blurb includes one of those ‘let’s be clear’ statements regarding the symbolism of the words ‘ the fence’ in its title. It is an explicit reference to the inevitable barriers life presents or, as expressed, ‘the crossroads where struggle meets opportunity.’
The back-cover blurb includes one of those ‘let’s be clear’ statements regarding the symbolism of the words ‘ the fence’ in its title. It is an explicit reference to the inevitable barriers life presents or, as expressed, ‘the crossroads where struggle meets opportunity.’
Personal narratives penned by 19 women, including Dowell, offer a glimpse into their career paths. Their stories are amplified with strategies for responding to racism, misogyny, and other ignorant limiting policies and behaviors.
Playing Through the Fence is rich with instructional insights on how to navigate learning curves, doubts, and fears that are fundamental aspects of the struggle. Perseverance, family support, mentors/role models, networking, leadership, and living up to potential are themes explored. A sampling of the nuggets of wisdom and inspiration contained within these 137 pages are.
Playing Through the Fence is rich with instructional insights on how to navigate learning curves, doubts, and fears that are fundamental aspects of the struggle. Perseverance, family support, mentors/role models, networking, leadership, and living up to potential are themes explored. A sampling of the nuggets of wisdom and inspiration contained within these 137 pages are.
- Bernell Hooker, CEO, IOU SPORTS — “My resilience to move forward when the world said no has paid off. As women, we have to create our own opportunities and destiny.”
- Becky Trochinski, Teacher — Despite having Juvenile Muscular Dystrophy and Juvenile Spinal Muscular Atrophy at birth, with her mother’s support, she overcame a variety of obstacles to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees to become a teacher, wife, and mother.“I joined Students For an Accessible Society, which taught me to speak up and not be ashamed of my disability, to stand up for myself, and ask for help.”
- Maria Cadenas — “Everyone needs people who offer support in constructive ways, who are willing to tell you when you are in the wrong, and who can guide you through difficult situations.”
- Each profile ends with nuggets of wisdom related to the themes amplified in the narratives. Finally, a list of questions to inspire the self-evaluation of thoughts and feelings are included.
Black Widow:
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The Inspiring Story of the Women Changing American Politics by CAITLIN MOSCATELLO. Here’s How To Raise Money, From Women Who Did It. Fundraising is one of the most brutal aspects of campaigning. Most of all, it demands that candidates ask for money, an often uncomfortable task for women who are conditioned to avoid talking about finances. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
by Isabel Wilkerson says racism is an insufficient term for the systemic oppression of Black people in America. “It is about power—which groups have it and which do not. Beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system in America that influences people’s lives and behavior and the nation’s fate. She explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations. |