Women’s History Month: Spotlight on Shirley Chisholm – Unbought and Unbossed

Born: November 30, 1924
Died: January 1, 2005

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” — Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was a political trailblazer, becoming the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. Fearless and unafraid, she fought for education, labor rights, and racial and gender equality—always refusing to be silenced or sidelined.

Why She Inspires Us Today
Shirley Chisholm challenges us to demand our place in the rooms where decisions are made. She teaches us that we don’t need permission to lead—we simply need the will to do so.

Whether your calling is to fill a seat in the House or Senate or Oval Office, or to fill a seat behind your laptop, or inumerable other choices, Shirley Chisholm’s message to all women is to take your life in the direction YOU want to go. Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to live life on your terms.