As part of our *ongoing* celebration of Women’s History Month, we are delighted to bring you this special edition of the Create33 author series. For women and allies interested in “navigating life with confidence, solidarity and compassion,” and “igniting change, taking control, and succeeding,” this is one conversation you can’t miss! Two incredible local authors and leaders engage and inspire us through the power of story. Mikaela Kiner, in her book Female Firebrands, highlights 13 amazing women and the challenges they have faced and overcome. Rebekah Bastian, in her novel Blaze Your Own Trail, takes us on a path of discovery in a “choose your own journey” format, illuminating there is no *one* right path for anyone, personally or professionally.

This event will take place digitally using the following conference line (updated):

https://zoom.us/j/8977719196?pwd=ZjM3WVFXSzJhTGFpdGhKQUljamJ2UT09

Agenda

4:00 pm Introductions

4:05 pm Book readings

4:15 pm Moderated questions

4:45 pm Audience Q&A

5:00 pm Event close

Questions? Reach out to Jaren Schwartz, Director, Create33 at jaren@create33.co.

About Blaze Your Own Trail by Rebekah Bastian

A modern, feminist take on the classic choose-your-own-journey book, inspiring readers to embrace the fact that there is no singular right path - just your own!

So many women enter their adult lives believing that they should know where they are going and how to get there. This can make life decisions feel intimidating and overwhelming. While some choices that lie ahead are fairly predictable, such as those surrounding career, partnership, and motherhood, the effects of these choices can lead to more complicated and unexpected turns that are seldom discussed.

Rather than suggesting a rule book, Rebekah Bastian, vice president at Zillow and recognized thought leader, inspires you to Blaze Your Own Trail. "I have the benefit of being a living example of crooked paths, magnificent screw-ups, and shocking successes," she writes. Through storylines and supportive data that explore workplace sexism, career changes, marriage, raising children, existential crises, and everything in between, you will learn to embrace and feel less alone in your own nonlinear journey. Even better, you have a unique advantage while living in the pages of this book: you can turn back decisions and try other routes. There are nineteen possible outcomes many routes to get there. You will find that you have the strength to make it through any of them!

About Female Firebrands by Mikaela Kiner

Saying NO to the Workplace Status Quo: 13 Women Who Are Rewriting the Rules

Women of all generations will nod in recognition at the stories of thirteen professional women from diverse backgrounds and industries as they recount the career challenges they've faced and how they have overcome bias, sexism, and the power imbalance. If you've ever wondered what a true firebrand is, you'll find out in Mikaela Kiner's powerful first book.

Full of practical examples and valuable insights and techniques, Female Firebrands is an honest, modern, and solutions-oriented guide for dealing with situations working women know all too well: sexual harassment, not being taken seriously, and being talked over, passed over, underpaid, and under-appreciated.

Just like millions of other women who are trying to navigate the workplace every day, the firebrands are whole people, dealing with work, family, balance, confidence, and the need to stay motivated and strong. These role models stand out from the crowd with their inspirational stories, not just because they've been successful in their careers, but also because they're mission driven, doing good in the world, and making a difference for all women.

Mid-career professional women will read this book and know they're not alone--and women earlier in their careers can save years of heartache and frustration by learning what's worked for women who came before them.

Female Firebrands provides the wisdom and advice that will help you--

-Develop tools and techniques to stand and speak up on behalf of yourself and others when it's both difficult and necessary

-Get better at recognizing ''little indignities'' you don't have to tolerate

-Understand what it means to be an informed, empowered advocate for women

-Increase awareness of your own blind spots and biases so you can learn from them

-Recognize the role of privilege at work and how it can be used for positive change

5% of the profits from the sale of Female Firebrands will be donated to BEST--Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking

Questions? Reach out to Jaren Schwartz, Director, Create33 at: jaren@create33.co