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KC women leaders reflect how Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspired their personal & professional lives

KC women leaders reflect on Ruth Bader Ginsburg legacy
Posted at 10:44 PM, Sep 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-21 06:13:40-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspired and shaped the lives of so many women personally and professionally.

Thousands of women in Kansas City touched by Ginsburg gathered in private and personal spaces to reflect.

Lauren Thompson never met Ginsburg, but for her, Ginsburg's passing is profound.

She has sought comfort among her friends as she grieves.

"We, as women, need these personal, intimate conversations with each other to heal," Thompson said.

As owner of Thrive Pilates & Movement Studio in the Westside, Thompson respects the way Ginsburg balanced work and family.

"I started my business before I was a mom and I had my son a few years ago, and that--that's a tough experience," Thompson said. "You know, there's a lot of, there's a lot of small businesses for women that don't make it through that."

To get through those times, she leans on another group "InnovateHER KC", a group founded to support and serve women leaders in our community.

Some of their 3,000 members gathered at Loose Park on Sunday.

"What’s next, how do we figure out what our country looks like without Ruth Bader Ginsburg? How do we honor her with action and making sure that we are carrying on the work that she paved the way for us to do?" Lauren Conaway, Founder & CEO of InnovateHER KC, said.

Ginsburg inspired Emily Weber to run for office.

"She fought for equality for everyone. Right now, in our state in our country. We do not have equality for all," said Weber, Democratic candidate for 24th District seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Ginsburg's successor is unclear ahead of the November election.

"And we want to make sure we get toward a more perfect union which is what she wanted and to make sure that everyone is equal under the law," Sarah Shipley, CEO of Shipley Communicationssaid.

For now, so many are recognizing and honoring a pioneer on the nation's highest court.

"I think there's a lot of little backyard meetings happening around this country right now, just so that we can renew our spirit and and I think for most of those women it's going to be partnered with action," Thompson said.