Today’s young women enjoy greater opportunity to be involved in politics, yet they still struggle to find their proper place. In this pursuit, they must look to the past to learn how to become effective political leaders, both in the public spotlight and behind the scenes.
Thus enter the legacies and careers of Nancy Reagan and Sheila Tate.
At the Network of Enlightened Women’s Young Women’s Leadership Retreat this July, attendees had the exclusive opportunity to meet Sheila Tate, former press secretary to Nancy Reagan and author of the new book, Lady in Red: An Intimate Memoir.
Arriving with her four best friends (lovingly nicknamed the “Fab Five”), Tate warmly greeted the room full of eager young conservative women, taking time to pose for pictures and sign their complimentary copies of Lady in Red.
Tate began her discussion by talking about what inspired her to write the book. Following the memorial service for Nancy Reagan, Tate and other former colleagues reminisced about working for the Reagan administration. One remarked to Tate that they wished there was a way for people today to meet the real Nancy. Not the one on camera or in the media; the one they all knew personally. Tate saw the need and met it, deciding to write a memoir about her experiences with Reagan.
Tate shared some of her favorite stories of the former first lady with the audience of inspired young women. Some were funny, others reflective, but one thing became evident to the women in the room: Nancy Reagan was a woman of great poise and dedication.
The role of the first lady is unique in that she becomes a powerful leader with no money to accomplish her goals. It’s an office that is unelected and, sometimes, not desired by the women who come to assume the role. Perhaps one of the greatest stresses of being first lady is supporting the man who holds the weight of the world on his shoulders; but, behind every great man is a great woman. Unquestionably, President Ronald Reagan was a great man and president. He was lucky to have an equally great woman supporting him.
Tate described the evolution of Nancy Reagan. Reagan struggled with connecting with the new office she found herself in until she found a cause that drove her to use her position to make a difference: drug abuse among America’s youth. While some women desire the public political career, others do not, yet may find themselves in the spotlight. It’s what one chooses to do with the spotlight that matters.
Every powerful woman also needs a network of fellow strong women to support her. Reagan found that in her press secretary. While Sheila Tate was not in the spotlight, she served a vital purpose in supporting Reagan and advising her. Tate was forced to think on her feet to resolve issues before the media got ahold of them to protect Reagan and the Office of the first lady. She shared that her experience working for Reagan taught her to be always thinking ahead and built her confidence as a woman in the workforce.
From Tate’s presentation, there are lessons for women who want the spotlight and those who want to remain behind the scenes.
For those who desire the political spotlight: Determine why you want it and how you can use it to make a difference. Lead a purpose-driven career and seek ways to achieve your goal, whether that is to impact the culture for a policy change or to be an example for others. Furthermore, always be aware of how you are perceived by the public and work to craft a true-to-self representation in the media. Be a Nancy Reagan.
For those who desire to remain behind the scenes: Work hard and get great workplace experience to assist those around you. Learn to think on your feet, resolve problems gracefully, and have confidence in yourself. Remember that your work is just as valuable as those in the spotlight; work to create the change you desire and achieve your goals. And, no matter what, surround yourself with strong personal friends and work allies on both sides of the political aisle. Be a Sheila Tate.
Young women across the country can learn vital lessons from the lives of these two great women. Just imagine how much better the world would be if there were more Nancy Reagans and Sheila Tates.
Jaimie Erker is a recent graduate from Colorado Christian University with degrees in Political Science and History. This summer she interned with the Network of enlightened Women.
