I got a free iPhone today, just for asking. Really. My son’s iPhone actually, which had been glitching out (his words!). After two rounds of tech support and part replacements at the Apple store, I finally just called Apple today and politely but firmly explained why we needed a free replacement phone. Moments later, I …

Mothers’ Leadership: Confidence, Conflict Resolution, and Coffee at 3AM

Mothers are the number one influencers of girls’ leadership ambitions. At GLI, we’re celebrating Mother’s Day and honoring mothers by sharing their stories of personal and professional leadership. In this piece, mother Stacy Peña shares her thoughts on confidence, conflict resolution, and what being the face of leadership means to her.

No one likes conflict. Not the young, not the old. Women in particular learn at a young age to please, and to make nice with those who disagree with us. When the naysayers argue loudly, we learn that if we don’t want to give in, then we had better sidestep them quietly. We’d better stay …

What a difference a year makes. This time last year, I was preparing to send my firstborn to the opposite coast of the U.S.—away from home longer than she’d ever been, without a family member within hundreds of miles. In the days leading up to her departure I kept asking myself…would she be warm enough? …

Run, don’t walk, to see The Blind Side. Quick, before it leaves the theaters! I recommend this movie not because it’s an inspiring story about a young inner-city black man who makes a life for himself through determination and hard work, although it’s that. And not because it’s a heartwarming story about the kindness of a …

Today I turn 43. I have the pleasure of celebrating my birthday in Mexico with some of my closest friends. We’re actually gathered here for a birthday that’s not my own, but my friend’s. She’s turning 40. There are 12 women here in Cabo San Lucas, between the ages of 35 and 47. Fun, delightful …

I’m a problem-solver. A can-do kind of person. I take the bull by the horns and make things happen. None of which helps me when it comes to my daughter and her friendship challenges. Once we have babies we transform into People Who Get Stuff Done, regardless of who we were before. There is no such …