The Importance of Self-Promotion

In today’s world, the need for women to speak up and promote themselves is more important than ever. I find myself reflecting on this often, especially considering my journey and the many stories I've come across as a community leader and advocate for women and children. It’s everywhere—in our personal, professional, and social lives—this underlying expectation that women should be humble, quiet, or deferential. But here’s the thing: if we want to move forward, we need to step out of the shadows and confidently claim the space we deserve.

Self-promotion isn’t something that comes naturally for most women, myself included. We’ve been taught, both directly and subtly, that talking about our accomplishments feels like bragging or even arrogance. While humility is a great quality, it can turn into a double-edged sword. Too much humility, and we risk becoming invisible. And in a world where success often depends on being seen, staying in the background can hold us back from career growth, recognition, and influence.

I think about my own experiences on the road to leadership, especially in spaces typically dominated by men. That little voice inside—sometimes it’s a whisper, sometimes it’s loud—kept asking, "Should I speak up? Do I deserve this attention? Am I really qualified?" But I’ve learned, through a mix of wins and setbacks, that the only way forward is to quiet that voice and step into my power unapologetically.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that self-promotion isn’t selfish. It’s about sharing what makes you unique—your value, your skills, your contributions—and how those things benefit not just you, but the community around you, your workplace, or your family. If we don’t speak up, we leave it up to others to define us, and more often than not, those definitions are limiting. By speaking up about our strengths and accomplishments, we take control of our own stories.

As women in leadership, we need to model this behavior. When women see other women advocating for themselves with confidence, it starts to feel normal. Younger women, in particular, need these examples. Whether I’m working on financial literacy or speaking publicly, I always try to empower other women to own their truth. I want them to feel they have every right to take up space, be proud of their achievements, and advocate for their worth.

One of the toughest lessons for me was learning that you can’t just sit around and wait for others to notice your hard work. Early in my career, I believed that putting in the effort alone would naturally lead to promotions, opportunities, and recognition. But over time, I realized that while hard work is important, it’s not enough on its own. You need to make sure the right people see what you’re doing. That means speaking up in meetings, stepping into leadership roles, and being proactive about sharing your successes with your peers and mentors. Hoping someone will notice isn’t a reliable strategy—because, often, they won’t unless you make it clear.

There’s also a balance to be found between promoting yourself and lifting others up. It’s not about climbing the ladder alone; it’s about bringing others along with you. Women can be each other’s strongest allies, especially in spaces where it can feel lonely. I’ve seen firsthand how women can open doors for each other simply by recognizing someone’s work, giving a recommendation, or amplifying a voice that might otherwise go unheard. One woman’s success doesn’t take away from another’s. In fact, it strengthens the whole fabric of female leadership.

That said, I understand the discomfort many women feel around self-promotion. We’re often raised to value teamwork and collaboration over individual success. While that’s a strength, it can hold us back if we don’t find ways to highlight our contributions to those teams. It’s not about diminishing collaboration—it’s about ensuring that your individual impact is recognized alongside it. Being a team player doesn’t mean you can’t also be a leader.

One trick I’ve found helpful is to think of self-promotion as sharing knowledge or expertise. This removes some of the discomfort that can come with feeling like you’re boasting. Instead of saying, “Look at what I did,” you can frame it as “Here’s how I can help” or “This is what I learned from this experience.” It’s a subtle shift, but it makes a world of difference.

As I continue to grow and reflect on my own path, I’m constantly reminded of how important it is to speak up. Whether I’m advocating for policy changes, running for the school board, or making sure women are represented in leadership programs like the one I recently joined, self-promotion is a tool I can’t afford to ignore.

The bottom line is this: Women need to advocate for themselves to move forward, but that advocacy doesn’t have to feel awkward or unnatural. It’s about finding your voice, sharing your story, and standing firm in the belief that what you bring to the table matters. The world needs more women in leadership, and to get there, we have to be willing to say, “Here I am, and this is what I bring to the table.”