2016 Honoree

Marcy Whitman

VP Marketing Development, Palm Bay International

“I believe the key to effective government is respectful dialogue and a willingness to listen to one another. Ideologues who refuse to compromise on issues don’t understand how democracy works. The Citizens United Supreme Court decision has absolutely undermined our political process and I hope, but I am not optimistic, that Congress acts to mediate its impact.”

What socio-political women’s issue do you care about the most? Do you feel that women are typically presented fairly in the media? Why or why not?

Globally: women’s rights to education, independence, self-determined marriage and divorce, and voting.
Domestically: equal pay, access to medical care/keeping government out of women’s personal medical decisions.
Media: Sheryl Sandberg has raised the issue of unconscious gender bias. It is present all the time whether covering U.S. presidential politics or Olympic achievements.

What specific aspect of women’s rights in the U.S. could we change to set an example to the world? What will it take (apart from time) for women to be viewed as equal to men?

Access to health care should be the area to set an example to the world, but unfortunately we seem to be moving in the wrong direction with attacks on Planned Parenthood and increasing restrictions to women’s health clinics & services.

Whatever profession you choose, do men see women as either a female rival with independence and strength, or someone inexperienced that needs to be managed, never as an equal? How do you show your male colleagues that you are an equal without stepping on their toes?

I would substitute the word rival for colleague above. Women tend to be collaborative and inclusive in their management style, which is less threatening. Don’t worry about stepping on anyone’s toes–be productive and good at what you do and you will be valued as an asset.

Do you feel the extreme left and right wings of U.S. politics are destroying the United in United States, or is it just healthy debate? Should the financing of political campaigns be the controlled by an independent authority?

I believe the key to effective government is respectful dialogue and a willingness to listen to one another. Ideologues who refuse to compromise on issues don’t understand how democracy works. The Citizens United Supreme Court decision has absolutely undermined our political process and I hope, but am not optimistic, that Congress acts mediate it’s impact.

What do you now know about yourself that you wish you knew ten/fifteen/twenty years ago? Do today’s young people face a bigger challenge than you did?

I would have appreciated the insight that it is possible to have both a successful career and family, but that it may not take a traditional path. At various times, each has to take priority and you need to go with the decisions that feel right at that particular time.

I think today’s economy is challenging, but at the same time young people (fortunately) don’t face the same degree of gender barriers to break through. Also, millennials are far more open minded about individual differences, whether it’s gender, sexual orientation, race, etc. which is great progress!

Do you feel that religion is on the decline in the Western World? Will it have an effect on U.S. society? If so, will it be good or bad?

It seems that today’s younger generation is generally less religious than their parents, but their values and social consciousness are strong, so I do not see any ill effect on U.S. society. However, religious extremism, of any kind, I see as dangerous.

Can you tell us about one of the biggest challenges in your life that you think helped you become the person you are today?

As a child of Holocaust survivors my parents’ experiences had a great impact on shaping the person I am today.

Who inspires you the most? If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would have to say my parents were the greatest inspiration to me. Their compassion, work ethic, humor (my dad), intellect, and warmth set a standard I aspire to follow.

Dinner with anyone: Golda Meir–one of the first women heads-of-state and Israel’s first. I admire her strength and her compassion.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

My superpower would be flight! I spend to much time commuting.

Favorite: Book/writer? Song/singer? Movie/actor? Cuisine?

Book – To Kill a Mockingbird. The Little Prince (close second).
Singer – Springsteen.
Song – Impossible to choose just one from Springsteen’s many classics!
Movie – Pulp Fiction. Wizard of Oz.
Cuisine – Dessert (current favorite is dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt).