2015 Honoree

Melanie Brown ‘Mel B’

Singer, actress, author, tv presenter

“The media is its own beast you can’t control it, they will say what they will. I am a much stronger person than I ever thought I could be.”

Who inspires you the most?

I think just in general any person that’s doing their thing. Somebody like a singer, actress…anyone whom has the initiative to take their own lives into their own hands and take that risk.

What do you now know about yourself that you wish you knew ten/fifteen/twenty [depending on age] years ago?

I am a much stronger person than I ever thought I could be.

Fill in the blank: You can never have enough _______.

Sex, of course.

What City best describes your personality?

New York City, it has hustle and bustle, great work ethic, great style and great character.

What gets you through even the toughest days and what are you most grateful for?

I am grateful to have three beautiful, healthy daughters and a great husband. What gets me through my day is knowing that there is a start, a middle and an end to each day, just knowing you can always restart if need be helps you get through anything.

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?

The media is it’s own beast you can’t control it, they will say what they will. The socio-political issue I have always felt very strongly about is I believe that women and men should be equally paid.

What is your best read? Favorite character you would most like to be?

‘Conversations with God’ is my best read by far, it helps you get into the heart of who you are as a person. My favorite character I would most like to be would be either Wonder Woman or Superwoman, a strong, badass female character.

What will it take for women to be viewed as equal to men? Are sexist jokes problematic, and how do you feel about people’s view that women should just “lighten up” about them?

Think of how far women have come, even just from the 60’s to now there have been so many strides. It will be baby steps unfortunately but it is a matter of time until we are viewed as equal.

What was your best decision to date? Worst decision?

My best decision was being friends with my first ever boyfriend before being in a relationship, it is so important to be comfortable with yourself before being in a relationship.
The worst decision I ever made was probably a drunken decision, one where you wake up the next morning and think, “Oh dear, what have I done?” But even those bad decisions are a learning experience.

Within the past few years, social media has exploded. How can women use it to market themselves without seeming narcissistic?

Posting pictures of yourself is part of what social media is about. It is what it is. Just be yourself.

Write a fortune you’d like for all women to receive in a fortune cookie.

You are amazing inside and out.

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

I would be invisible because I love people watching and then I would truly get to people watch and see the sides of people you never usually get to see.