WOMEN WE LOVE AND ADMIRE
Hats off
When you think of the leading lady in your life – who comes to mind?
March 8 marks International Women’s Day, 2020 – a day that celebrates the never-ending achievements of women across the globe. In the spirit of this, our Lane Crawford colleagues share the influential females they look up to – and why.
LEILA JANAH
For me, Leila Janah defined what it means to be an inspirational woman. She accomplished so much by the young age of 37, yet recently lost the battle with a sudden and rare cancer. We worked together in New York City, and since those early days, I followed as she evolved into an industry-recognised and admired powerhouse, fighting global poverty by providing work to the poor. She once said: "talent is equally distributed but opportunity is not." Many of her initiatives allowed women to flourish as successful and independent wage earners for the first time in their lives.
- Meghan Hayes, Senior Experience Design Manager
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
I LOVE THE QUEEN! Queen Elizabeth is an exceptional and gifted human being. Not only did she NOT sign up for what she is doing, but she still simply gets on with it. She is now celebrated as the longest serving monarch in British history, loved by millions. I admire her because, even when it has turned out to be an ‘annus horribilis’, she always remains calm and composed. Her Majesty also has a wicked sense of British humour…and she loves her dogs!
- Joanne Chau, Brand Creative Services Director
DENIZ KEPENEK
A woman that I admire and respect is my best friend, Deniz. Here are some of the reasons why:
- She understands food. And cuisines. And the little joys of life
- She’s the reason why I believe in true, lasting friendship
- She doesn’t shy away from a challenge
- She is deeply in tune with herself and her emotions, and isn’t afraid of showing them
- She’s the most hard working person I know and truly sees every stumble as an opportunity
- Most of all, she has changed my perspective on how to live life. Her sheer authenticity, kindness and integrity motivates me to be better every day. In the end, we’re just two people trying to navigate life together
- Fumi Kamigama, Senior Graphic Designer
HEDY LAMARR
I have always admired Hedy Lamarr. Often remembered for her beauty – but largely underrated as an engineer, inventor and an entrepreneur – Hedy Lamarr was a woman who graced European silver screens before WWII and went on to become a Hollywood starlet. When she felt like her film career had plateaued, she began engaging more with her hobby of invention. This led her to the discovery of a frequency-hopping signal that became widely adopted by US Navy ships and the base of Bluetooth technology! Fantastic.
- Gennady Oreshkin, Fashion and Lifestyle Writer