Hi John,

Despite being a misty-eyed Pisces, I typically excel at goodbyes.

There was no mist in sight at my high-school graduation, nor my college graduation, nor when I moved across the country. But in each of those instances, I was eager (if not desperate) to flee.

Here’s the annoying thing: I love working at the National Women’s Law Center. And as I’ve been preparing to leave for a new job next month, the mist has overwhelmed me.

I am going to miss corresponding with you all so much (more Pisces crooning to come). It feels fitting, however, that my final newsletter falls during Women’s History Month.

So, let’s have one last womanly hurray, together 😊

"We all know a remarkable woman who has lifted us up, shaped us, and pushed us to do better. For me, that woman is my mother, Aundrea.”

On International Women’s Day, Kiara Pesante Haughton, our Vice President for Campaigns and Communications, shared deeply moving reflections about her mother.

First, call your mom.

Second, check out her incredible post here.

The Yeehaw Agenda Has Always Been Black

My February newsletter opined Beyoncé’s ✨impeccable✨ new country songs. This month, my ✨impeccable✨ colleague Lark has shed more (and incredible) insight into the legacy that Beyoncé is building upon:

“So, as a lifelong Beyoncé fan and a selective country music fan (read: women in country music fan), I’m here to take y’all to history class about how the yeehaw agenda has actually always been Black.”

This is one of my favorite blogs ever written at the Law Center. So, pull on your cowgirl boots, click this link, and prepare yourself for the hoedown throwdown of a lifetime.

Must Listen:

I’m breaking the newsletter-mold this month with A VERY STRONG RECOMMENDATION. With my whole heart and Pisces soul, I urge you to check out NWLC’s new podcast, Hearsay, where we dive deep into the cultural moments that live rent free in our heads—and probably yours too.

Each episode, join our multigenerational hosts Jessica, Hilary, and Lark as they discuss how gender, power, and the law impact pop culture. They discuss major moments like Janet Jackson at the 2004 Superbowl, the shifts of abortion narratives in the media during the 2000s and 2010s, and the groundbreaking TV show Living Single simply existing.

I will be tuning in every week, long after I leave 💓

Must Reads:

• On Equal Pay Day, we hear a lot about the gender wage gap (and for good reason). But there’s something else that has been deepening economic insecurity: abortion bans and restrictions.
• I know how much my co-workers make. Here’s why that’s not rude—but revolutionary.
• On March 4, shipments of the first ever daily over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill®, began their distribution to retailers nationwide. Join us in celebrating this huge (and long-awaited) win!

My (Self-Indulgent) Moment of Joy

I’d like to end my final newsletter with some misty and massive gratitude. Because you all have truly made this job an absolute joy.

Over the past year, your words of encouragement, humor, and insight have moved me deeply. Especially Adrienne’s response from last month’s newsletter:

“Just a question though...how do you know that "corporate Chad" doesn't like Beyoncé, or all kinds of music? Or your enthusiastic shower concerts?

They might make him smile. He has a lot of life in front of him.

There's time to introduce him to cultural richness—past, present, and individual.”

As I move onto the next stage of my professional life, it is this lesson that I will be taking with me. From Chad and beyond, there is always hope. People can, and will, change. And that is something to be celebrated😊.

Wishing you all the best in the year ahead!

Gemma Simoes Decarvalho
she/her/hers
Writer and Editor
National Women’s Law Center