Throughout this year, several bloggers will engage in a conversation here and on their blogs — asking questions of each other and responding. Others are absolutely welcome to join the conversation, as well. Learn more about the ladies of Blogversation 2012.
This week’s question comes from Jennifer Worick, jenniferworick.blogspot.com, on Twitter as @jennifer_worick:

Who’s your professional female role model?
This is a tough one for me. When people ask about role models, they often call out their mother for various and sundry reasons. My mom, while loving and a place of comfort, isn’t at the top of my list when it comes to professional guidance or inspiration. So I’m posing this question without a clear answer on the tip of my tongue.
In high school, I found my path as a writer and editor thanks to an amazing English teacher. Mrs. Lindenmuth made literature come alive and helped me to consider life beyond my tiny corner of the world. In college, I read Working Woman magazine religiously and bought suits, while others were buying designer jeans. I idolized editors Diana Vreeland, Ruth Whitney and Helen Gurley Brown, and couldn’t wait to jump into the working world and make my mark. When I did enter the workforce, I had amazing female bosses and co-workers, but it takes a village to raise a kick-ass female professional and I take something from all of my phenomenal friends and colleagues.
I greatly admire my best friend Alison and the way she’s been able to build a consulting business from the ground up, putting systems in place and developing a deep and varied client list. I turn to her for personal and professional guidance. My business partner Kerry is cool and collected, particularly around financial issues, which I learn from when I’m feeling ADD and hesitant about asking for what I’m worth. I also admire how my agent and leadership coach both manage to be compassionate, open women while also being ball busters when necessary. They take my breath away and earn my admiration with their feminine mettle. Whenever I’m in sticky business situations, I often think, What would Alison do?, What would Joy do?, or What would Elizabeth do? Thanks to the support network I’ve created around myself, I have role models around me on a daily basis and that helps me act and make choices as if I’m the powerful, wonderful woman I know myself to be.
I’m still working on the feminine mettle, but it’s coming along.