Women are called upon to defend every bit of progress we have made against particularly virulent attack. But we must also hold out a vision, put forth a positive agenda of what women need and want and then move forward toward that dream.

I don't think you lead by pessimism and cynicism. I think you lead by optimism and enthusiasm and energy.

When I started law school I was shocked to learn that our legal system traditionally had the man as the head and master of the family. As late as the '70s and '80s when we were fighting for the Equal Rights Amendment, states like Louisiana still had a head and master law.

Some of those men in power, we just have to change their faces because we're not going to change their minds.

The way to be a man if you're a little boy is to be willing to throw your weight around.

The Young Women's Christian Association is nourished by its roots in Christianity and, at the same time, over the years, it's been enriched by beliefs and values from all kinds of places, even, in fact, strengthened by our diversity.

I want to reach young women and to get them involved in the mission of the YWCA, economic empowerment of women and girls, and ending racism.