Magnificent contradictions make women so strong

Mi-Ai Parrish, president of Republic Media, was awarded the 2017 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the private sector Wednesday. The ATHENA Awards are given annually by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce to three exemplary Valley women, one in the public sector, one in the private sector and one Young Professional Award. Excerpts from Parrish’s acceptance speech:

I am so honored and humbled to be recognized, particularly with this amazing group of finalists. Congratulations to all the wonderful leaders today and thank you for all you do.

The Athena Award made me think about Athena and how she so aptly represents one of the most powerful things about women.

She was the goddess of war *and* of wisdom. A contradiction that is meaningful and powerful and feminine.

As women, we draw power in the strength and simultaneous contradiction of that small and simple word: “AND.” We bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan. and

We run companies families.

We suffer crushing miscarriages and get out of bed and tend to our jobs and our aging parents.

We deal with the pain of depression or arthritis or cancer and put a smile on our faces to reach out a hand to others.

We quietly fix problems and care for our say