Issue 16


Dear Reader,

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The Record Is Broken. The Resistance Is Rising.

From the Senate floor to your next bold move, now is the time to lead.

The Catalyst Perspective

Last week, Senator Cory Booker stood on the Senate floor for 25 hours and 4 minutes, pushing back against the forces threatening our democracy.

It wasn’t performative.

It wasn’t for optics.

It was a moral stand rooted in love….for the people, for justice, for the future.

In doing so, he broke a record previously held by Senator Strom Thurmond, who infamously filibustered for over 24 hours in a desperate attempt to block the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

Thurmond spoke with hate in his heart……Booker stood with love in his bones.

Thurmond’s record was about protecting White supremacy.

Booker’s record was about dismantling it.

Despite every effort from Trump 2.0 to erase the contributions and impact of Black people, Booker stood not just for our history…..but for our future. He took a stand against the constitutional violations, the dismantling of federal agencies, and the removal of vital services from American families—all in pursuit of tax breaks for the wealthy.

Senator Cory Booker

Senator Cory Booker made a mark on the Senate record, moved his colleagues, and inspired people across this country and the world.

That’s what reclaiming leadership looks like.

Last week also brought a beacon of hope in Wisconsin, where Susan Crawford won a pivotal Supreme Court seat, despite millions of dollars poured into the race by Elon Musk and far-right donors. The money was loud……but the people were louder.

The resistance is real.

The record is broken.

Now the question is:

Will you rise?

The Power Move: Strategy + Perspective

Too many brilliant, experienced, qualified women are still holding back.

They think they need more letters behind their names.
More degrees.
More years.
More time.

Let’s correct the record.

To run for most public leadership roles, you only need:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Residency in your district
  • A certain age

That’s it.

Still, I hear from women—particularly Black and Brown women—who wonder, “Do I need a law degree to lead?”

I recently spoke with a young Indian American woman who has worked in research, held a director role, and led community initiatives. She’s already a force. But like many high-achieving women, she still questioned if she was “qualified enough.”

Meanwhile, men with half the credentials and all the confidence are stepping into power every day.

It’s not because they’re better.

It’s because they’ve been taught to believe they belong.

This moment in history does not require perfection.

It requires presence.

It requires women like you to rise.

Ally in Action: A Note for the Men on This List

Because allyship isn’t silent—and leadership isn’t gendered.

When Senator Cory Booker stood for 25 hours, he wasn’t just breaking a record—he was modeling how to use voice, visibility, and privilege to stand for justice.

If you’re a man who supports women in leadership, here’s how you can lead alongside us:

  • Forward this newsletter to a woman you believe in.
  • Amplify her ideas when they’re ignored or dismissed.
  • Challenge the myth that she needs more degrees, more time, or more proof to be ready.
  • Speak up publicly when others try to erase or diminish her power.

Support doesn’t mean staying quiet while women do the work. It means getting in the arena with us.

We see you. And we need you.

The Leadership Catalyst Spark - FREE Download

This week’s free resource:
"The Catalyst Guide to Breaking the Readiness Myth”

Inside, you’ll:

✨Debunk 5 common myths keeping women from stepping into leadership

✨Get grounded in what actually qualifies you to lead

✨Identify your next steps to step up boldly and strategically

This resource will guide you toward clarity—and remind you that you’ve been ready all along.

Download this week’s free resource:

Need help taking action on the issues that matter to you? Check out 5Calls.org—a powerful, user-friendly tool that shows you which elected officials to contact and what to say. Making calls is one of the most effective ways to be heard.

Take action today. Make your voice count.

Last Call: 6-Month Private Coaching Program Enrollment Closes This Month

If leadership is costing you your peace, your joy, or your identity…..it’s too damn expensive. Let’s build a strategy that pays you back.

I only accept private coaching clients in January through April.

That means this is your last chance in 2025 to join the six-month coaching program.

Here’s what’s open:

2 private coaching slots available in April

1 workshop opening left this month

VIP Intensives offered monthly for leaders who want focused strategy and a quick turnaround

If you’ve been waiting, consider this your sign:

You’re not too late—but you are right on time.

Reserve Your Spot

P.S. Help Grow the Movement

If this message moved you, forward it to a woman in your circle who needs to hear it.

Invite her to subscribe to The Leadership Catalyst—because the door is already open.

Stop waiting for someone else to walk through it first.

Until next time—lead boldly. The resistance is rising, and you are part of it.

Chasity Wells-Armstrong
Founder, Catalyst Coaching & Transformation

2 Plaza Drive, PO Box 5555, Woodridge, IL 60517
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