In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day earlier in March, I interviewed three of my clients that are doing important work leaving a lasting mark on our community. In part 2 of a 3-part series, I interview Diana Webster of Native America Humane Society.
What woman has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
So many times, my grandmother, Evanell Webster would get off the city bus from her job as a maid or a cook for well-to-do people absolutely dead-tired with swollen ankles and sore feet. But she came home to take care of a house full of people. All us kids in our extended family, visiting relatives and friends from the reservation who needed somewhere to stay until they got on their feet, we were all central to her world. She’d lug in grocery bags, cook dinner and make sure everyone was okay. Her love was unconditional and fierce.
When she had finally had enough of menial jobs, she went back to school despite being in her fifties to become an upholstery seamstress with union wages and benefits. Again, while still caring for all of us. She never learned to drive and she loved to laugh despite life experiences that would have crushed lesser spirits. She passed on her love of art and literature, her sense of humor, and her ferocious will to me, teaching me to walk through good times and troubles with a smile on my face.
She visits me now as a hummingbird, telling me “I’m looking out for you, my girl. Still.” Excited to see her, I reach out my hand but she flies away. I know that means I have more work to do.
How do you see your career/business impacting your sphere of influence?
Ha! Somebody told me once that they were inspired by me to go back to school. They said, “If Diana can do it, so can I.” I’m not sure if this is a compliment but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that people learn not to be afraid–to just go for it. If that comes from my career or business efforts, then it means whatever I’m doing is worthwhile.
What advice would you give the next generation of world-changing women?
Take personal responsibility for everything. Ownership sets you free. Then there are no excuses. No being a victim at the hands of others. Acknowledge your part in creating where you are right now and if it’s not working for you, then get up and change it.
What is your personal or business mission?
Misquindib Creative LLC: We create Indigenous-centered entertainment, learning materials and toys, and consumer products for people and pets that bridge cultures, celebrate traditions, and promote positive narratives about Native American communities.
In a couple of sentences tell me about your business.
Misquindib Creative LLC: We create Indigenous-centered entertainment, learning materials, and consumer products for people and pets that bridge cultures, celebrate traditions, and challenge old narratives.
Here’s what Diana generously said about our work together:
Vicki acts like a switch to release all the layers of overthinking that entrepreneurs and creators inflict upon themselves. She sets you free from yourself. She facilitates priceless insights and simple paths forward that she somehow artlessly extracts from your own psyche, her experience and talents, and the work you do with her. Crazy mad skills!
What woman do you know that is making history in their community? Tell us in the comments!
