Women Are Wise

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting stories of women who have impacted both men and women in our BJM family. For Jeffrey Chung, a valuable financial supporter and BJM advocate, one of those women is Leona Pearce.

Jeffrey works for Room to Read, a nonprofit that transforms the lives of millions of children through literacy and gender equality in education. When Jeffrey first transitioned to the nonprofit sector, it was a tough learning transition. He recalls, “I was full of enthusiasm, but quite frankly, had no idea what I was doing.” At a meeting that had been particularly difficult for him, Leona reached out to Jeffrey and initiated a mentorship. She was Room to Read’s chief of staff and a former Goldman Sachs executive. She graciously offered Jeffrey her time and wisdom for over two years. “If there was a project I had issues running, Leona was my compass,” says Jeffrey. “If there was a difficult workplace relationship, Leona was my coach. She poured her wealth of experience and business acumen into me, teaching me how to navigate both business roadmaps and interpersonal conflict.” Jeffrey says he still uses the business and interpersonal skills Leona taught him to this day.

“If women and girls are held back from exercising their gifts and capabilities, we all lose,” says Jeffrey. “I personally would have lost. I think of Leona. I know it's atypical for a man to be mentored by a woman. I see a blessing, and my life would have been lesser were she and I limited by societal gender norms.”

Join us in celebrating women who have had a lasting impact in our lives! Click here to plant your own seeds of inspiration by becoming a monthly donor in celebration of a wise woman in your life.