"This is a room full of women who get it gone," declared Marie Claire's editor in chief Anne Fulenwider during her opening remarks at Marie Claire's 2nd annual luncheon honoring The New Guard (opens in new tab), or as we like to call them, the 50 most connected women in America.
The 44th floor of Hearst tower was filled to the brim with powerful women, from Hollywood shot callers to Silicon Valley VIPS. The event's theme was women flipping the script, and the afternoon boasted an unparelled line-up of women who've done just that. The first speaker was Betsy Beers, executive producer of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder — in other words, Shonda Rhimes partner in crime. Beers gave us a hilarious, no-holds-barred rehash of how television saved her life, and drove one very important message home: "Women on TV are not a fad."
Next, Fulenwider invited Rashida Jones, Amanda De Cadenet, Frozen director Jennifer Lee, and VP of Original Content at Netflix Cindy Holland to speak on a panel about getting the better of the Hollywood boys' club. During the conversation, Lee spoke about her hard-fought battle to make it the film business and having to sell Frozen's feminist characters to male executives, while Holland explained she sought to create content that truly satisfied the demand for strong female characters.
When asked how she broke barriers as an actress, writer, and producer, Jones explained: "I wasn't going to get any further waiting for people to create opportunities for me." Lacing a fervent thought with a touch of humor, she had another solution. "If there's money to be made, people will embrace gender equality," said Jones.
On a final note, there was unanimous agreement that the most important part of overcoming adversity in the male-dominated industry was women supporting women — much like they were doing that afternoon.
Get familiar with The New Guard's 50 female power brokers here (opens in new tab).
Rashida Jones
Audrey Gelman, Janet Mock, Anne Fulenwider
Anne Fulenwider, Jennifer Lee, Rashida Jones, Cindy Holland, Nancy Cardone
-
Meghan Markle Is a "Loose Cannon" for the Royal Family, Royal Expert ClaimsShe and Harry are unpredictable.
-
Meghan Markle's Latest Podcast Episode Has a Release Date, After Official Mourning for the Queen Ends
The duchess speaks to Margaret Cho.
-
Prince William Uses a Down-to-Earth Method to Keep Life Normal for George, Charlotte and Louis
It's the little things.
-
Peloton’s Selena Samuela on Turning Tragedy Into Strength
Before becoming a powerhouse cycling instructor, Selena Samuela was an immigrant trying to adjust to new environments and new versions of herself.
-
This Mutual Fund Firm Is Helping to Create a More Sustainable Future
Amy Domini and her firm, Domini Impact Investments LLC, are inspiring a greater and greener world—one investor at a time.
-
Power Players Build on Success
"The New Normal" left some brands stronger than ever. We asked then what lies ahead.
-
Don't Stress! You Can Get in Good Shape Money-wise
Yes, maybe you eat paleo and have mastered crow pose, but do you practice financial wellness?
-
The Book Club Revolution
Lots of women are voracious readers. Other women are capitalizing on that.
-
The Future of Women and Work
The pandemic has completely upended how we do our jobs. This is Marie Claire's guide to navigating your career in a COVID-19 world.
-
Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Are Providing a Safe Haven for POC
For people of color, many of whom prefer to WFH, inclusive coworking spaces don't just offer a place to work—they cultivate community.
-
Where Did All My Work Friends Go?
The pandemic has forced our work friendships to evolve. Will they ever be the same?
