50th Anniversary Story

By: Diane Cornman-Levy, Chief Disruptor

In 2016, I did something that terrified me: I left the safety of my job and stepped into the arena. I ran for political office in Delaware County, fueled by conviction and the belief that 2017 would be the “Year of the Woman.” Like so many other women candidates, I believed we were on the cusp of real progress—that together we would move policy, power, and possibility forward for women and marginalized genders.

But Election Day told a different story. One by one, the results came in. Most of us lost.

It was heartbreaking. Not just personally, but collectively. The vision we had carried so fiercely felt, for a moment, out of reach. I had to sit with the grief of that loss—the quiet questions about what comes next when the path you thought you were meant to walk suddenly disappears.

And then, unexpectedly, another door opened.

An opportunity to serve as the next Executive Director of WOMEN’S WAY appeared. I applied with hope, but also humility. When I was selected, I felt the weight—and the privilege—of what that meant.

Since joining the WOMEN’S WAY community in 2017, I have been transformed. I have met powerful, creative, caring, brilliant people who are relentless in their pursuit of gender justice. They have challenged me, supported me, and shown me what courageous leadership truly looks like. Their unyielding commitment to equity has strengthened my resolve and deepened my belief that change is possible—even when progress feels fragile.

Losing that election closed one chapter of my life. But it opened another—one that has allowed me to fight for gender equity in ways I never imagined.

In some of the most challenging moments our country has faced, this community has given me strength, hope, and courage. And for that, I am forever grateful to be part of the WOMEN’S WAY family.

This story is a part of the WOMEN'S WAY 50th Anniversary Storytelling initiative. To learn more and submit your own story, please visit: womensway.org/WW50