The Origins of Women Are Heroes Too: A Story of Strength, Struggle, and Empowerment

The story of Women Are Heroes Too (WAH2) begins in the heart of Los Angeles, a city known for its dreams, opportunities, and fierce competition. But beneath the glossy surface of opportunity lies a more painful truth: women often face discrimination, harassment, and a lack of support in their careers. It was this reality that ignited the spark for WAH2, a platform dedicated to empowering women and giving them the voice and support they deserve.

The inspiration behind the organization’s founding came from a deeply personal experience. The president of WAH2, who prefers to remain unnamed to protect her privacy and focus on the mission rather than herself, faced an unimaginable ordeal early in her career. She had been hired as the Director of an organization; a role she thought was a milestone in her professional journey. She was ready to make an impact, to bring her vision to life, and to contribute to an organization that aligned with her values.

However, what she didn’t expect was the abuse that came from the very CEO who had hired her. The CEO’s behavior was predatory and overtly sexual—an abuse of power that left her both shocked and traumatized. One day, after enduring a series of inappropriate comments and advances, the CEO took things further and physically harassed her. It was not just inappropriate; it was an outright violation.

She left work that day in disbelief and pain, but the nightmare was far from over. The very next day, the CEO called her, demanding that she come into the office. When she hesitated, he assured her that the meeting would be quick. But she had had enough. She requested that another woman be present—just someone to witness the meeting, to ensure there was accountability.

When she entered the conference room, she was met with an unexpected and devastating sight: a termination letter.

Her shock turned to heartbreak as she realized the reality she was facing—her concerns about harassment were not just ignored, they were being punished. She had done everything by the book, had tried to protect herself, and yet she found herself forced out of the organization in the most callous of ways. The termination letter wasn’t just a piece of paper; it was a symbol of everything that was wrong with workplace culture—an atmosphere where women were dismissed, their pain silenced, and their careers shattered.

That moment changed everything for her. The trauma of being mistreated, then silenced, pushed her to create Women Are Heroes Too (WAH2). She knew that this experience was not unique—it was something far too many women faced, often in silence. And she knew she couldn’t stay silent any longer.

Women Are Heroes Too was born out of the need to provide a safe space for women to share their stories, seek support, and find empowerment. It was a movement driven by the belief that women are heroes in their own right, deserving of respect, opportunities, and protection, no matter where they work or who they work for. This organization would become a platform not just for recognizing the contributions of women but for helping them navigate the struggles they face—especially the unspoken ones like harassment, inequality, and the culture of silence that too often surrounds these issues.

In Los Angeles, a city that epitomizes both hope and hardship, the story of WAH2’s origins stands as a reminder that change begins with one voice—one person willing to stand up and say, “Enough.” Through WAH2, the president aims to support other women who have faced similar experiences and offer them the resources and community they need to rebuild their careers, regain their confidence, and reclaim their power.

WAH2 is not just about highlighting the struggles of women—it’s about celebrating their resilience, their bravery, and their capacity to rise above adversity. The president’s story is just one example, and it serves as a testament to the strength of women everywhere who refuse to be silenced.

Today, WAH2 is not only a movement but a promise—a promise that no woman will ever have to face her battles alone again. And while the road may have begun with pain, it continues with a vision for a world where women are not only seen as heroes and recognized as the true leaders they are.