Lillian Lambert

Paving the Way for Women in Business & in Life I first heard about pioneer Lillian Lambert when I first arrived in Richmond, VA and attended a minority business leadership conference. I was immediately impressed with her story of coming from a small town in Powhatan County, VA to graduating from Harvard Business School. But she didnt just graduate from there; Lillian was the first black woman to graduate from this prestigious school during a time in American History when African Americans and women where fighting for their civil rights (1967-1969). She helped to open the doors for women of all colors in the business world. She went on to found and then sell one of the most well-known commercial cleaning companies, Centennial One, Inc., headquartered in Landover, MD with offices in Richmond, VA and Boston, MA. Today, she does what she wants to do like playing selling real estate, playing golf and working on her memoirs and I, for one, aint mad at her because she has paid her dues. Average Girl Magazine: How do you think your acceptance and graduation from Harvard Business School prepared the women who followed you? What do you think you left for them that helped them come through? Lillian Lambert: When I arrived at Harvard I did not realize that I would be a first. But after I arrived, I was determined to graduate and being a first only increased my determination. My presence there gave other women the motivation to consider that school as one they could attend when they may not have previously considered it. A few months after school started, a couple of my African American male colleagues & I began asking why there were so few African American students there. Harvard is considered the premiere institution for training managers worldwide, so why werent we better represented? We felt someone needed to do something so why not us? As a result of a meeting with the dean and our efforts to assist with recruiting, enrollment increased dramatically the following year. In addition, we formed the African American Student Union. This organization served then and continues to serve as a support system for students considering enrolling as well as those who enroll. So, I think the women who followed me concluded that if I could successfully get through the program as the only African American women there, they can certainly make it through with the support of each other. Allowing barriers to crush your dream should not be an option. My advice is dont be intimidated if you are the first there or others think you shouldnt do it. Be true to yourself. AVG: What are two issues you see facing women in business today? How can they overcome these two issues? LL: I feel two major issues are 1) balancing work and family and 2) how to be successful in a male dominated environment without becoming one of the boys. Many women still feel guilty about building a career while trying to have a family and find it difficult to strike the right 1

balance between the two. It is critical that she make the decision that is best for her and her family and then not allow herself to go on or be put on a guilt trip. It is important set priorities. She may be able to have it all, but not all at once. It is also no secret that men and women are different with unique characteristics and qualities. Women must learn to accept those differences and use them to their advantage. Many of them can be a real asset in the business environment. Women should capitalize on that. AVG: Financing is one of the biggest hurdles small business owners face, especially women business owners. What are two (2) alternative funding sources you think women should pursue or take advantage of? LL: This is still a problem for women business owners. I was fortunate when I started my business. I was able to get a bank line of credit but only because I had an established relationship with a bank, having borrowed and repaid personal loans. So, the loan officer (who knew me quite well) had confidence that I would repay the loan. For a start up business, since there is no history, a lender relies solely on the good will and faith in the borrower. It is best to research banks to know which are woman friendly. The Center for Womens Business Research in Washington, DC may have data on that. The other area that women my not fully use is angel investors. Most owners are reluctant to give up equity, but owning part of something is better than owning all of nothing. AVG: You have been a leader in your family and community. What makes a good leader and why should women (businesswomen, especially) become more involved in leadership opportunities? LL: A good leader is someone who can get things done through others. A good leader does not have to be out front and expect to get credit for what is done. Women frequently exert leadership qualities in many areas (home, family, school, etc), but are often reluctant to do so in business. Because of some of the special characteristics of women, it is important that those are used in work as well community activities. AVG: What do you want your legacy to be? LL: I have been blessed with opportunities, skills, etc. I have taken advantage of them and used them to help promote and inspire others to reach their potential. I want to be remembered for having made a contribution to society in general and I helped others who were not as blessed as I am. I want my two daughters to be proud to say that I was a good mother and that they became good citizens.
~Rebekah L. Pierce. If youd like to send Ms. Lambert a message, email her at: lillianlambert@comcast.net.

Side bar AVG: How can women business owners find opportunities for their businesses?

LL: Always keep an eye out for opportunities. When they come, evaluate them. Dont jump at everything that comes along. If it looks good, go for it. But be inquisitive and explore. I did not know about the world beyond the farm until I was 18 years old. Be willing to take calculated risks and be adventurous. Sometimes, others will watch over you because they believe in you