The patriarchy is an adaptable and exclusionary form of systemic power that guides over policies, politics, social norms, authority, and privilege. It leads to ranking humans based on historically-excluded identities (e.g., gender), characteristics (e.g., skin color, physical or cognitive ability), and social class (e.g., education, wealth, family name), and power is held by those deemed “highest” in rank as established when the system was created. In the U.S., our patriarchy was cultivated politically, economically, and socially when Western Europeans violently colonized land inhabited by indigenous peoples; established its industrial power primarily through slave labor; and developed “rights” under a democracy that did not recognize people who were not heterosexual white males as full humans (if it recognized them at all). Our country has thrived on ranking its people.

LoNg TiMe AgO, right? Aren’t we all EqUaL nOw (or, at least, don’t we all have equal opportunities)?

Our earliest government documents (such as the Constitution) were drafted by the people poised to gain the most and hold the highest power in their time. And it is these documents that voters still cite, the media, politicians, and the Supreme Court when discussing, supporting, or repealing laws and policies that further unequal and inequitable policies.

So, yes, our country’s violent, patriarchal establishment happened a long time ago—except that we are still operating under the same basic structure and tenets that benefited few. Any advancements in rights happened by people who intentionally “interrupted the patriarchy” in their way.

“No one is free until we are all free.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you value your bodily autonomy, improved health outcomes, right to be treated equally and given equal and equitable opportunity, and the ability to make at least as much money as the next mediocre white guy, then you should start doing some interrupting.

And do I even need to mention the repeal of Roe?

My name is Cami, which some find difficult to pronounce or spell. If you refer to me as “candy,” I’ll still respond.

“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.” -Gloria Steinem

Click here for all the details and learn more about me.

I work with people who are motivated toward personal growth that interrupts the patriarchy in a way that’s meaningful to them.

Life and career coaching: I do this through my life and career coaching practice. My approach is affirming accountability, meaning that I keep my clients moving forward at their pace in a supportive way without telling them what to do or judging them. Together, we increase their confidence and resilience. Spirituality, meditation, and environmental analyses are included as requested. See my coaching site, MillenniAlign, for details and pricing.

Writing and storytelling: If I’ve learned anything in this life, it’s that everyone has a story. Not everyone feels organized or confident (or has the time) to tell their story. This is where I come in: I help people tell their stories by writing, co-writing, ghostwriting, or providing an editorial review of their piece to ensure alignment with their anti-patriarchy values.

Anything that aligns with my interests and isn’t a complete snooze. People interest me. Issues that impact women and all people who have lived experiences of misogyny deeply interest me. Public health, health equity, social determinants of health, mental and behavioral health, and emotional health interest me. Public policy and multi-modal research interest me. Spirituality interests me. Music, nature, literature, and the arts interest me. I write creatively, formally, and informally.

Yes! Contact me to discuss details and pricing for your project.

Yes! Contact me to discuss details and pricing for your project.

Yes! I will provide you with an analysis of the language and imagery and recommend more inclusive—and less patriarchal—materials. Contact me to discuss details and pricing for your project.

I’m not currently taking on this work, but I will be happy to refer you to consultants who are.

Coming in spring 2023: On Drowning Rats: How Two Women Took Down their Sexual Harasser (and How You Can Too)

I met writer Rachel Richardson in 2021 after a chance encounter on social media where we learned we shared a history of being sexually harassed by the same local leader in Toledo, Ohio. We agreed it was past due for him to be removed from power after years of his behavior being swept under many, many rugs. However, our work was not quite so simple: The Harasser was a national figure at a heralded nonprofit that he founded, not to mention his work was endorsed by musicians and celebrities alike.

With the help of female advisors, mentors, and the small but incredibly mighty following of supporters we gained, we achieved our first outcome: public disgrace for and the eventual resignation of, The Harasser.

Now, we are sharing our experience in the form of a co-authored memoir. We will reveal the personal and professional struggles we dealt with coming forward, the challenging conversations with peers and family members, and the inevitable scrutiny from a community eager to keep the status quo. To help others with their own sexual harassers, our memoir will include a chapter that outlines step-by-step how to document incidents of sexual harassment, strategies for developing necessary boundaries and creating space for oneself, conversation prompts for talking with loved ones, and templates for pursuing accountability, and more. Given that 25-85% of women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace—and approximately 90% of people who’ve experienced sexual harassment never formally report it*—we know that our work is urgent. 

We anticipate going to print in spring 2023.

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I’m so glad you asked! Check out my personally curated book lists. I’ve created my lists on Bookshops.org because they raise funds for local and independently owned bookstores. (Note: I get a small commission through these links, so please use them when considering a purchase. Thank you!)

I’ve curated specific lists (and will continue to do so!)

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