Ivy Box has coined the phrase Go Get H.E.R.S because she is a woman who connects business, marketing, multimedia, entertainment and philanthropy with purpose. She is the chief executive officer of her nonprofit, Voice T.H.E. Movement Inc. Her passion is to encourage and inspire women and young girls. Ivy Box is also the author of The 365 Go Get H.E.R.S.® and The 365 Go Get HIS Guide. Box told us about her inspirations, nonprofit and book.
What do you consider your superpower to be?
The fact that I’m a woman of color is my superpower. I’m a first-generation born American-Haitian woman, that’s a superpower within itself.
What thoughtful or encouraging piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Live in the moment, nurture those relationships, and keep a diary, you have some amazing lessons to learn!
If you could thank any Black woman history maker for her contributions to society, who it would it be and why?
Michelle Obama, she represented us in the best way possible. She is the epitome of the saying, “I come as one, but I stand as 10,000.” She stood for us when we needed her the most. She represented for us when what seemed like the world had turned its back on us. She is fierce and allowed every bit of her light to shine. I am so thankful that millions even billions of men and women around the world got to witness her in her greatness.
Why is important for seasoned and experienced Black women to reach back and help younger women of color?
In the words of Mya Angelou, “when you learn, teach.” In my book, The 365 Go Get HERS Guide, I dedicate an entire chapter to giving back called “Pay It Forward.” It is up to us to empower, inspire, and guide those [who] come after us. It takes a village and if we want our tribe to flourish, we must prepare them for the road ahead.
How do you feel about the hashtag #CollaborationOverCompetition? What qualities or values do you deem indispensable in your business partners or collaborators?
I always tell people that no one does it alone, as much as it sounds good to say “I’m self-made” or “I did it on my own” it’s that’s extremely rare that that is actually the case. Even those shooting in the gym alone had help. Someone had to open the gym that day, someone created the court and the net, someone created the ball, someone influenced you to play. You get more done as a unit, as a team, so collaborations and partnerships are essential for growth in any endeavor. A partner that is compassionate, empathetic, and ethical, is always the ideal collaborator for me. I love good people and good energy, that’s how the magic happens!
What are your thoughts on taking risks? Making mistakes?
Risk taking can be exciting and the outcome can be rewarding. You just have to be smart about it, and not random with it. Take calculated risks, learn from the success and failures of the risks you’ve taken and the risks you’ve seen others take. Don’t take it personally if the risk doesn’t work out in your favor. There is always a lesson to be learned from it.
As a successful woman in technology, what is your greatest or proudest achievement?
I haven’t consumed myself in technology as much as I would like to, but I love finding out new technologies and implementing them in my everyday life or business. My nonprofit “Voice THE Movement” has a technology component and we aim to utilize technology to improve the quality of life of individuals. Discovering new technologies that aid in those efforts is always a great achievement!
If you could have any person in the world as a mentor, who would you choose and why?
Suzanne de Passe, she is a pioneer in music, television, film, and entertainment in general. She’s been a true Go Get HERS for decades now and is well respected in her industry.
