There's no getting around hard work…

Although all of our interviewees have had great tips and advice for us about how to combine work and family, how to motivate ourselves during the tough times, how to find and build upon our passion and how to value ourselves, our relationships and our  experiences, they all have also referred to the need for hard work…

Nancy Mirabal, history professor at SFSU, spoke to us about the fact that while affirmative action may have opened the doors for some of us, it doesn’t take tests, study or write papers.  That all comes from hard work.

Similarly, Ramona Romero, Corporate Counsel at DuPont, spoke of the need to work really hard and to make a reputation of being a hard worker early on in one’s career.  She also joked with us about not having time to sleep. 

Sylvia Mendoza, journalist, author and speaker, told us that to make it in her profession you have to really "hustle."  Hard work, determination and perseverance are required traits for a freelance journalist.

Jeanette Cisneros, Medical Director of a Public Health Clinic, told us of *years* where she did not have a day off without actually leaving town.

In sum, these women all acknowledged that, in addition to support, opportunities, intelligence and skills, an absolutely necessary component of success is hard work.

So next time you believe that someone was just "lucky," remember that hard work always plays a part.  That also reminds each of us (including me!) that nothing takes the place of hard work — sometimes you just have to buckle down and do it.  Darn!