I was lucky enough to meet Gloria Steinem twice. One of my most treasured possessions is a photo taken of my mom and me with her 20 years ago, when she spoke at Harvard’s Kennedy School. My other encounter was at a book signing, where she penned an inscription for my mom: “Don’t give up! We get more radical with age.” So true!

I don’t have a specific memory of what it was like to meet her. I remember being in awe of her and then being struck by how down-to-earth she was. She was funny, and warm, and gracious.  She un-demonized the word “feminist,” at a time when “strident women” had all sorts of ugly connotations.  Because there she was, such a strong and beautiful presence.

I originally heard of Gloria when I was 13 years old, after getting my first pair of glasses. I was very self-conscious (along with my new braces, it was an awkward stage to be sure!). But then I overheard a woman speaking with my mother, after noticing my new glasses, and she agreed with my mother’s positivity, “They’re very ‘Gloria Steinem,’ aren’t they?” Suddenly, I wanted to be like Gloria Steinem, whoever that was!

Gloria had a way with words, spoken and written. She invited us to see the world how she saw it. The issue was that her words threatened the power structure. As I wrestled with the negative labeling of feminists, I appreciated how she encouraged all of us, women and men, to challenge the status quo. To see things differently and to advocate for more fairness. For the good of ALL of us.

Being in her presence was inspirational, and her speeches and writing were powerful. But what’s most powerful is that she encouraged us to talk amongst ourselves. To create talking circles, in-person whenever possible – a form of salons. She encouraged dialogue at a human scale, where we could tackle tough topics and learn from each other. I loved her egalitarian approach!

Gloria was criticized, along with many second-wave feminist leaders, for being too centered around white women. She countered that by being even more inclusive and recognizing intersectionality. Judging by the outpouring of support and stories from so many diverse people since she passed, I’d say she succeeded.

Her presence lit the way. She inspired my feminist journey. She was powerful without any formal position of authority. I loved hearing her speak at the first Women’s March in Washington, DC in 2017 (which I attended with my newly radicalized 80-year-old mother and many others). I read her works as background for Marching Toward Coverage and drew heavily on the “the personal is political” concept that she helped to popularize.

Her loss is hard to take. I loved knowing she was there. She provided a touchstone. (“What would Gloria say? What would she do?”)

The journey is far from over, and her legacy will continue to light the way. It’s up to us to take the torch — to keep talking and to keep marching.