Kicking off another week by highlighting someone I fiercely admire, Denny Post. Back in August I flew out to Orlando while Denny was scheduled to be in town for meetings. Bonus that it ended up being a reunion of sorts with several women I met at Women’s Foodservice Forum way back in 2012 when I first started photographing conferences. Stories about the weekend festivites soon but for now a little more about about Denny…

What do you spend your time & energy on these days?

Advising founders and first time CEOs, representing the interests of various stakeholders as an independent member of five for-profit boards and giving back to my community through board service and fundraising for two nonprofits whose causes I am passionate about. In between, I love Pilates, strength training, binge watching Brit Box shows, traveling and playing every word game I can get into. My mom lived to 95 with all of her wits intact. I am determined to do the same!

Tell us about your pets:

I have three who live full time with us and two that visit for extended stays. Gracie the classic tabby runs the house, Swoozie, our tortoise shell zaftig kitty, tries to eat us out of house and home and Stella, our very big, very furry long-haired German Shepherd ,supplies all the unconditional love and deliver.y man protection we require. My two ginger grand cats, Bernie Mac and Ferguson, hang with us whenever my son Daniel travels.

What is something that gives you hope to press on during dark times?

I believe humans and our systems are essentially resilient and that we will ultimately reject those who would destroy our freedoms and fight for those who need our help. I also draw a lot in connection with good friends, young and old.

What’s one song that defines where you're at in this moment & why?

I listen to Keb Mo’s “Life is Beautiful” whenever I need a lift to remind me to be grateful.

What is something that keeps you up at night?

The way the world seems to be spinning out of control. My mother survived WWII in Poland and my father survived as an American soldier in the European theater. They held very different political views but I believe both would be appalled by the state of our world and the rise of authoritarianism. I worry for the next generations. We have to regain our senses and we have to fight back.

Steph Grant with Women's Foodservice Forum past chairs Denny Post, Edna Morris & Laurie Burns.

Recently, we learned that Jane Goodall passed. One quote specifically sticks with me...“It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us.” How do you hope "difficult" women show up during this time in America?

Women will lead the fight to reject the white Christian men who would push us down again and we will ultimately rise to rebuild this world.

You recently shared a story with me about your courageous mother. How has that story shaped your outlook on life?

She had such a deep survival instinct and demonstrated the ability to start again, over and over. She was brilliant, engaged and beautiful. Her sister was similarly resilient and intelligent. They inspire me to be stronger every day.

How would you like to see the world differently in your lifetime?

Peace and renewed respect for collaboration versus a “go it alone” masculine mentality. Action to repair the damage we have done to this planet. Rejection of those who would take us backwards and a belief that better days lie ahead.

Why did you decide to book a session with Steph? Any fun memories that stick out from that weekend?

I knew it would be a blast and wanted to encourage my friend Edna (who, in turn, encouraged Laurie and Jill to join) to take the opportunity. I respect Steph’s talent so much and love her as a person. I loved every minute.