Letter to Gloria Steinem

Dear Gloria,

As someone who has followed and admired you since your founding of Ms. Magazine, and as a woman in your age demographic, I was truly uplifted and inspired by your recent interview with Alexis Benveniste for Allure.

Your continued dedication at the age of 92 to actively supporting women is such a profound gift. It feels especially meaningful in a time when women still face so many challenges and setbacks. Seeing you remain not only engaged, but passionate and outspoken, reminds me that purpose and impact do not diminish with age—they deepen.

On a personal level, your words about valuing “accomplishments” over “looking good” resonated with me in a way that felt both affirming and freeing. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of the subtle and not-so-subtle pressures placed on women to maintain a certain appearance, often at the expense of recognizing everything we’ve achieved. There have been moments where I’ve caught myself measuring my worth through that lens, only to feel it fall short of who I truly am.

But with time—and with voices like yours guiding the way—I’ve started to shift that perspective. I now find far more pride in the life I’ve built, the strength I’ve developed, and the ways I contribute to others, especially women. There is something incredibly empowering about reaching a stage in life where clarity replaces comparison, and purpose outweighs perfection.

Your example reinforces that aging is not something to resist, but something to step into fully—with wisdom, intention, and courage. It reminds me that every year adds not just experience, but value.

Thank you, Gloria, for continuing to lead, to speak truth, and to inspire women like me to embrace who we are becoming. Your voice continues to matter deeply, and your impact is felt across generations.

With deep gratitude and admiration,

LILLIAN GILDEN 

Founder & President

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