When Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified, I was at a conference. This momentous day coincided with the New York Times’ inaugural New Rules Summit and I was lucky enough to be invited. Problem was, the hearing was scheduled at the same time; I kept desperately refreshing Twitter for updates.

During a break, I noticed a group of women huddled around a TV in the hotel lobby. Dr. Ford was bravely facing the senators and the nation. 

“Go, Dr. Ford!” one woman cried. “She’s doing great”, another one whispered to me. As more women gathered, I begged the front desk to turn up the volume.

There were women of all ages, many of whom sat on the floor, despite wearing expensive suits and stilettos. For the rest of the day, we were riveted. We cheered, jeered, sighed, threw our hands up in disgust. Many of us cried. I did.

Someone reached out and held Ashley’s hand. It was Tina Tchen, the head of the Times Up Legal Defense Fund. I spotted Katie Couric and Cecile Richards. At some point, I found myself next to Megan Twohey, one of the journalists who broke the Harvey Weinstein story and would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize.

What an honor to watch with these women. 

There is so much to say about that historic day, and so much that will continue to unfold, but the biggest thing I took away is that you must not isolate yourself.I think the most depressing part is not whether people believe Dr. Ford; but rather, do they care? We do. The women in this community do.

If you’re feeling triggered, don’t keep it inside. Lean on the people around you for support. Ask them how they’re doing and ask strangers too. Take care of yourself and as my mother says, make sure you’re drinking enough water.

Now go get paid.  

x Claire, Ladies Get Paid Founder