We The Women
There Is Room for All of Us: Let’s Talk About Women Supporting Women
By Yvette Tello · May 12, 2026
Read in the original edition on IssuuThese last few weeks, I have witnessed some pretty disappointing behavior among grown women, exclusion, competition, gossip, gatekeeping, and silent hostility. What is even more concerning is how normalized and socially acceptable this behavior has become. So much so, that many women no longer even recognize it as harmful when they experience it. And maybe that’s the real issue. Somewhere along the way, instead of building together, we learned to compete.
Instead of mentoring, we learned to withhold. Instead of collaborating, we learned to compare. But imagine if women truly aligned. Imagine women publicly supporting one another. Sharing opportunities instead of hiding them. Mentoring instead of gatekeeping. Referring clients instead of stealing them. Celebrating another woman’s success without feeling threatened by it. I have personally been blessed to encounter incredible women who did not know me from Adam, yet still chose to share their knowledge, wisdom, experiences, and opportunities with me.
For that, I will always be grateful. Those women understood that helping another woman rise does not diminish their own success. But not everyone is fortunate enough to experience that kind of support. And honestly, shame on us when we refuse to pay it forward. Recently, I have seen more division among women than ever before, especially within the same industries and circles. The truth is, there is enough room for all of us.
Another woman’s success does not take away from our own. Her win can, and should, be a win for all of us.
So why has exclusion and “mean girl” behavior become so normalized, especially in professional spaces? Why are mentorship and access treated like secrets instead of shared pathways? Why do some women feel more comfortable criticizing another woman than collaborating with her? Have you ever felt unsupported by other women? Have you experienced gatekeeping, exclusion, gossip, or competition culture? Have women mentors helped shape your life?
Share your experiences, good or bad, and what it did for you or to you. What changes would you like to see and how do we get there? There are no right or wrong answers. Let’s talk about it… #letstalkaboutit
Let's talk about it: what our community said
Printed replies from readers on our page-2 conversation.
“Women are jealous, possessive, spiteful and mean as hell. I haven't had a real best friend since the 8th grade. Females are vindictive, vicious, cruel. Not many people speak of this. Women don't respect relationships and marriage. I'm going to be 53 years old this year. I will never trust anyone ever again. I've learned to walk alone. It wasn't easy at first but I got used to it.”
Vanessa Lynn Lefebvre
“Women being catty or living in a “crabs in a bucket” mentality is just not for me. At various luncheons and community events, I notice some women making other women uncomfortable; competitiveness over awards, contracts, or simply because of how a woman dresses. Unacceptable. I’ve been in rooms where I’ve been talked about too. At this point in my life, I accept it, keep moving forward, and trust that God has greater things ahead for me. And truthfully, I pray for those women. Not a pity prayer; a real, honest prayer that God works in their hearts and that the Holy Spirit helps them become the version of themselves He created them to be. And for those who continue to move with venomous tongues… that’s okay too. I simply choose not to sit at their table or remain in their space. Discernment is all around us. Protect your peace, celebrate others loudly, and keep walking with purpose.”
Jaclyn Tacoronte
“I also feel that it also has to do with age… the older I get I feel like I am not hip enough to be part of some of these groups or organizations even when trying to get involved with their community…”
Janie Mcclinchie
“Very true!! I have spoken positive energy into rooms of many, including women. This isn’t a man’s world, it’s women belittling women, attacking women because they envy one’s success. Or, they don’t have enough merits, experience and self respect that they have to use negativity to attack another. I’m glad, in history I’ve never attacked my opponents to get elected. I’d rather die with dignity, integrity, respect and the one who made history as the first Latina, first woman and 1st to bring local, state, national, women leadership from the state, international and congressional awards for our Bexar County Clerk, Hon. Lucy Adame-Clark Office in only 7 years. This is an accomplishment, especially being the first Latina, and first woman since 1836 to be elected in Bexar by the people and raised by an amazing woman, Janie Adame and a Marine father who said “don’t stood to their level, it shows their up bringing, and how they want their own children to see how it’s ok to discriminate, disrespect another woman. It’s a circle of life Margaret Sandoval; “I miss the golden rule~ if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Women are incredible humans and life is hard enough for us. Support one another”
Lucy Adame-Clark
“I have learned to stay away from many of the social groups. Women's groups and clubs can be the harshest. Gossiping and false allegations are rampant. Ugh!! When I decided to confront some of those behaviors, the leader of a woman's club responded, "yes, we get many complaints about her behavior" then why allow it?? What's worse is when your close friends decide to hang out with those who have dragged your name through the mud. Loyalty does not exist anymore, the thrill of finding fault seems to be the focus. We could move mountains, if only, ....”
Pamela Shari Espurvoa-Allen
“Well said!”
Cecilia Castellano
“That same mentoring can also be applied to so many other situations helping to progress is nothing but positive”
Jesse Ramos
“The Story of my Life. Ever since Jr. High, it's been envy and females that pretend to be your friend. With employment, I do the best I can and move up the ladder. My supervisors notice and I am hated for it. As of now, I still get the evil eye. I swear, some women need to take hormone prescriptions! If they're not happy, they want you to be miserable. I'm one that's not ashamed or too good to give a compliment to another woman. Call me naive but I've learned a lot of lessons about envy. So I'm a loner most of the time. It's very rare that I'll find someone to trust.”
Vivian Ruiz
“I just want to say this as someone who’s still pretty new in this business. To the women who’ve been doing this way before me, I hope y’all know how important you are. Y’all were the ones who made the space for the rest of us. You worked hard, you learned things the tough way, and you kept going even when nobody was cheering you on. And even if people around you don’t always show it, there are women like me who see you and truly appreciate you. I’m thankful for the road you built. I’m thankful for the doors you opened. And I’m thankful you didn’t give up, even when people made you feel small. I just want you to feel respected. I want you to feel seen. And I want you to know your work didn’t go unnoticed.”
Angelica Negrete-Willborn
“Stay Super Strong and Pray”
Adriana G Saenz
“Love this Yvette Tello! Two grown “Christian women” were gossiping about ME, I was the one that introduced them. I asked one on the receiving end, was that gossip about me? She said yes. I asked her did you end it or try to defend my name? Her answer: “No.” So I told her since they are gossiping about me together, they can have each other and leave me out of all this drama. She told me the person that called is just jealous of you- IDC, they can have each other! Since then, the gossip tree grew and I lost more “friends” simply cause I knew the gossip. (which was just jealousy of a new person) It’s not even worth my time! I have an empire to build and other women to lift up.But I also know betrayal, exclusion and how it feels to be torn apart due to women who wound.”
Cyn Di
“Many people may feel that mimicking the behavior of those in power is a viable strategy for success, which could be contributing to the issue.”
Kathy Vale