Dr. Alissa Gardenhire
November 27, 2023
The word matriarchy—a system of society ruled by women—often makes me think of mothers. But not all women are mothers, so I sometimes hesitate to use it. Still, matriarchy isn’t about motherhood—it’s about womanhood, and those are not synonymous. As a woman who feels powerful, I love the idea of a society shaped by women, one that centers our well-being.
The idea of a world that serves and suits the needs of women excites me. Many studies have shown that when women’s health and financial stability improve—whether in families, communities, or nations—society becomes more stable and prosperous. Women who are healthy and empowered invest their resources back into their communities and families at much higher rates than men. So, it just makes sense that fostering the well-being of women is essential for the collective good.
Dreaming of a Woman-Centered World
I’ve been dreaming of this woman-centered world for about a year now. It began with an idea I called The Founding Mothers—a vision for re-imagining systems, governance, economy, and all domains of life with women’s well-being, desires, and satisfaction at the center. I still hold on to this dream and continue to develop ideas within this concept.
Women’s lives are always both personal and political. We have to work on both fronts to achieve the well-being we deserve. I started exploring ways to make this vision tangible through a retreat space I owned in Maplewood, NJ, called Chrysalis. There, we created a sanctuary where women could focus on Self, Health, and Wealth. While that retreat space no longer exists since I moved to Michigan, the vision hasn’t left me. I’m finding new, substantial ways to support women’s freedom and self-determination through Leadership Centered and UnBias Yourself.
Pivoting to a New Form of Support
Although my retreat space is gone, I’ve shifted my focus to coaching women in centering their own views and leadership decisions on what’s best for them—and for other women. Through Leadership Centered, I help women lead from the center, meaning they make decisions that prioritize their own needs and well-being, rather than societal expectations or external pressures.
This work still reflects the values I held at Chrysalis, but now it’s about empowering women to take control of their leadership journeys. It’s about creating a new kind of inclusive leadership that centers women and their needs in a way that fosters freedom, self-determination, and impact.
Spirituality: What’s It For?
Beyond leadership, I’ve been reflecting a lot on spirituality. Growing up, I wasn’t raised with a strong spiritual connection. My parents emphasized ethics, which guided me well enough for most of my life. It wasn’t until adulthood—when life got hard—that I started exploring spirituality as a way to find meaning.
I wonder: What’s spirituality really for? Is it just a way to cope with life’s difficulties? A way to soothe ourselves within systems that exploit us? When I look at how capitalism and patriarchy extract our life force and well-being, it makes me wonder if spirituality (and religion) simply placates us while the real issues remain unchallenged.
But I’m still hopeful. Maybe the spiritual practices many of us engage in—meditation, breathwork, shadow work, etc.—are contributing to the change we seek. Maybe, as we cultivate new ways of thinking, we’re collectively moving toward the end of late-stage capitalism and patriarchy. I’d like to believe that my ho’oponopono meditations and other practices are healing not just me but the world around me.
At the very least, these practices help us get through. They keep us grounded, connected, and focused on what matters, even as we work to change the systems that constrain us.
Join the Movement
If you’re a woman looking for support in reclaiming your power, centering yourself, and leading with intention, let’s connect. Through Leadership Centered, I’m helping women embrace their own leadership, break free from the systems that limit them, and create real change—for themselves and the world around them.