Move aside, contemporary so-called feminists. Meet the true powerhouse of the early 20th century: Evelene Brodstone. Born in Superior, Nebraska, in 1875, Brodstone is the type of unyielding spirit who'd make even the most devout liberal do a double-take, then begrudgingly doff their hat. Picture this: a woman stepping into the male-dominated corporate world long before it was mainstream or fashionable—and excelling beyond anyone’s wildest expectations or imaginations. She shattered glass ceilings while some were still figuring out how to halfway unlock the door.
Brodstone pulled no punches, wielding her razor-sharp intellect and unparalleled business acumen like a maestro conducting a symphony. Her meteoric rise in the business world was nothing short of a masterclass. Her weapon of choice? Numbers. She was a mathematician, but not just any mathematician. How about becoming a top executive at the Vestey Brothers, one of the largest multinational enterprises of the time, before 1920? When Brodstone joined it wasn’t just another hire; it was a revolutionary moment. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most powerful women in business is one for the history books.
Let's talk about the Vestey Brothers Company for a moment. It was a British-based meatpacking giant, and by the time she ascended to a top executive position—which she did in record time—Brodstone wasn't just involved in the company; she was helping lead its global strategy. Imagine not only comprehending but also dominating the intricacies of global logistics and finance at a time when women were thought to be more suited to cross-stitch than cross-continental shipping schedules. She was there, managing business transactions across countries and continents, outsmarting and outpacing her male peers at every turn.
Oh, you might think she was simply in the right place, at the right time. Wrong. Ever heard of turning challenges into opportunities? Brodstone was the embodiment of it. Navigating through the complexities of pre-WWI global business landscapes, much of which was new territory not just for women but for the industry, she did it with skill that would put many modern-day executives to shame. She made her mark during a time of upheaval, during times of war and economic instability, the sort of turbulent times that would test any leader’s mettle.
But let's look past her corporate triumphs for a moment and direct our attention to another aspect of her persona—the philanthropist. In an era when many were content to build wealth and never reach beyond their office walls, Brodstone became a beacon of humanitarian dedication. Even as she dealt with business dynamics that demanded her keen attention, she tirelessly contributed to building schools, hospitals, and churches. All this while maintaining her astute business duties, is this the sort of balanced life the so-called modern feminists preach but seldom practice?
When Evelene Brodstone passed in 1941, the world lost a trailblazer who had bridged the gap between brilliance and diligence, business, and benevolence. She had left an indelible mark on the pages of history, the kind that doesn’t fade away with time. Unfortunately, her story doesn’t get the airtime it deserves from those who preach inclusivity and feminist empowerment, perhaps because her story pushes against their favorite narratives—narratives that either paint women as perpetual victims or worse, endlessly marginalized.
This is the sort of history that should be taught in schools to inspire the next generation—stories that show true grit, determination, intelligence, and compassion as the tools to rise above societal constraints. Evelene Brodstone’s life is a testament to what happens when one does not merely ask for change but becomes the very change they wish to see. So the next time you hear about trailblazers, remember the name Evelene Brodstone. She wasn’t one to sit on the sidelines, waiting for the winds of change; she was a force that harnessed them.