50 Leading Women: Florence Shapiro

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, The Honorable Florence Shapiro. Florence served as the City of Plano’s First Female Mayor from 1990 to 1992. Shortly thereafter, she began her two-decades of service as a Texas State Senator. She was no stranger to the Plano Chamber as she served as President of the Women’s Division Board in 1976 and was named Citizen of the Year in 1986. She is truly a staple in our community and deserves a high regarded place in our city’s history for her pursuit in making a difference.

1. Do you remember your first time attending one of our Women’s Division events?

I remember vividly my first experience with Women’s Division in the early 1970’s.  It was a small group of women whose desire was to network with one another. We shared a bond for business and fellowship that to this day remains as do many of those friendships! I served as President of the Women’s Division of Plano Chamber of Commerce as one of my first leadership positions.

2. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

A leader is one who must always know the desires of the group she leads.  Too often, a leader forgets and gets out in front only to find the group is no longer following. A dear friend many years ago gave me a baseball cap with a double bill….one side said: “I am their leader” other side said:  “Which way did they go?”

3. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Workforce leadership, just like all leadership, must be earned.  It is a skill we work toward every day and then hope the accolades follow. When others see hard work, they will admire that and everything else follows.

4. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

Most important decisions as a leader are realizing you’re influencing a lot of people and asking yourself, will you influence for ‘Good” or just influence to be an influencer? The reality of a good leader is recognizing the difference.

5. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

Biggest joys as a leader is a very difficult thought.  My greatest accomplishment as a leader was being elected and reelected for 30 years by my community.  First, as a Plano City Council member and Mayor and then the Texas State Senate.  This is the affirmation of the highest in the field I chose, politics.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Today I believe the desired product of inclusion for all people is paramount.  These new opportunities should be available to all at every level of society. Many businesses and nonprofits have mastered the skills necessary for this mighty task.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Advice I would give my 25-year-old self…Don’t wish your life away…every phase is precious and hold on at every stage…. The Kenny Chesney song says “Don’t Blink”

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My advice for future women leaders would be stay true to yourself…do not change who you are for someone else or some cause! Leadership is earned not anointed. Have trust in yourself and move forward with pride!

9. Who inspired you and why?

When I was in high school in Dallas, the mother of a close friend of mine was on the Dallas City Council, the only woman by the way! I admired her so very much. I watched her style, not aggressive. I watched her approach to working with others, collaborative and she made a difference in Dallas and influenced me later to act similar.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for integrity, honesty, and hard work during my years of service to my community!