Celebrate Women in Business: Alicia McDowell – The Observer

Alicia McDowell

Taylor & McDowell Law

Tell us a little about yourself and your business: I I am a licensed attorney and my areas of focus are motor vehicle accident cases, personal injury and probate. I am from San Diego County California but have lived in Louisiana for over 15 years and consider myself a Louisianan at this point. When I am not practicing law, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have a desire to bring many youth activities to St. John the Baptist Parish. I hold Boys & Girls Clubs to heart and am a strong advocate for mentoring youth through my own experiences.

Who are some role models, and why?There are many women I look up to as role models, but if I had to pick five (5) I would say the following.

• My Mother (Alice McDowell) – Where would I be without a mother? She raised 4 children on her own and made it look easy. She always pushed me to see that there was nothing I could do. Everyone thinks their mother is great, but my mother is much greater! I love you mom!

• Judge Sylvia Taylor- Fair, passionate and caring. Sylvia is an inspiration to many, I love how she loves her community and pushes to see everyone succeed, a true class act.

• United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Justice Ginsburg is my role model because she went against the grain. She didn’t let the glass ceiling stop her in a male-driven world. “Every decision-making place is women.”

• Former First Lady Michelle Obama – Mrs. Obama is best known as the First Lady, but she is also a lawyer. Her intelligence, class and quiet stormy demeanor is something I strive to emulate in my career. “When they go down, you get high!”

• Maya Angelou – Her words have inspired and influenced many, she has said many things with grace. “I’m still up!”

Why is it important to be a role model and encourage other young women who want to go into business?

No She thinks it’s important to encourage and be a role model for other young women who want to go into business because it teaches them/shows them that they can break glass ceilings. There are so many ways but with persistence and determination the sky is the limit!

What advice would you give?

1. Make a plan – It’s easy to get stuck in life, but making a plan and sticking to it is key. 2. It’s okay to ask for help – I don’t know where I’d be without my mentors. 3. Pay it forward – Someone took a chance on me, so I think it’s important