Tenacity is the quality or fact of being very determined. Being tenacious can be hard sometimes. However, it is an important lesson to learn early on in life. This lesson gives a real-life example of a woman who decided to chase her desires by being tenacious. It helps girls understand the importance of tenacity and how to incorporate the character trait into their lives and relationships.

Tenacity is holding on to a desire, even when you are told no. Life is full of “nos,” some are beneficial and some are not. A “no” can be a girl’s greatest ally. It can keep her safe, give her space, offer relief from stress or expectations and it also can also provide her with an opportunity to believe so strongly in herself that she becomes tenacious in her approach to defeating it. It’s at those times when a “no” absolutely needs to be turned into a “yes” that tenacity steps in with all its grit.

Think about the tenacious women in history who turned “nos” into “yeses.” Susan B. Anthony and her tireless efforts in the women’s suffrage movement. Gloria Steinem became a spokeswoman for the women in the workplace. Dr. Marie Curie was not allowed to attend college but found a way. Tenacity helps girls realize that a “no” isn’t an insult to their character, but an opportunity to broaden somebody's perspective.


Tenacity opens the door for girls to understand that there is always a way to pursue a goal, always something to dream about and always a “yes” to be found to the question whose time has come.

In an era when women couldn't vote, own property, attend most universities, were told how to dress and whom they would marry, Kate Warne was a woman who would rise above. She stood against the grain in such a brilliant manner that she saved a president and changed minds about women's roles during the 1800s.

Kate was the first woman detective, an accomplishment that she had to fight for. It was a man dominated profession, and many didn’t want her in it. Kate did not take “no” for an answer. In fact, I think every time she got a “no,” she smiled at the opportunity to turn it into a “yes.”

Kate was precise in what she wanted and determined to pursue it. While not much is written about her outside of her time as a detective, the information available is enough to use her legacy to show girls that life is full of “nos” and limitations—but they do not have to accept these or retreat in defeat. Chasing a yes, is one of life’s greatest adventures.