Mom to Sam, age 7, Noah, age 5 and Emily, age 2
Fairfax Station, VA
Nominated by Bradford Cheney:
Rebecca attends nearly every one of her children’s activities, concerts, soccer or t-ball games, all while working as managing partner of her own law firm, The Geller Law Group. Rebecca’s firm was founded on the principal that it is possible for a law firm to be both family friendly for its attorneys and provide high-quality legal services. The all-women firm was profiled in the New York Times in May 2015, and Rebecca was recently honored by Enterprising Women Magazine as an “Enterprising Woman of the Year.” In addition, Rebecca organized the coalition last year that successfully lobbied the Virginia State Legislature to change the state’s law allowing women to legally breastfeed in public.
Q&A with Rebecca
What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received?
As much as anyone can plan or schedule for the future, being a parent is about learning to roll with the punches when your kid is sick, school is closed due to half an inch of snow or they have a potty accident at the most inopportune time. Just when you think you’ve figured out what to expect from a certain stage of your child, they change and you have to adapt to an entirely new chapter.
How has motherhood changed your outlook on life?
My children have had several health scares that forced me to prioritize differently, and I no longer worry about minor annoyances like I used to. I also have a new-found appreciation for Amazon Prime, pharmacies with a drive-thru window, Netflix and minivans. Most importantly, I find beauty in small, everyday things when I stop and explore the world through the eyes of my children.
Describe a favorite mom moment.
I was on my way to give a speech to a conference of women business owners and hit major traffic. I arrived just a few minutes before my speech and found a parking spot, but the meter only accepted coins. I searched my purse and car but only found a few pennies – but of course, I found a cup full of Chuck E. Cheese tokens. I tried the tokens and laughed hysterically when the meter accepted them. After the speech, I brought quarters to feed the meter since I had not actually “paid” for my parking time – and laughed at how my children’s love of Chuck E. Cheese helped my career!
Who are your role models?
My grandparents fled Nazi Germany to escape the Holocaust and came to the U.S. with absolutely nothing. Their ability to overcome adversity and rise to success inspire me every day as I strive to emulate their perseverance and grit.
What goals do you have for yourself?
I want to continue growing my firm so we have at least 10 attorneys by 2020. At the same time, I want to continue prioritizing my involvement with my kids and maintain workplace flexibility so we can pave the way for other law firms to adopt forward-thinking employment policies. I’ve also been approached several times to run for elected office, which I plan to do when my children are older.
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