I had the pleasure of meeting Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, and the first Black Woman to lead an NBA team, years ago at a fundraiser. I had read about her and heard her name mentioned several times for years prior to meeting her. When I think of how we met and the bond that we now share, I can see that meeting her was a divine alignment and a meeting of destiny. I was simply showing up to serve and I ended up meeting a lifelong sister in service and friend, just by being in the right rooms at the right times for the right reasons.
Before Cynt and I officially met, we kept seeing each other at various events that I was volunteering at or attending. You know, “they” say it means something if you keep running into the same person at various places. I like to think that is God’s hand at work, aligning your path with someone you are supposed to meet. It is as if he wants you to realize that you and this person have work to do for the Kingdom, so he takes the time and effort to ensure that you connect with them, even if it takes a few times for you both to realize it! On the day that we officially met, Cynt and I saw each other, and I remember her saying, “I keep seeing you at different functions. I need to get to know you better.” We exchanged information and from there, a genuine sisterhood bond blossomed beautifully and organically. Cynt took me under her wing and made herself available to me. In doing so and with her level of success and achievement, she helped show me my worth – without even realizing she was doing it. By seeing Cynt in action, she showed me what was possible. I have since worked to do the same for the beautiful women I meet while on my journey. As Cynt and I fostered our relationship, we talked about her now famous motto, “HASU,” or a “HASU Moment!” as she so
metimes refers to it. It stands for “Hook A Sister Up,” and means to give back! It means finding ways to serve and be a blessing!
When you can…Hook A Sister Up!
Cynt did not just coin this as a catchy hashtag, she epitomizes it daily. My relationship with her is simply one shining example of this—but there are countless others. Not long after exchanging information at the fundraiser, Cynt hooked this sister up and selected me to be a Mavs Ambassador. She also generously donated to my non-profit organization, Soul Reborn, which was created to transform the lives of women by equipping them with tools for life and business. Her actions showed me that she believed in my cause and wanted to link arms with me to continue serving, and this was just another way she’s helped me see my worth.
Sis, can you think of any women whose words and/or actions have helped you to see your worth?
Cynt’s sisterhood, our friendship, has been one of the most transformative relationships of my life. Her dedication to giving back has been infectious and has caused me to do the same within my network. I wholeheartedly believe in reciprocating, and I was sure to love on her and her family at a time when they needed it most. I arranged for a private chef to send meals to her home while her husband was receiving cancer treatment. It blessed my heart to be able to show my love and appreciation to Cynt and her family. She does so much for others, and it was important to me to make sure she knows she is loved and appreciated, and has someone who wants to create HASU moments for her!
In knowing and serving with Cynt, I have learned just how important it is for us to partner in service with others who share our beliefs and passions. We can do great things on our own, but we can accomplish much more together. As you think about the women in your life, I encourage you to take the time to do as Cynt and HASU! You could send her an encouraging and uplifting text message or email. You could send her a card, or even an article that she might find useful or helpful. Find a way to spread joy and remind your sisters of their worth. Sis, how will you show another woman her worth today?
Leave a Comment
Robin Emery-Thomas says
Incredible, inspirational & words that encapture how I want to uplift the sisters in my circle & love on them! Thank you Dr. Cheryl for always be a model of love, service & sisterhood. Your special friendship with Ms Cynthia Marshal inspire me to do more with my sister’s & continually looks for ways to -HASU.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Hi Robin – I absolutely love hearing that you want to inspire and uplift the queens around you! This is one of the many ways that we can make the world a better place. While it may not always seem like it, we really do have the power to change the world one smile, kind act, or hug at a time. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my article and comment. I am so glad that it resonated. Find a way to HASU today!
Love,
Cheryl
Tonee Shelton says
I had the pleasure of attending this phenomenal Women of Distinction Luncheon. I giggled at my table when I learned the phrase “HASU” but also knew that I would immediately spring into action implementing it.
I am pretty diligent about sharing information and resources with other women, as well as supporting their events, sending an inspirational text, or simply being available for a conversation. My next HASU project is connecting a young lady that used to be in my afterschool program to a bevy of resources now that she is in college. She’s brilliant and studying to enter my field, so it’s my duty to treat her to lunch, coach her through situations, make introductions and get her connected to financial options as she matriculates through college. HASU!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Tonee – what a beautiful light you are. Thank you so much for attending the luncheon a couple weeks ago. It was a joy to meet you, hug you, and sign your book. Your support means so much to me. Most of all, thank you for sharing your gift and your light with the world – through your poetry and the beautiful mentorship that you are providing to the young lady from your afterschool program. You are a gem and I can’t wait to keep watching how you impact the world with your heart, your words, and that smile. Keep shining!
Love,
Cheryl
Lydee says
Thank you so much for this informative and motivating article.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Hi Lydee,
I am so glad that you found my article informative and motivating. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. May God continue to bless you in all of your endeavors.
Love,
Cheryl
Lynn Lewis says
HASU! I love it! In reading your article, I realized that I practice HASU. More importantly, I felt a wave of gratitude come over me as I thought about the ladies (and a few men) who do so for me. Feeling extremely grateful for the opportunity to read this article. Thank you for sharing!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Lynn – I am so glad that you actively create HASU moments as they add so much richness to our lives. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. God Bless!
Stevie Swain says
Cheryl;
I love this testimony!! I must say, you my dear sister have spoken to my heart, mind and soul ever since our first interaction where you were a keynote speaker here in Cincinnati. Even though I’m older you’ve taught me how to accept and believe that I’m valuable based on the gifts God created me with.
You have allowed me to SERVE a multitude of phenomenal women just by inviting me to your table.
You dont just talk about it, you LIVE IT!! And for that I’m grateful!!
Thank you sweetie!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Stevie – you are forever my soul family. I hope you know just how much you mean to me. I feel blessed to know you & call you sister. I’m so glad I got to see you last week. Sending you the biggest hug.
Love You,
Cheryl
Maria Flowers says
If only we all lived by this code. Think of how powerful we could be.
I thank you Dr. Cheryl for leading the way by not just telling us but showing us how HASU should look like in life.
You have blessed me and through you, I have been blessed to meet other like minded women who send me an encouraging word when I need it and pray for me.
I thank God for you and Sisters like you for being a light in what can sometimes be a dark world.
Thank you!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Maria – you are such a beautiful soul & I feel so blessed to call you sister. I am so glad I got to see you at the luncheon. I am so proud of who you are and all that you have done. Keep shining & creating HASU moments.
Love,
Cheryl
Nicole Baker says
It’s beautiful to see how sisterhood can be fostered for the greater good. This is such a beautiful reminder that we are really better together so inspirational to see the two of you honestly!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you sweetie! I am so thankful that we connected. You are a STAR. Keep shining & creating HASU moments!
Nicole Baker says
It’s beautiful to see how sisterhood can be fostered for the greater good. This is such a beautiful reminder that we are really better together so inspirational to see the two of you honestly!
La Trisha McIntosh says
Thank you, Dr. Cheryl, for sharing this beautiful article about the power of sisterhood. It’s important for women to realize that supporting and connecting with each other is far more beneficial than competing. There’s enough success to go around for everyone. Also, I like the term ‘HASU.’ Please also extend my regards to Mrs. Marshall.
Aliah Henry says
Women supporting women is powerful. It’s beautiful to read your story that provides the gentle reminder of creating space and supporting one another.
Our potential is limitless and I enjoy seeing us all WIN!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Aliah – yes! You are 100% spot on. Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment!
CK says
Great article!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment, CK. God Bless!
Candice J. says
I LOVE this!!! Relationships are imperative; as a servant, I’m drawn to other servants and sisters!!! I will be intentional about it!!!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Hi Candice. Yes, exactly! You are so right. I am so glad that we are sisters in service, love that we have that in common. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment!
Dr. Michelle says
HASU!!!!!! Yessssss! I love that this phrase is now coined as a ‘giving back’ to our sisters! We definitely must remember to serve with our hearts, and with God leading our path, we will encounter many HASU Moments. Dr. Cheryl, you are my inspiration; how you love and give with your whole heart! Keep doing, serving, and honoring your sisters!
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Yes indeed! We must absolutely always remember to serve from a place of love. Thank you Dr. Michelle! I appreciate you for taking the time to read & comment.
Tiffany Crayton says
Thank you for always being a loving, supportive example and pushing to not just believing what could be, but what is. I love you Cheryl and the love you put in this world daily.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Hi Tiffany – thank YOU for your kind words and for being YOU! I am so proud of you & I thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment!
Janaé Willis-Beard says
HASU moments are beautiful! When I think about the beautiful relationships I have curated by allowing other wonderful women to share the space with me and intentionally inviting them into it, my heart becomes full. I desire to create that space and invite them into these spaces because I am only in my position because I was invited, the space was intentionally created for me. We are called to do life with one another, not in completion with each other.
Cheryl Polote-Williamson says
Hi Janae! Your words are so true & very powerful. I am so proud of you. Keep shining & creating HASU moments. God Bless!