Three powerful ladies!
The May issue of Glamour magazine is all about strong women -- so who better pose on the cover than First Lady Michelle Obama and actresses Kerry Washington and Sarah Jessica Parker?!
The chic trio stuns on the mag dressed in cream and peach hued frocks, as they open up about a special cause that is close to their hearts. These ladies already have a laundry list of commitments, but they are turning their attention to an important cause just in time for Memorial Day: Bringing aid to military women and families.
Early on in her husbands campaign, one of Michelle's jobs was to travel around the country and listen to women. She found that she was particularly touched by stories from military spouses and veterans.
"I was overwhelmed by their challenges, and the notion that we as a country don't even know that these women exist," she explains. "I thought that if I had the opportunity to serve as First Lady, I was going to use this platform to be their voice."
She then created Joining Forces which advocates for military families.
The "Scandal" star found that she could relate to Michelle's message, especially since her father served in the US military.
"There is this idea that those who serve are untouchable heroes," she says. "The more we hear what people are going through, [we realize] it's what every woman is going through. The challenges are just put under a magnifying glass because their lives are so extraordinary."
The "Sex And The City" alum also wanted to get involved with the mission, but struggled with where to begin.
"I feel intimidated by their service; I feel ashamed that I haven't served," she reveals. "So I almost feel like I'm patronizing by inquiring how to help. When you see a serviceman or woman, I always say, 'Thank you for your service.' But you know that's not enough. What do we do?"
Although the ladies' official plan is not outlined yet, Michelle emphasizes that the main goal is making sure that veterans who are struggling feel comfortable asking for help.
"We have to develop a culture of open arms and acceptance so that they feel comfortable saying, 'I'm a veteran. And by the way, I need little help.' This is something we need to do in this country around mental health as a whole—destigmatizing mental health."
What do you think of Michelle, Kerry and SJP's cause? Sound off below and read the full interview when the April issue of Glamour hits newsstands on April 14th!
