Women carry the world’s children, climb the tallest mountains, earn the highest degrees, govern nations, earn gold medals, protect nations during combat and win Nobel Prizes.
So it’s no surprise that they transform the workplace, too. According to representatives from 16 companies across the country, women don’t just make an impact at work — they embody this impact in their words and actions, inspiring others to follow suit.
They oversee the success of critical business functions, such as regulatory compliance and product strategy. Many of them recognize setbacks as learning opportunities, and instead of cowering in the face of adversity, they push back harder, knowing that challenges are the gateway to growth.
But perhaps the most important commonality that unites these women isn’t just the way they get work done — it’s the way they make others feel, whether that’s “connected,” “more resilient” or “welcomed.” In doing so, these women give others the confidence and space to flourish, making them a catalyst for positive change.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we asked representatives from 16 companies to highlight a woman who has redefined their workplace with their talent and character, and their responses illustrate just how powerful women can be when given the opportunity to shine.
Apptronik builds robots that are designed to improve human quality of life and solve labor shortage issues.
Here’s what Senior HR Generalist Tyler Baranowski had to say about HR Director Tricia Vanderhoof.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
I chose to showcase Tricia Vanderhoof, our HR director, because she is the full package. She’s got the leadership skills, the people-first mindset and the business savvy to make a lasting impact — and it’s a rarity to have all three. She oversees recruiting, onboarding, payroll/compensation, employee relations, culture initiatives and everything in between. I want everyone to know how amazing she is and just how important her leadership is to our team and the entire organization.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
She leads with empathy and integrity, creating an environment where feedback flows freely and everyone feels empowered to do their best work. She strikes the perfect balance of autonomy and support, coaching people through questions such as, “How would you have handled that?” or “What have you tried so far?” rather than just handing out answers. Because she involves us in goal-setting, we feel truly invested in what we’re working toward, leading to a track record of consistently hitting our goals. She celebrates wins, both big and small, rolls up her sleeves to work alongside us and ensures we always have a clear understanding of company priorities by keeping us informed. Her leadership makes us feel connected, valued and driven to grow.
“Her leadership makes us feel connected, valued and driven to grow.”
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Her encouragement has completely shifted the way I approach challenges — both at work and beyond. Because she leads with curiosity and trust, I’ve learned to solve problems with confidence instead of second-guessing myself or waiting for the “right” answer. Her coaching style has taught me to step back, assess situations thoughtfully and take action with clarity. She also reminds me that setbacks aren’t failures — they’re learning moments, which has made me more resilient and adaptable in tough situations. Whether it’s tackling a big project or navigating a difficult conversation, I find myself using her approach: stay calm, ask good questions and focus on solutions.
Monte Carlo’s data observability platform is designed to enable teams to detect anomalies, triage incidents and fix data issues quickly.
Here’s what Global Head of Recruiting Brenda Tern had to say about Head of Sales Development Carli Monterastelli.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Carli Monterastelli is our head of sales development and is pivotal in driving our sales team’s success. In her current role, she manages and leads a dynamic group of over 15 global sales development representatives, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, support and motivation needed to excel. I chose to highlight Carli because she is not only an exceptional leader but also one of the most genuine and inspiring individuals at Monte Carlo. She leads with empathy, always prioritizing the well-being and growth of her team. Carli fosters a culture of collaboration, mentorship and continuous improvement, making her a role model for those around her.
“She leads with empathy, always prioritizing the well-being and growth of her team.”
Beyond her leadership capabilities, Carli is a true embodiment of our company’s core values. She is one of our strongest advocates, consistently championing the professional development of her team members and Monte Carlo’s overarching mission. Her dedication, authenticity and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our organization.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Carli’s impact goes far beyond her immediate team. She has continuously inspired those around her to strive for more, whether that’s in their personal career growth or in achieving business goals. One of the most notable ways she has done this is by fostering an environment where professional development is not just encouraged but actively supported. Several members of her team have been promoted into leadership roles and transitioned into other departments within the company — a testament to her mentorship and investment in their success.
Carli is a trusted voice in shaping the future of our team and company culture. Carli is frequently asked to participate in the hiring process, ensuring we bring in individuals who align with our values and add new perspectives to our culture. Her ability to identify and nurture talent has been instrumental in strengthening our organization. Additionally, Carli is never afraid to ask hard questions, whether that involves challenging the status quo, pushing for better solutions or advocating for her team. Her courage and willingness to have difficult conversations make her a leader who others look up to and respect.
Calm’s mobile app offers audible content that supports sleep, meditation and relaxation and is available in seven languages across 190 countries.
Here’s what Senior Director of Engineering Operations Priya Cutts had to say about Senior Security and Compliance Manager Jennie Siemsen.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Jennie Siemsen is the senior security and compliance manager at Calm, where she plays a critical role in ensuring security best practices and regulatory compliance. She leads policy development, security program implementation, audits, training and incident management to keep Calm aligned with industry standards. What sets Jennie apart is her ability to drive Calm’s security culture through influential leadership and collaboration.
Her approach is practical, adaptable and open to feedback, making her easy to work with. When something needs to get done, Jennie leads with efficiency and care, staying calm under pressure. Beyond technical expertise, she fosters a culture of trust, excellence and teamwork. Jennie led Calm through complex certifications like the Health Information Trust Alliance HITRUST and System and Organizational Controls 2, tackling challenges with precision. No matter the task, she makes it feel achievable, motivating the team. Jennie doesn’t just manage security — she elevates those around her, inspiring collaboration and pride in our work.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Jennie earns the respect of everyone she works with, and it’s easy to see why. Since joining Calm, she has been integral to guiding us through the HITRUST and SOC 2 certification processes. Jennie took charge, working independently across departments, streamlining the process, and keeping the team motivated, particularly during the push for HITRUST certification. She leads by example, inspiring everyone to meet deadlines and keep moving forward.
What sets Jennie apart is her ability to lead with both expertise and empathy. She is deeply invested in the success of those around her, not just focusing on her own tasks. Jennie has a rare ability to balance diving into the details while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Working with her means having a true collaborator, someone always willing to offer guidance, support and strategic insights. Even while managing heavy responsibilities, Jennie takes time to connect with others, listen and offer help when needed most. Her positive attitude, dedication and high standards make her a natural leader who inspires everyone to do their best. Simply put, Jennie motivates those around her to bring their best, individually and as a team.
“Her positive attitude, dedication and high standards make her a natural leader who inspires everyone to do their best.”
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Jennie’s attitude and professionalism have profoundly influenced how I approach challenges. She tackles obstacles with a positive “can-do” mindset that inspires everyone around her to do the same. No matter how tough things get, she leads by example, showing that persistence and optimism can turn any challenge into an opportunity.
What I admire most is her balanced approach — she’s not just optimistic but also realistic. She blends practicality with humor, making even the toughest situations manageable. She takes deep pride in her work and ensures those around her have what they need to succeed. Her encouragement has shown me the power of resilience, teamwork and staying adaptable under pressure.
Most impressively, Jennie makes hard work feel fulfilling. Even under tight deadlines, she takes time to connect, support others and foster a collaborative spirit. She’s always willing to lend a hand, share insights or simply check in, reminding us that challenges are best faced together. Working with her has taught me to stay focused on results while keeping things human — a lesson I now apply in both my professional and personal life.
Crunchtime’s operations software is designed to help multi-unit restaurants manage profitability, drive greater customer experiences and grow with confidence.
Here’s what the Crunchtime team had to say about Staff Business Systems Engineer Eileen Murray.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Her name is Eileen Murray, and she’s our staff business systems engineer. I chose to showcase Eileen because she has been a constant presence in my entire career at Crunchtime. I value hearing her thoughts and opinions about new feature development as well as troubleshooting incoming defects.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Eileen consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to understanding the intricacies of our software products. She takes the time to thoroughly learn its complexities, ensuring she has a comprehensive grasp of its functionality and underlying systems. Beyond her own learning, she actively shares her knowledge with others, helping teammates navigate challenges and deepen their understanding. Her willingness to explain difficult concepts and provide guidance fosters a stronger, more knowledgeable team, ultimately contributing to our overall success.
“Her willingness to explain difficult concepts and provide guidance fosters a stronger, more knowledgeable team, ultimately contributing to our overall success.”
Eileen is known for her thorough documentation, creating reference pages for both the support and engineering teams to troubleshoot issues effectively. She has also made multiple Loom videos and hosted knowledge transfer sessions to enhance team understanding of our products. Eileen embraces challenges, proactively learning new areas, conducting research and seeking help when needed. Her dedication and problem-solving mindset make a significant impact on our collective success.
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
“Give a person a fish, and you feed them for a day; teach a person to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime.”
Augury’s software offers manufacturers and other industrial organizations with insights into the health of their machines, processes and operations.
Here’s what Senior Manager of Corporate Communications Angela Santillo had to say about Senior Director of Global Community Stephanie Hartsog.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
At Augury, we harness AI to help manufacturers work smarter, safer and more sustainably — and Stephanie Hartsog is at the heart of ensuring our customers thrive. As senior director of global community, she’s a powerhouse leader who brings energy, strategy and an unwavering focus on customer success. If “customer advocacy” had a face, it’d be hers.
Stephanie collaborates across teams to shape an informed, engaged and empowered customer community. She keeps a pulse on industry challenges, leads our industry advisory board and ensures insights are shared to drive impact. Stephanie and her team don’t just build programs — they elevate the entire customer experience.
The Game-Changing Initiatives That Hartsog Has Helped Launch
- Helped create The Endpoint, Augury’s first online user community
- Transformed education and enablement resources
- Captured powerful customer stories
- Built a seamless tech adoption methodology
- Created our customer awards and incentives
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Stephanie doesn’t just drive initiatives — she makes impact and value visible. She quantifies success in a way that ensures everyone knows how her work is transforming the customer experience. Always tracking company goals, she navigates shifting strategies without ever losing sight of the bigger picture.
But what truly sets her apart? Her unwavering commitment to her team. She trusts them to own their work, celebrates their wins in every meeting and fights for their recognition and growth. She never seeks the spotlight for herself — she shines it on those around her. Her leadership inspires fierce loyalty. I’ve heard her team say more than once that she’s the best manager they’ve ever had — and that they’d follow her anywhere. Watching Stephanie in action, you can’t help but ask yourself: How can I bring more meaning to my work and the people around me?
“She never seeks the spotlight for herself — she shines it on those around her.”
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Rising through the ranks at Augury, I faced new challenges as my team grew. Stephanie became my go-to sounding board, offering invaluable advice on building a cohesive, collaborative team. From running more impactful one-on-ones to leading engaging team meetings — and even bringing more fun into the mix — her insights transformed the way I lead. Thanks to her guidance and example, I’ve become a more confident, focused and creative leader. Stephanie doesn’t just lead her own team — she lifts up leaders across the company.
Jellyfish’s platform is designed to help engineering leaders align their teams’ work with strategic business objectives, offering insights on team health and performance, investment allocations and project progress.
Here’s what the Jellyfish team had to say about Group Product Manager Alexa Lytle.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Alexa Lytle joined at Jellyfish over two and a half years ago as a product manager on a new team focused on delivery management. Her mission in this role was to build software that helps software engineering teams track deliverables, diagnose roadblocks and increase predictability. She was recently promoted to a group product manager title where she not only mentors two product managers but also drives our broader strategy for how Jellyfish helps frontline managers build and run software delivery teams. She articulates the product vision and strategy, which is executed in partnership with product design and engineering, and works with the go-to-market team to ensure that we are in lockstep as we learn from our customers and prospects. She plays a meaningful role in educating companies about Jellyfish via webinars and other forums for thought leadership within the delivery space.
As Alexa’s manager, I’ve watched her consistently raise the bar for herself, and in doing so, is a role model for others around her. She brings a positive and productive lens to problem-solving — the messier the challenge, the better. The passion she brings to her work inspires me daily.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
One of Alexa’s superpowers is her discovery toolkit. With prior experience in UX research, she's particularly effective at gaining a deep understanding of user pain points. In her first year at Jellyfish, she and her team launched an innovative tool called Scenario Planner that has become an invaluable feature for our customers. Successful products such as this start with deep empathy for a problem, and Alexa hit a bull’s-eye with her research. She’s quick to share this superpower with others, providing team-wide training sessions as well as ad hoc coaching to many.
Additionally, Alexa’s growth-oriented mindset is inspiring to those around her, myself included. She views every challenge as a chance to stretch herself in a different way. There is a deep power to this type of framing. It means she attracts opportunities because people know that she is more than capable, which manifests as more time spent in new or different areas, leading to meaningful growth. At one point, she found herself as acting product manager for multiple teams at the same time. Unsurprisingly, she quickly saw the benefits of the broader visibility by using this unique situation to each team’s advantage.
“She views every challenge as a chance to stretch herself in a different way.”
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
I observed Alexa become a leader before she became one on paper. This is a mindset I recommend for anyone looking to grow in their career and is one that I try to apply myself. Her propensity for growth, her passion for her team and her work, and her maturity to see the big picture provide inspiration for how I can approach my day-to-day work.
I am also growing in my career. I bump into challenges constantly, and Alexa and her coworkers provide wonderful examples for me on how to navigate those. And they’re also quick to provide the support I need when I’m stretched. I am thankful to have women on my direct team, throughout the Jellyfish org and in my broader network to learn from.
PatientPoint’s software connects patients, healthcare providers and life sciences companies with information that drives informed care decisions and stronger patient engagement.
Here’s what the PatientPoint team had to say about Senior Data Scientist Kimberly James.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Kimberly James is a senior data scientist for PatientPoint. Shortly after joining the organization in 2021, she expressed interest in joining the organization’s first DEI+B Council, which is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion and belonging. It became evident very early on that Kimberly’s intellect and passion for building community would be a game-changer for the work of the council. Her willingness to share, be vulnerable and be boldly authentic created just the right environment for others to follow suit. This in turn helped guide the council’s efforts and positively impact the quality of our programming efforts.
“Her willingness to share, be vulnerable and be boldly authentic created just the right environment for others to follow suit.”
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
When the idea of a caregivers ERG was floated around, Kimberly jumped right in and demonstrated outstanding focus in translating a vision into reality. Kimberly took the time to understand the needs and interests of employees while carefully curating topics based on comprehensive feedback. This strategic and inclusive approach ensured that the We Care ERG was not just a platform for engagement but also one that resonated with the employees on a deeper level. Kimberly’s sense of personal accountability was evident in her commitment to not only conceptualize the ERG but also oversee its execution from start to finish. The content she curated and the resources shared with the organization took into account the diversity of the organization and demonstrated understanding of the importance of “meeting people where they are.”
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
When I think of Kimberly’s impact on me specifically, the word that comes to mind is grace; give it to yourself and freely give it to others. In these trying times, grace is something we really don’t have to work at if we truly see that we are more alike than we are different.
Fluent’s commerce media solutions are designed to help brands more closely connect with engaged customers and increase revenue at key touchpoints across the customer journey.
Here’s what the Fluent team had to say about Senior Vice President of Marketing Jessica Batty.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Jessica is the senior vice president of marketing, and she’s an absolute powerhouse. She doesn’t just lead — she challenges the status quo, pushes for growth and finds a way forward, no matter the obstacle. If you tell Jess something isn’t working, she won’t just accept it; she’ll empower you to rethink, adapt and own the solution. Her ability to navigate change and keep things moving makes her an essential part of our team’s success. She has an uncanny ability to spot potential roadblocks before they even happen, keeping everything running smoothly. She also fosters collaboration across teams, encourages innovation and leads with a mix of sharp strategy and inclusivity. Since I met her, she’s been a driving force in making Fluent a leader in performance marketing, constantly keeping us ahead of the curve.
What makes Jess truly stand out is her ability to balance big-picture strategy with getting things done. She pushes us to think critically, move fast and embrace change with confidence. And the best part? She does it all with decisiveness, humor and a leadership style that turns challenges into opportunities, making even the most high-pressure moments feel manageable.
“She pushes us to think critically, move fast and embrace change with confidence.”
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Jess leads by example, setting the bar high for strategy, execution and accountability. She challenges the team to think bigger, take ownership and push beyond the obvious. When things shift, she doesn’t hesitate — she quickly realigns priorities, streamlines efforts and keeps everyone focused on what actually moves the needle. To her, challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re just new problems to solve.
But it’s not just about the work — she invests in people. She makes time for mentorship, offers honest feedback and creates an environment where people feel empowered to take risks and grow. As our CEO Don Patrick puts it, “Jessica Batty is a natural leader who inspires trust, drives innovation and navigates challenges with grace and determination. Her ability to foster collaboration and communicate effectively naturally builds trust and support with others — both within Fluent and with our partners. Most importantly, Jessica’s unwavering belief in herself and her vision propels teams forward, igniting passion and unlocking potential.” Her leadership keeps the team moving forward with confidence, ensuring that while we’re driving results, we’re also growing and constantly evolving.
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Jess has a way of turning obstacles into opportunities, which has changed the way I approach challenges — both professionally and personally. She’s taught me that problem-solving isn’t just about anticipating issues; it’s about adapting, moving quickly and staying confident in the face of change. She knows that marketing isn’t about finding one perfect answer. Rather, it’s about testing, iterating and staying open to new possibilities.
Her ability to lead decisively and with a sharp sense of humor makes even the toughest work situations more manageable. She keeps the team focused while bringing levity to high-pressure moments, making challenges feel a little less daunting. Watching how she navigates fast-moving situations with clarity and composure has shaped how I think about leadership. Whether it’s tackling a complex project, stepping into bigger responsibilities or even the selfless way she fosters dogs between meetings, I constantly find myself applying the lessons I’ve learned from her.
Cin7 aims to reduce the cost, time and effort of selling products, providing software that connects sales channels, inventory and accounting in one system, which enables businesses to forecast more effectively and handle orders more easily.
Here’s what the Cin7 team had to say about Software Engineer Katie Thomas.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Katie joined our New Zealand engineering team as a graduate software engineer three years and three months ago. Her growth within the company has been remarkable — after just one year and nine months later, she was promoted to software engineer. In that time, she has become an integral part of our team, known for her technical excellence, collaborative mindset and willingness to take on challenges.
Katie is a key contributor to our engineering projects, particularly in complex integration tasks, investigative problem-solving and improving team efficiency. She has played a significant role in setting up virtual accounts for integrations, making testing much easier for the team. Her strong work ethic, adaptability and attention to detail make her a standout team member, and her dedication to mentoring newer developers strengthens our team as a whole. We are highlighting Katie because she exemplifies what it means to be a proactive, supportive and high-performing team member.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Katie’s passion for continuous improvement and her proactive approach to problem-solving have inspired those around her. She is highly receptive to feedback and treats it as a collaborative effort, making it easy for colleagues to work with her. Her technical contributions are invaluable, and she is also quick to step in when challenges arise. She immediately offers her help, provides solutions and ensures a smooth resolution. Her ability to analyze and identify issues quickly makes her an essential resource for investigation tasks, helping the team prevent delays and address technical challenges effectively.
Beyond her technical impact, Katie’s leadership through knowledge-sharing is equally impressive. She ensures that documentation is well-maintained, adding detailed notes to her pull requests and keeping tickets updated with relevant information. This meticulous approach enhances collaboration and keeps projects running efficiently. Her support for newer developers has also been crucial in strengthening the team’s capabilities. She not only mentors but also creates an environment where others feel empowered to learn and grow.
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Katie’s optimistic and solution-focused mindset has had a lasting impact on those who work with her. Whether tackling complex stock syncing issues or leading in-depth investigations, she approaches every challenge with determination and a problem-solving attitude. Her confidence in facing new and unfamiliar tasks serves as a reminder that challenges are opportunities for learning and improvement.
“Katie’s optimistic and solution-focused mindset has had a lasting impact on those who work with her.”
Her engagement outside of the engineering team further demonstrates her commitment to making a difference. She has participated in ShadowTech for two years in a row, helping inspire young girls across New Zealand to explore careers in tech. Additionally, she played a key role in launching our Cin7 Code Club, where she tutors children aged six through 12 in coding. Her involvement in these initiatives reflects her dedication not only to her own growth but also to fostering the next generation of tech talent. Katie is the kind of colleague who makes an impact far beyond her own work.
DFIN provides end-to-end risk and compliance solutions related to mergers and acquisitions, sustainability reporting, driving stakeholder engagement and more.
Here’s what Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Enablement Molly McGregor had to say about Vice President of Marketing for Global Capital Markets Gwen Nugent.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
As part of International Women’s Day, I am thrilled to recognize Gwen Nugent, our vice president of marketing for DFIN’s global capital markets business. Gwen is the powerhouse behind our marketing strategy for this segment, leading everything from content and product marketing to digital campaigns, branding, partnership marketing and events. As a key member of my leadership team, Gwen has been an invaluable partner to me as I’ve navigated my early days at DFIN. With over 20 years at DFIN and its predecessor company, RR Donnelley, she brings deep industry expertise and institutional knowledge while fully embracing DFIN’s evolution into a software provider.
Gwen’s approach to marketing is both innovative and data-driven. She leverages advanced analytics to understand market trends and client behavior, ensuring our strategies are always ahead of the curve. Gwen also champions collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, as she actively engages with internal and external stakeholders to align marketing efforts with broader business objectives. In this way, Gwen exemplifies DFIN’s “Win as One” culture.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
What stands out most about Gwen is her growth mindset and how she has not only embraced but actively driven DFIN’s transformation into a software business. Marketing is evolving alongside our business, and Gwen has aligned her team with our software growth goals to build a multi-channel marketing strategy that highlights how DFIN’s solutions support clients in their most important work. From our content-rich website to product-focused webinars and hands-on client events, Gwen ensures that every touchpoint communicates the value our solutions can provide. This approach has enhanced our client engagement and significantly improved our lead generation and conversion rates.
Beyond her strategic expertise, Gwen fosters an energetic, positive culture that keeps the team motivated. Whether it’s rocking matching t-shirts with accounting puns at client events that read “It’s Accrual World” or debating the best Super Bowl ads in our team chat, she brings enthusiasm and creativity to everything she does. As we continue our software transformation, Gwen keeps the team focused, motivated and moving fast — delivering real impact for our business and our clients. We’re lucky to have her leading the way.
Allwyn North America operates lotteries across North America, offering technology and services, content and playbooks in an effort to help lotteries increase their player base, revenue and returns to good causes.
Here’s what Public Relations Manager Olivia Bellon had to say about Vice President of Corporate Affairs Emilia Mazur.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Emilia Mazur, vice president of corporate affairs, oversees our corporate affairs team, including our public relations, public affairs and corporate social responsibility departments. Her leadership is invaluable to our team. She is a sharp, witty and knowledgeable woman with an extensive background and experience in the lottery and gaming industry. Beyond her excellent team leadership, she’s a delightful person to be around and makes our work environment an even more enjoyable place to be.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Emilia consistently inspires me and others on our team by encouraging us to be proactive and take on challenges that push us to grow. She has a keen ability to recognize potential in people and isn’t afraid to challenge them in ways that ultimately lead to professional growth.
She recently approached me with an opportunity to take on a leadership role within a project of our larger, global organization. Her confidence in my talent and skillset has motivated me to rise to the occasion when new opportunities arise, and as a result, I’ve delivered higher-quality work and developed new skills. Emilia creates an environment where challenges aren’t something to shy away from but rather opportunities to learn and improve. Her approach helps individuals advance in their careers and drives the entire team toward achieving bigger business goals.
“Her confidence in my talent and skillset has motivated me to rise to the occasion when new opportunities arise, and as a result, I’ve delivered higher-quality work and developed new skills.”
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Emilia’s encouragement has had an impact on the way I face challenges in both my professional and personal life. One of my favorite things about Emilia is her incredibly sharp, witty sense of humor. I remember even in my first week at Allwyn, she had me laughing, immediately breaking the ice and making me feel welcomed as the new person on the team. I also admire and respect how decisive she is, which helps to create an environment where obstacles feel more manageable and we can work efficiently. Thanks to Emilia’s guidance, I’ve learned to approach challenges with a lighter heart and a clearer mind, knowing that even the toughest moments can be met with both resilience and a smile.
Travel marketers from airline companies, hotel chains and elsewhere can use Sojern’s platform to target ideal travelers, manage campaigns, engage with guests and more.
Here’s what Director of UX and Creative Services Laura Barker had to say about Digital Designer Missy Mohammad.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Missy Mohammad is a digital designer responsible for creating engaging digital ads that help our customers run successful campaigns. She’s also the subject matter expert for design best practices, particularly for our hotel chain clients. Beyond her design work, Missy has become a go-to resource for her teammates, always eager to share insights and improve processes.
What makes Missy stand out is her proactive approach to learning and growth. She doesn’t wait for challenges to come to her — she seeks them out. When our team started supporting email design, Missy had already taken the initiative to ask questions, learn about the process and understand potential challenges. Because of this, she was one of the first to test the process and share feedback. Her curiosity, attention to detail and willingness to embrace new challenges have made her an invaluable part of the team.
“She doesn’t wait for challenges to come to her — she seeks them out.”
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Missy has a way of motivating those around her simply by leading with curiosity and dedication. She actively seeks feedback, applies it immediately and looks for ways to improve not just for herself but for the team.
One of the best examples is her mentorship of a new designer who started as an intern. She helped them learn workflows, provided guidance and ensured they felt supported. Thanks to Missy’s mentorship, they completed 61 percent more design cases than what was expected from someone at that level, resulting in the decision to hire them full time.
Missy has also become a trusted resource for our strategic accounts team, supporting major hotel brands by refining design templates and ensuring smooth creative updates. Her willingness to take on new challenges and support her colleagues encourages all of us to push ourselves, collaborate and take more ownership of our work.
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Missy’s mindset and willingness to ask questions, tackle challenges head on and continuously seek improvement have been a powerful reminder that growth is a choice. She doesn’t wait for opportunities to come to her; she creates them. Watching her navigate new responsibilities with confidence has encouraged me and others on the team to step outside of our comfort zones. Missy’s curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to growth make her not only a great designer but also someone who inspires those around her to push themselves in the best way possible.
AdCellerant specializes in digital marketing, offering software that helps businesses build proposals, launch campaigns and more, in addition to solutions that support various aspects of marketing, such as SEO and website development.
Here’s what the AdCellerant team had to say about Senior Product Manager Ricky Cutler.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Ricky is a senior product manager focused on the proposals and orders area of AdCellerant's application. She teams up with employees from engineering, design, sales, operations and everyone in between to get a clear picture of what users need and where they’re facing challenges. Her day-to-day work involves brainstorming new features, prioritizing tasks and making sure the system is easy and enjoyable to use. It’s a lot to balance, but Ricky loves seeing how her work helps clients succeed. The best part is collaborating with so many talented people – it’s definitely a team sport.
We wanted to highlight Ricky because of the incredible impact she has on both her team and our products. She consistently demonstrates leadership in her role, making sure that every voice is heard and that collaboration drives success. Her dedication to both her professional growth and her team’s growth, as well as her ability to manage multiple priorities, is inspiring. Ricky truly embodies the spirit of teamwork, and it’s clear she’s making a significant difference at AdCellerant.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Ricky strives to create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas. She encourages open dialogue, listens to diverse perspectives and welcomes feedback — even the critical kind — to ensure all voices are heard. In team meetings and brainstorming sessions, Ricky fosters an environment where no idea is dismissed, knowing it may inspire the next solution. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she actively participates in meetings, shares her ideas and challenges assumptions, ensuring that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.
“She encourages open dialogue, listens to diverse perspectives and welcomes feedback — even the critical kind — to ensure all voices are heard.”
Ricky values recognizing achievements, both big and small, and celebrates milestones while learning from setbacks as a team. She believes product development is collaborative, with each team member’s contributions deserving credit. In the fast-evolving tech world, especially with AI, Ricky encourages her team to stay curious, ask questions and keep up with trends. She also leads by example, constantly learning and growing, and is taking continuing education classes at Cornell University, proving that it’s never too late to learn something new.
Jabra Hearing develops a variety of hearing aid solutions, offering an online test designed by audiologists that enables consumers to gauge which product suits their needs.
Here’s what Chief Operations Officer Deri Winston had to say about Director of Audiology Katie Keese, who holds a doctorate of audiology and received the Certification of Clinical Competency in Audiology.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are pleased to recognize Katie Keese, director of audiology for Jabra Hearing. Katie is an exceptional leader who inspires her team to achieve great things while also providing compassionate care to customers. Katie oversees a team of 33 audiologists and hearing aid dispensers licensed across the United States. As the leading clinical voice for the company, she ensures all projects and initiatives maintain high-quality care standards and support positive outcomes for customers. Practically, she is responsible for the quality and availability of telehealth services and clinical strategic direction, and represents Jabra Hearing in the media and at professional association conventions.
Katie’s passion for audiology, expanding access to affordable hearing healthcare and her commitment to excellence have made a significant impact on Jabra Hearing and its customers. Under her leadership, our hearing care team has achieved remarkable results, including remarkable patient outcomes paired with high satisfaction, strong employee engagement and excellent collaboration across departments.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Katie has worked tirelessly to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. She is a role model for hearing care professionals and an inspiration to all who know her. One of her team members summed it best, “...what truly distinguishes [Katie] is her ability to lead with both passion and compassion.” Another added, “Katie is a total inspiration in the workplace – strong, resilient, compassionate and always professional. I feel valued and empowered, and her commitment to fairness and quality really makes a difference within our team and for our customers!”
“Katie has worked tirelessly to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.”
She inspires and motivates her team while also demonstrating genuine empathy and understanding. Her leadership style inspires others to follow her example and strive for excellence in all that they do, which is evidenced in the patient outcomes her team is achieving. Katie Keese is a true asset to Jabra Hearing and an inspiration to everyone who has the privilege of working with her. She is a shining example of the power of women in leadership.
Prosodica offers a voice and speech analytics engine that’s designed to offer insights into customer experiences and employee engagement.
Here’s what AI Product Manager Cathy Huang had to say about Product Manager Sarah Swartz.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
I want to highlight Sarah Swartz from our team, who is my manager and works as a product manager. I chose to showcase her because she embodies the qualities of a truly inspiring leader — something I rarely see in others. She serves as a bridge between different teams, effectively communicating needs and driving product development forward. Beyond that, she demonstrates deep empathy for every team member. I have witnessed her consistently encouraging and recognizing others’ contributions in meetings, which is a trait that defines great leadership. She focuses on uplifting those around her rather than seeking attention for herself.
“She focuses on uplifting those around her rather than seeking attention for herself.”
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Sarah has a clear vision for business goals. She established the Prosodica Initiatives Center, a structured framework through which our team’s efforts are systematically documented, progress is tracked and updates are shared visually. Each week, she leads companywide demos, ensuring that executives, sales, marketing, product and development teams stay aligned on priorities and direction. This level of transparency and organization enhances collaboration and keeps everyone focused — a testament to her strong leadership and strategic mindset.
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
Seeing women in leadership roles within the company is a great source of encouragement for me. We need more women leaders in every organization — leaders who not only drive business success but also empathize with their teams. Sarah’s leadership has shown me the power of fostering an inclusive, goal-oriented environment, inspiring both myself and others to pursue our ambitions with confidence.
SquareWorks Consulting is a NetSuite partner focused on elevating the role of finance, offering products such as Automate, a NetSuite-native financial automation platform providing automation and AI-enabled capabilities.
Here’s what the SquareWorks Consulting team had to say about Director of Customer Experience Ashley O’Connell.
Describe the woman on your team you wish to highlight and why you chose to showcase her.
Ashley O’Connell is a distinguished professional whose career is marked by significant achievements. She has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive growth and foster innovation. Throughout her time at SquareWorks, she has worn multiple hats and filled the gaps within the organization wherever it has been needed.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ashley is known for her dedication to mentoring emerging talent and promoting collaborative work environments. Her ability to inspire and lead teams has enhanced organizational performance and cultivated a culture of continuous learning and development. Ashley’s contributions have left a lasting impact, reflecting her passion for driving success and her unwavering commitment to her field.
How have you seen this woman inspire you or others on your team to do more?
Ashley is a role model when it comes to working hard, achieving more and being incredibly influential as a leader at SquareWorks. What’s striking about Ashley is that she always finds a way to get a lot of work done while taking care of her family, including two kids. Ashley has grown from a systems analyst to a leader of professional services and ultimately to an executive leader at SquareWorks. She’s incredibly skillful when it comes to getting things done in a pragmatic way and always finds a very collaborative way to push others around her to focus on business objectives. She’ll question others when things are not getting done and praise others when outcomes are achieved.
“She’s incredibly skillful when it comes to getting things done in a pragmatic way and always finds a very collaborative way to push others around her to focus on business objectives.”
How has this woman’s encouragement informed the way you face challenges in your professional and/or personal life?
A dynamic and inspiring leader, Ashley leads SquareWorks with positivity, exceptional skill, and a commitment to excellence. Her hands-on approach sets the standard for professionalism and collaboration, fostering an environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. Her ability to navigate challenges gracefully, mentor her team with wisdom and drive results with strategic vision makes her a leader and an actual role model. Her passion and dedication uplift those around her, ensuring success through motivation and mastery. Aside from her contributions to work, Ashley also is an exceptional mother and wife, showing that it is possible to do it all. Having a team member like Ashley teaches me about work-life balance, how to deal with challenging scenarios or difficult situations, how to be all in and how to be a great leader.
