For International Women’s Day, we reached out to the women on our team to find out what the day means to them, what accomplishments they’re proud of, and what advice they would give to young girls today.
Caley Lewis, Chief Business Officer
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
A celebration
“International Women’s Day to me symbolizes a day where women can celebrate each other and the beauty, intelligence, creativity, and differences that every single woman embodies and gifts the world.”
– Caley Lewis, Chief Business Officer
“International Women’s day is important because it’s an annual, global moment to celebrate women for what they are doing each and every day. It’s a day for the world to stop and think about what women have done and will continue to do!”
– Kimber Box, Project Manager
“To me, International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on what makes each of us women unique and to celebrate those qualities and traits that are both universal and individual. It’s a day to be grateful for the progress we’ve made both together and personally.”
– Ashley English, Content Manager
Thinking of those that impact us
“International Women’s Day reminds me of the most important women in my life. Two of them are my mother and grandmother.
My mom has always been a driving force in my life and she leads by example. Even as a little girl, if I became discouraged, I could count on her saying, ‘Can’t never did anything.’
If you don’t try, you won’t accomplish anything, not even failure. Mom encouraged me to always ask questions, read anything and everything, and that treating others the way you want to be treated is important, it’s not just a saying.
My grandmother worked tirelessly raising seven children. She worked at home and outside of the home. She fed strangers and raised other family members. This is just a scratch of the surface of their contributions to me, their family, and communities.”
– Becki Clayton, Sales Director
”I hope all of humanity regardless of race, sex, or gender can work harmoniously together and complement each other's strengths and shortcomings.
Caley LewisChief Business Officer
Kimber Box, Project Manager
What achievements are important to you?
Balancing motherhood and careers
“Being a work from home mom is a huge achievement for me. It’s not just as simple as getting your work done and making sure your child is fed and clothed. It’s juggling two big jobs and making sure that neither is being neglected (which takes a lot of effort and hours). You are not just making sure that your child and work are doing okay, you are making sure both are thriving.”
– Kimber
“My greatest achievements are both of my pregnancies and, as if carrying a baby inside your body and caring for it and you at the same time isn’t a great enough achievement, I managed that with a full-time job, finishing my bachelor’s degree, and working a part-time job.
Looking back I have no idea how I managed it all but that’s the beauty of what a woman can do. She can do it all and yet, I hope women never have to do it all.”
– Caley
Forging your own path
“I’m proud that I can look at my achievements so far in life and see both traditionally ‘feminine’ accomplishments and those that would contradict the traditional. For example, I’m proud to have graduated from college early at 21, and I’m proud to have become a wife at the same age. I think the beauty of modern life as a woman is being able to forge any path you want, whether that’s career-focused, family-focused, or, as is the case for so many women, a balance of both — or perhaps something completely unique!”
– Ashley
”Women that give, encourage, and lead by example are all around the world, and the human race is better for it.
Becki ClaytonSales Director
What advice would you give young girls?
How to measure success
“I would tell all girls that success is measured in many ways. Don’t use success as your north star as you grow but instead turn inward and check-in with how you feel. If something brings joy and peace to you, that is success.
Work ten times more efficiently than your competitor and use every inch of what makes you different as your strength. Then celebrate your differences because women are innately strong: mentally, emotionally, and physically.”
– Caley
Don’t give up
“I think the biggest thing is that you could be your biggest obstacle. You need to make sure that you are your biggest cheerleader and know that you can do it. You just need to step out of the way and see what you can achieve.”
– Kimber
“My advice for young girls in any field is to keep going, no matter where you started. You may end up in a different direction than you started and that’s ok. It’s part of your journey.”
– Becki
Ashley English, Content Manager
Don’t compare
“I think the world is already becoming a better place for young girls than it was during my years in school. There is far more acknowledgment of the value in supporting fellow women rather than falling into comparison traps. And there is far more encouragement for young girls to enter into STEM fields and other life paths that may have been less attainable in years past.
That said, I would advise any young girl to follow their individual dreams and not question or compare what path makes them happy and fulfills them. It’s different for everyone and no path is necessarily better than another. Ultimately, you have to make the choices that are right for you.”
– Ashley
”Let your inner voice always be your guide, not society.
Caley LewisChief Business Officer
Resources & Recommendations
If you’re looking to be inspired this International Women’s Day, we have a few suggestions for reading material, videos to watch, and organizations to check out recommended by some of our team members:
- Brave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code
- Famous Firsts in Women’s History
- National Women’s History Museum
- The Power of Vulnerability – TED Talk
- She Runs It organization for women in tech, advertising, and media
- Women’s History Month Library of Congress & Partner Resources
You can also turn to some of your favorite movies and television shows for some inspiration today with a historical movie like Hidden Figures, a classic like Pride & Prejudice, or even comedies featuring strong women like Legally Blonde or Parks & Recreation. Have little ones? Bring them in on the celebration with a viewing of Moana or The Princess & The Frog.
In addition, we love this campaign by The Skimm asking people to record a video shoutout to a woman who has made an impact in their lives. Today’s a great day to make one!
