International Women's Day 2023

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career? 

That most people want to see others succeed so don’t be afraid to ask a question or for help. 

Who is your biggest female role model? 

A woman I worked with in Washington named Jean who owned a small business building modular buildings with her husband. Jean always takes a seat at the table; she voices her opinion, her thoughts, and her ideas and she encouraged me to do the same. It’s her company as much as her husbands. They are truly equal partners.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Be true and honest with yourself and never settle.

Who is your biggest role model?

Maya Angelou!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

International Women’s day is a time appreciate those who have impacted positive change for women. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

The best piece of advice I have received in my career is to be accountable for what you say and what you do.

Who is your biggest role model?

I would have to say my biggest female role model is my mom. She is the best!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

I think this day can be a nice day to recognize women leaders and help to foster growth, especially in areas where women leaders are not traditionally seen.

Who is your biggest female role model?

My biggest female role model would be my mom, along with my grandmothers. While my mom wasn’t in construction, both of my grandmothers were. My mom’s mom grew up in her father’s concrete company in San Francisco and did the books – she wasn’t allowed to play a bigger role because she was female, but she had the brains for it and really took no nonsense from anyone when I knew her. When her father passed away, she was the one who took control and kept the company running. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

My father told me, “Know the game you are playing.”
My mother told me, “Never fear to fail. Failure is learning.”
My aunt told me, “Every opportunity is a stepping stone.”

Who is your biggest female role model?

There are three women in my life that have been my role model. My mother, who worked long hours in the banking and lending industry for 32 years. My Aunt Erica, who worked everywhere from the DoD to the FBI. And my Aunt Brenda, who worked while putting herself through law school. These women worked hard for their accomplishments during a time that men dominated the workforce and diversity was not of importance. Their inspiring lives made me the mother, wife, and professional that I am today. I have my mother’s compassion for others, Erica’s fight for a place at the table, and Brenda’s drive for success. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s a day to celebrate the achievements and success of all women. It's a day to remember how far women of any nationality have come and a reminder to keep achieving for more.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Always lead by example and never ask of anyone what you would not do yourself.  

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

International Women’s Day is a day to reflect, celebrate, and strategize. Reflecting on all the women who came before me who trailblazed so I can live in a country with improved gender equality. A day to celebrate those who are still at the forefront of the fight against gender discrimination. Finally, it’s also a day to strategize how we can assist in the global efforts. Gender equality is a basic human right, period.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career? 

Say yes to the things that scare you. I wish I had listened to this bit of advice a long time ago. The opportunities we hope for don’t come along as often as we may think, and if we’re afraid to at least try, we could be missing out on an opportunity to grow. Accomplishing the thing we didn’t think we could builds confidence and momentum.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and economic lines. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Never stop learning and growing. 

Who is your biggest female role model?

Honestly, there are too many to list as I truly have been mentored and positively influenced by many. I continually find a multitude of role models all around me and continue to choose to align positively with all of these amazing women - the journey is so much richer as a result.