To commemorate the International Women’s Day, we are featuring women who have made notable contributions in their respective industries. We aim to explore the tenacity of each and discover how they pushed boundaries to rise to the top.
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan, #BreaktheBias mean for you in your work life?
#BreaktheBias to me means using my platform and power to help level the playing field for women, by giving them a seat at the table and providing them with equal opportunities and equal pay as men. Encouraging men to operate as allies to women is also vital. If we actively work together to recognize, analyze and dismantle systems of inequality, we can hopefully one day live in a world free of bias. Wouldn’t that just be wonderful?
What is the main challenge that you’ve faced as a woman in your industry?
Deeply ingrained stereotypes and dangerous social and cultural norms make it harder for any woman to succeed in her chosen industry. We have to work three times as hard to prove ourselves. Throw ageism into the mix and it’s even more challenging. When I started my first business, I was only 17. I definitely faced the double discrimination of combined sexism and ageism. That gave me thick skin and even more motivation to succeed.
What has been the most empowering moment in your career?
Being featured in Forbes magazine is definitely up there on my list. It was one of those “aha!” proud moments in my career. If you really want something in life, you have to manifest it, work for it, chase it and obtain it. I really believe that.
Which powerful woman do you admire the most and why?
So many women have shaped me and inspired me in some form or another and it’s not just the women who have achieved success in leadership roles. I admire any woman who is kind and caring, humble and grounded, perseverant and unapologetically herself.
Do you have any advice for women wanting to start their own business or work their way up the ladder?
Whatever gives you that rising feeling of excitement and joy, that’s your passion. I would say try not to let others dictate your life and your career choice. Take control of your own destiny, make sure you enjoy what you do and be willing to work hard everyday to make your goals happen.
What main change would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?
The change most of us eagerly hope for — for the unheard female voice to be heard and respected and valued.