Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Francesca Vietor
California State Parks Commissioner, State of California
San Francisco, CA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
The State of California has 280 parks and is widely considered to have the highest quality park system in the world. As a member of the State Parks Commission, I develop policies and recommendations to improve and protect our park system–my role includes expanding access and increasing diversity in our parks.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
In addition to my role promoting equity as a State Parks Commissioner, I also work to advance environmental equity through grant-making and community building at the San Francisco Foundation, where I have worked for twelve years to build a more inclusive and equitable Bay Area.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
Wangari Maathai, Dorothea Lang, Mary Oliver, Michelle Obama
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Lead from behind.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
The beauty and resilience of nature.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Many companies have been able to grow and thrive because, and in spite of, destructive practices, from exploiting and destroying our natural resources to unfair labor and human rights practices. It’s time to give back!
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Enthusiastic. I am amused and curious about everything.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Morning nature walks every day.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Love hiking with the Relive app and taking a selfie with my friends midway. Also getting ready to launch my parks challenge on OuterSpatial!
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I made a public commitment to visit all 280 of our state parks so that I can not only learn about the issues our parks face but also experience the awe and joy that parks inspire.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Natasa Marinkovic
Vice President of Marketing, Atrium
Sanford, Florida, United States
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I am responsible for leading Atrium’s marketing strategy by working across all departments to align marketing efforts with overall business goals while building and maintaining our brand image and driving customer acquisition and engagement.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
To me embracing equity means not only acknowledging that different circumstances lead to different outcomes and opportunities for people, but also being part of driving change. For most businesses the easiest place to start is providing diversity and inclusion training to create more awareness about unconscious bias and educating on the difference between equity vs equality. That awareness alone often inspires inclusion councils that want to drive change and from there the main goal should be to support and enable them to do so.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I’ve been lucky enough to have many mentors and role models and I’ve been blessed to have leaders who allowed me to take on various roles and carve out a career path for myself based on my interests as opposed to boxing me into a standard career path. This experience has clarified that I am very passionate about marketing and the previous sales and business development experience has made me a better marketer.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Growth happens with every mistake you make, whether you realize it at the time or not.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
What really inspires me as we navigate change is the resilience that is born from it. Seeing people come together for support, to innovate, and find new ways to solve problems keeps me motivated. What specifically keeps me optimistic is the small acts of kindness that you can find in the midst of any terrible situation or headline. You just have to look for them.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Companies have a platform that individuals don’t necessarily have. They can contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and the world by leveraging that platform to create awareness and opportunities for individuals to come together and create change.
There’s one story in particular that comes to mind for me. Recently, Atrium worked with Housing Development Alliance, Inc. (HDA) to improve their Salesforce infrastructure in order to better support their response to flash flooding in Kentucky that caused damage to over 2,000 homes and businesses in late July. You can read the full story on Atrium’s website: https://atrium.ai/resources/how-hda-quickly-supported-flood-victims-with-improved-salesforce-infrastructure/
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Open-minded. I want to always be open to trying new things, taking on new challenges, and also be a safe space for those around me. In order to do those things, I have to be open-minded.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Watching my daughter transition from infant to toddler has been delightful! She’s got such a fun personality and I can’t wait to see what she’ll be into as she starts exploring more of the world. In caring for her, I have been gifted the opportunity to view the world with a fresh perspective and it has allowed me to appreciate the small things in life, like stopping to smell the roses. I’m excited for more of that this year!
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Renee Barker
Director of Nonprofit Outreach, LiquiDonate
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I connect nonprofits to our platform to receive free donations from businesses and individuals in their community. My team ensures our product serves the needs of organizations and schools who need free goods so that their funds can be used to fulfill their missions.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Equity starts with empowerment — we need to build workplaces that meet employee needs and contribute to their wellbeing. Workplaces benefit greatly from having a variety of perspectives from a diverse group of people, but those perspectives cannot be realized without a focus on the individual to make sure they have positive experiences at work. To build these spaces, workplaces should invest in training, mentorship, fair pay, and authenticity with their teams.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I appreciate being a part of a network of folks in my city that meet monthly to learn about new sustainability topics and environmental initiatives in my state. It is so helpful to learn from everyone involved, from new grads that are inspired to begin their careers to retirees that share their experiences and how they have witnessed changes (for the better in many cases!). It is helpful to see that everyone is on a journey, and that there are people who can help you along your way.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The strength of being adaptable — the world is constantly changing and we see new information and new challenges to overcome. It is important to be adaptable to stay resilient in your personal and professional journey.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
It may be easy to fall into doom-scrolling, but it is also easy to find stories of so many people trying to make the world better for others. I stay inspired by keeping in touch with people that I see doing innovative and interesting projects.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
People want to work for companies that take opportunities to have a positive social impact. No matter the focus or size of a company, there are always opportunities to better your people and community. When companies prioritize social causes as a part of doing business, that impact can scale and be a force that really addresses injustices in our society.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Resourceful – I enjoy researching and finding new ways to overcome challenges
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Not very unique, but taking time to play with my cat and dog brings a lot of enjoyment to my day.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Slack — staying chatty on slack with each other outside of solely work conversations helps connect. I love seeing all of the outdoorsy photos of our team enjoying nature around the world.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am very excited to complete my first full year at LiquiDonate — we have high ambitions to grow our marketplace and offerings, and I am excited to bring our resource to nonprofits around the world.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Jennifer Jeronimo
CEO, Gaingels
Brooklyn, NY, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I am the CEO of Gaingels Inc. Gaingels Inc is one of the most active venture networks supporting diversity, equity and inclusion
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
For me, embracing equity is enthusiastically and intentionally creating opportunities for all people to be successful where and when you can. Creating a more inclusive and equitable environment within the workplace starts with understanding the different needs of the people and groups in your organization. By understanding those differences, you can provide the right feedback, tools and resources they need to be successful. Inclusivity should also be part of the company’s culture, and something regularly talked about and reviewed. The most inclusive companies are the ones that acknowledge what could be done better. Creating an inclusive environment takes constant nurturing.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I am lucky to have many mentors and sponsors in my life including former managers, colleagues, professors, and friends. For me, the most impactful relationships are the ones that have come organically as those mentors are the most honest with me. A mentor that helps you see your blind spots is just as important as one who cheers you on. I also believe that you can learn from everyone around you. Some of the best lessons I have learned are from people completely different from me, and not necessarily mentors.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
You must create space for yourself to grow. Years ago, my manager gave me advice that I still apply today. She explained if I couldn’t figure out how to better manage my time, I would have hit my ceiling. It was at that moment that I realized I must be evolving the way I work to take on more. Working a 14-hour day meant I could not take on the next big project. I learned I needed to better delegate, find tools that gave me the information I needed to make better and faster decisions and to decide the things I needed to let go of.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
I know it sounds cliché, but I do what I love so I don’t need to be motivated. My own personal journey has made me realize my happiness can only be created by me and the best use of my time is to work on things in my control. Each day, I remind myself of all the things I am grateful for and that challenges are the breeding ground for growth. We love the wins and the accolades, but those only come at the hands of the challenges we had faced and overcame.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Today, we can see the results inadequate social policies, regulations, and corporate practices has had on our environment and society. Now, information on this impact is at our fingertips and just a google (or chatbot) search away. Armed with this information, companies are being asked by their customers to think about their impact to greater society. By taking the 1% pledge companies can show their commitment to causes important to their customers and community. In addition, the 1% pledge can benefit non-profit organizations with financial assistance, expertise and exposure they need to be continue the work they do.
Here at Gaingels, we request the companies we invest consider taking the 1% pledge as part of our Gaingels letter.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Resilient. I have learned through experience things often do not go as planned. The people who are most successful are the ones who can manage through them successfully.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
• 2-minute meditation before big meetings or events
• remembering to ask myself often- is this something I can control or do something about in a meaningful way? It helps me from worrying about things unnecessarily.
• Having a list of intentions for each day- the days I don’t are like the wild west!
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
I have a few good meditation apps I use regularly. I still love writing in my daily journal my tasks and intentions.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Working on initiatives that speaks to my passion of helping women get seats at the table, either through their network, investing, or the work they do personally and professionally.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Shilpa Sharma
Co-founder and CEO, Flyte
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I’m the co-founder and CEO of Flyte. I oversee the entire business management including business development, investor discussions, hiring and product planning. At Flyte, we stand for equality and mental health so building the right culture and communicating with employees are my top priorities.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Being a female entrepreneur myself and having worked in male dominated workplaces, I have experienced the value of gender equality and inclusivity first-hand. I strongly believe in maintaining balance at the workplace so people can leverage each other’s perspectives and approaches for greater good.
We can build equitable and inclusive workplace by:
1) Communicating the vision: Every employee should know the business vision and how they can collaborate with each other to achieve that
2) Building inclusive culture: Leaders should build and communicate right culture in the company so their employees treat each other with respect
3) Adopting clear hiring process: Leaders should focus on hiring individuals based on their capabilities and perspective
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
Based on the stage of my personal journey, I have received mentorship from experienced professionals that helped me navigate through challenging situations. The one thing I learned through my journey, one should always celebrate success, be it small or big!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Surround yourself with people who are invested in your growth and well-being
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
Past few years have been challenging for so many people and we all adopted new ways of doing things including learning new technologies to support remote work.
The one thing that keeps me motivated is the passion for what I am doing. In addition to building my own business and helping our customers achieve their revenue growth through Flyte innovative technology, I helped many early stage startups through mentorship and guidance.
Recently I started mentoring women in sales & marketing through the Women in Revenue community. The President of the Women in Revenue community appreciated the effort and invited me to join their Speaker Bureau where I will further contribute through speaker sessions and webinars.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
As an entrepreneur, you have a responsibility to contribute towards society and bring a positive change.
Today we are facing so many challenges, be it changing climate, mental health issues, access to healthcare, education, jobs etc. Companies should prioritize social impact and contribute towards building a better future for our next generation.
A lot of challenges can be solved by giving access to education and opportunities to everyone. Making people self-sufficient is the biggest gift. We promote education initiatives through our engagements with non-profit organizations.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Innovative! My innovative thinking and creative ways of doing things helped our business bring innovative technology to market. Customers loved our AI powered solution and referred us to their colleagues.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Celebrating success and staying calm during challenging situations have been my hacks to be productive throughout the day.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
LinkediIn, Health, Zoom.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Growing business with high profitability in mind. Personally, looking forward to expanding my network further through conferences & community engagements.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Amanda Lenaghan
Director, Social Impact, Cruise
San Francisco, CA, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
In my current role as director of social impact at all-electric, autonomous vehicle company Cruise, I’m responsible for the overarching vision for Cruise for Good, our signature social impact program, and building this function from the ground up. My role is centered on a product-forward and community-centered approach — bringing what we do best in the world to address social needs, in close partnership with innovative community organizations and Cruise’s internal business units.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
To embrace equity, it helps to look at the data. Multiple studies have shown that more women leaders in top corporate management positions correlate with increased profitability for these companies – who wouldn’t want that?
To build equitable companies, we need to recruit, promote and celebrate leaders with diverse perspectives and lived experiences. At Cruise, I’m inspired by my colleague Michele Lee, who leads our accessibility efforts and is also a wheelchair user. In addition to bringing her personal experience, she strategically and systematically pulls in others in the community to ensure our product and future offerings increase access and connection for individuals with disabilities as well.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
Many women in my life inspire me, especially my mom and sister. They have navigated many opportunities and obstacles in life with grace all while maintaining a focus on being present for the people around them. I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
People inspire me. Whether listening to fellow board members, work colleagues, community leaders, or even my two young sons – the human spirit is possible of overcoming so many challenges. Even in the worst situations, there are examples of people stepping up to serve and help others. When I lived and volunteered in an impoverished town in Ecuador early in my career, I often saw women in one-room cane houses cooking food for others in need, running fundraisers for neighbors needing medical care, or simply looking out for each other. This keeps me optimistic.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Every company has a choice to make in how they will impact communities, particularly when building something new. From the beginning at Cruise, we’ve been intentional in our approach and vocal about encouraging others in the corporate world – and specifically in the AV industry – to make social impact and sustainability a priority.
Companies that recognize social impact as an asset have a business advantage. When social impact is built into a company – instead of bolted on later – it can directly advance company goals, innovation, and ultimately profitability.
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In terms of stories, I recently launched a LinkedIn newsletter called Driving Communities Forward to highlight different social impact and nonprofit leaders. It’s been such a privilege to speak with so many passionate visionaries who are all focused on melding business and impact, as well as hearing about how we can support their endeavors.
My first feature profiled the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program Associate Director of Leadership Programs, Danielle Holly. Her vision for the future captures why I wanted to start this newsletter to begin with – to shine a light on these important perspectives:
“My hope for the future of philanthropy is that it works in partnership with business, and brings to bear its community knowledge and partnerships to ensure that the individuals whose lives we’re trying to make better are leading the design of the solutions.”
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
This year, I’m looking forward to expanding our Cruise for Good program in line with Cruise’s driverless expansion. As we grow our driverless service in new markets like Austin and Phoenix, our Pledge 1% commitment means that at least 1% of our fleet will serve local communities everywhere we go. We’ve seen so much impact through our meal delivery partnership in San Francisco — providing 2.3 million meals to neighbors in need and I’m eager to see this impact expanded. Because our approach is grounded in deep community partnership, we’re bringing a community-centered approach to our work, forming trusting partnerships, and continuously improving as we grow. That’s what motivates me – the opportunity to increase our impact for local communities across the country and to innovate while we’re at it.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Sravanthi Aitha
Principal Architect, Solunus Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the Principal Architect at Solunus, I have technical oversight of the deliverables across multiple projects on the Salesforce platform and actively mentor other Salesforce developers/architects. I also engage in presales activities to understand our customer’s business goals and help them get the maximum from their investments in the Salesforce platform.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
I feel that creating an inclusive and equitable workplace is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment from everyone in the organizations we work at, the communities we live in, and even inside our homes. Here are some of my thoughts on how we can embrace equity:
• At the workplace, we can create a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that the company’s hiring policies and practices are inclusive and free from discrimination. We can also provide regular diversity and inclusion training to employees.
• Encourage employees to speak up about any issues or concerns and make sure that management listens and takes appropriate action.
• Foster an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and included. This can be achieved by promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, celebrating cultural and religious holidays, and creating safe spaces for employees to share their experiences and perspectives.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
My mother and my mother-in-law are whom I look up to in my personal life. I get inspiration from their persistence to learn and grow by overcoming challenges. They constantly demonstrate their resourcefulness in solving problems by coming up with solutions with limited means. They motivate me to come up with innovative solutions for whatever problems I encounter in different situations.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is – The passage of time is inevitable and unstoppable, constantly bringing change, which is the only constant element in life. So, I adapt to changes and am agile in my approach to various things in life.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
I’m self-disciplined and always ensure that I am healthy and practice healthy habits. Also, the support from my family always keeps me going and helps me remain optimistic.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Giving back to society helps us build stronger communities and spreads humanity. By giving back, individuals and organizations can create a sense of community, connection, and empathy and build a more just and equitable society for everyone. Especially during this era where technology is leading, it is essential to remember the ethical values that underpin our society.
I am very proud of the outcomes enabled by the “Pennam foundation,” an organization that our CEO has founded. We provided over 200,000+ meals to the needy and 150 days of food to 100 blind and special needs children at Nethra Vidyalaya (School for Blind children) in Visakhapatnam, India in 2022. Also, we ensured that Nethra Vidyalaya was backed up with a 100% power supply by installing a UPS infrastructure.
The foundation provides free medical treatment and healthy organic food in many underserved communities. We also help improve the quality of life for women through an initiative that provided sanitary pads to 10,000 unprivileged women and by building awareness to combat myths and stigma around sensitive sexual health topics while improving hygiene. I am grateful to be associated with a company that invests in causes that uplifts society.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
One word that best describes me is Go-Getter/Highflyer. The reason being, I set goals professionally and personally, and I’m keen on accomplishing them by giving my 100%.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I find simple ways to finish tasks quickly and relax. Also, if there are any other tasks I can complete parallelly on the go, I ensure to finish them, as it helps me get through my day effortlessly.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Google/ChatGPT
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Professionally, I’m working towards becoming a Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA). It is great to be working at a place that supports me in this journey. On the personal front, I want to reduce my body age through physical fitness.
I’m also excited to see my daughter achieve greater heights. She represented Telangana state in the National Track Cycling Championship 2022, held in Assam. I am thrilled to see her confidence level as she strives for a national medal this year. I am an excited and proud parent.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am glad to be involved in this year’s #WomenWhoLead campaign, and I always anticipate witnessing women becoming more independent, empowered and source of inspiration.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Anita Motwani
COO, Sarla Ventures (Nidra).
San Francisco, CA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I run this e-commerce business that my sister started in 2014. I am in charge of all pieces of the business that we currently run on Amazon and Shopify.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
It means the world to me! I am a minority woman who lived through Wall Street in the 90s! Ha! Not many people looked like me on the trading floor. I have been through more situations in the workplace due to my race and sex that I care to remember. My company is joining a Minority Economic Development Council as we are female/minority led and proud of it!
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
My mother. She is STILL the CEO Of her biotech company at the age of 82. She is an immigrant from India, came to the US with about $15 in her pocket. She is the epitome of the American Dream in my eyes. She remains fierce and we are convinced she will live to 120!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Stay on your path, stay in your light (in other words, stay out of the drama, keep moving forward, never let them get you down!)
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
My children. I have 2 daughters and 1 stepson. They inspire me every single day!
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
My sister Mona who started this company (and unfortunately passed away in August of 2021) spent her life giving back. Those of us who are carrying the torch for her will make sure that a certain percentage of our sales go to social good, so we are so happy to be a part of Pledge 1%. Mona was an attorney for underserved populations and helped represent them in cases like the mortgage crisis when they were being taken advantage of. Mona also had severe Lyme disease and was a great contributor to that community in terms of knowledge, helping people with insurance, etc.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Badass! I am a single mom of 2 young women, a rock climber, and in general someone who gets shit done!
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Meditate every morning, exercise at least 5 days a week, do something every day for yourself!
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I look forward to building the company my sister started into a brand and educating the world on the absolute incredible benefits of sleep!
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Vartika
Growth Marketing Manager, Dextara Digital
Telangana, India
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Head of Marketing and Salesforce Partnership Practice. I oversee the Dextara Digital brand’s expansion and am responsible for developing and implementing of marketing strategy align with the business goals. I also ensure the success of my team by supporting the company culture for their professional growth and teamwork.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Embracing equity in the workplace means creating an environment where everyone has an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their personal characteristics. To achieve this, it’s essential to educate employees on issues related to equity and inclusion, set clear goals and track progress, implement policies and practices that promote equity, foster an inclusive workplace culture, and hold leadership accountable. When everyone is treated fairly and has an equal opportunity to succeed, it creates a more productive and positive work environment like the one we have at Dextara.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
My Parents are my great mentors. They educated me on how to be purpose-driven in life, which keeps me going every day.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Keep trying until you get it. So always believe in yourself and achieve what you love.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
If the past brought new and unprecedented challenges, we also have the means to overcome them. Despite the challenges in the past, my optimistic nature helped me think about finding solutions to overcome the challenges. So having the trust, confidence, and positive attitude to handle anything motivated me.
My Belief- Every problem has a solution, and Nothing is impossible. All one can do is be positive and work consistently to become a better person each day.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Companies should prioritize social impact because it allows them to make a positive difference in the world and address pressing challenges while also attracting and retaining top talent, building customer loyalty, enhancing brand reputation, and fostering innovation.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
I need two words – Real and Unstoppable because I can’t pretend, and I never give up.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Surround yourself with positive people, always respond, and don’t react.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Evernote.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Well, nothing new, same as last year to upskill and be able to guide others.
I’m excited about my work with Dextara Digital and will continue to see me grow with the company’s growth this year.
The constant business expansion and being a part of this dynamic work culture always inspire me to take an active part. This excitement uplifts my zeal to be creative and ideate with our teams to improve processes, gain new skills, contribute extra to #Build<Great>, and offer our clients excellence.
We have begun gaining momentum in the market, and we’re pushing ourselves to raise the bar.