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.
Kristin van Busum
Founder / CEO, Project Alianza
Boston, MA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the leader of Project Alianza, I work with our international team on developing and executing a strategy for bringing innovative, community-led education to poor, rural communities in Latin America. I am also a public speaking coach and teach an experiential learning class to MBA students at Boston University
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Hands down, our team. In Central America, our staff is compromised of women who are leading change in their local communities where conditions can be really, really rough. We work in rural, low-resource communities with high density of absolute poverty, meaning the majority of people live on about $1.50 a day. Roads are often flooded, the political climate is volatile, and many children are forced to work at an early age without labor protections. Our team lives their core principles, and even when circumstances seem impossible, they are relentless, committed, solution-finders. I guess you could say I work with super heroes. They are my favorite part.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I am committed to the broader purpose of our mission to support children’s education regardless of gender or where they are born. When times get tough, jobs may evolve, but our calling never will.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My mom always told me to never the let world make you small. Conformist ideas that don’t serve your greater purpose may make you comfortable, but in the end, the real magic happens when we step further out of our box.
What does generosity mean to you?
Generosity requires the self-awareness to acknowledge your unique gifts, talents, and privileges and having the courage to share them with others so they may walk away a bit better after knowing you.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
It’s often said that that helping people get out of intergenerational poverty isn’t a role businesses can or should try to play. But I disagree. As a nonprofit, we partner with the private sector, many in the coffee industry, to sponsor our work and connect us with communities in need of educational opportunities. Why? Because I’ve seen firsthand that knowledge-sharing and collaboration across sectors is necessary to keep mission-driven work alive. In order to match the gravitas of systemic issues around gender inequality or access to education, we need all hands on deck.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Courageous. Not because I am “tough,” but because I am the exact opposite. Regardless of fear or the adversity, I choose to show up — vulnerably, authentically, and ready to contribute.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
“Who run the world?” – Beyonce
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 am thrilled to begin traveling for work and pleasure again! Some of my greatest ideas have come to mind when I’m in a foreign context, learning from someone who has vastly different experiences than my own.
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.
Emily Reed
CEO & Co-Founder at HeyAdvisor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
CEO & Co-Founder. My responsibilities include business strategy, building partnerships, finding opportunities to create brand awareness and connecting with potential users.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is seeing how our product helps advisors in the industry and their younger clients. Whenever I see a piece of our content on an advisor’s webpage or social media I feel such a sense of pride. I love that our content is out there simplifying and de-mystifying financial topics. I also get to work with my sister every day. We have a strong entrepreneurial mother, so it’s rewarding to keep the tradition going.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
My family is what keeps me going every day. Being an example of a woman in power for my three children has been a big motivator. Everything I do is for them and their future.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Life is too short to not love what you do so find something you love to do and make it your career.
What does generosity mean to you?
To me, generosity means always thinking of others and giving back whenever you can. It’s so important to give back in any way possible whether it’s time, product or money.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
HeyAdvisor creates financial literacy content, and the ultimate goal is to help advisors get this information out to as many people as possible. Education around financial literacy is so important for the next generation of investors. It helps empower them to make good financial decisions and not be overwhelmed by all the products and services out there. As our business grows we are excited to be looking at more opportunities to leverage our content and get it into the hands of the young adults that need it.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Determined – I am someone who will explore every avenue and never give up.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am excited that we have started getting traction in the industry and I am looking forward to seeing how we will grow this year. We have some exciting partnerships coming up with some like-minded businesses that I am excited to work with.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Starting my own business has been one of the most challenging but exciting times in my life. Having a community and support is so important. I encourage anyone who would like to reach out, to get in touch.
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.
Jessica Bussert
Founder/CEO, Wave Therapeutics
Nashville, IN
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the founder my role includes a bit of everything. I was the original innovator of our technology and personally developed our first eight prototypes. Now, as we grow, I’m more focused on management and fundraising.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
I’m an old school hacker/maker! I really love doing the innovation work for our company. That said, because I’m so passionate about what we are doing I also make a great evangelist for Wave. It’s a lot of fun to tell our exciting story!
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I know that our technology has the very real opportunity to save lives. At the end of the day what could be a better motivator?
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Find joy in the “now”. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn’t promised to us. The only thing we really have is this very moment.
What does generosity mean to you?
I was blessed with some wonderful gifts and opportunities but at the end of the day that is all they are; gifts. It’s my obligation (and joy) to try and share those with my community and the world at large.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
We live in a capitalist society. In a real way business is the only way to make change. At Wave Therapeutics, we’re focused on creating a better technology to prevent bedsores and then offering it at an affordable price that anyone can afford. I think our world would be a much better place if more companies pursued a fair and reasonable profit instead of gouging the market for all it is worth. Avarice never benefited anyone in the long run.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Kind. Because it matters so deeply on a human level to simply be seen, and witnessed. We can be going Persistent! If you curl up and die after the first hurdle or bit of bad news you’ll never get anything done. Pick yourself up, wipe off the dust, and try again!
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
“Perfect” by Pink. That, or “Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill. It’s a bit of a toss-up!
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Wave Therapeutics is just about to launch our first product and raise our Seed round of funding. I’m so excited about what we’re doing!
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.
Shannon Emmerson
Founder and CEO, Forge & Spark Media
Vancouver, BC, Canada
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I lead and support our killer all-women content marketing agency in delivering premium service to our amazing purpose-led clients, and in our growth (we’re aiming for mightier, and kinder, not bigger).
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is my team. I LOVE that we always take time to connect as people first, and that everyone feels open about sharing both points of pride and challenge in our work. It always reminds me always of how warm and resilient people are, and how lucky I am to be surrounded and supported by some of the best.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Everyone on our team has been challenged over the past couple of years, in big ways as well as in small but persistent ways. We have all been worn down from time to time, including myself. I’m motivated sometimes by remembering that I’m the old and wise one among my crew and that they are watching me for cues. What they don’t know is that I’m watching them, absorbing all of their energy and hope and channelling it into my next sentence or action.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Take the time to pause. Even a breath can save, ground, or restore you.
What does generosity mean to you?
It’s the moment when you’re tempted to keep something to yourself for your own benefit or gain, and you don’t–and there’s a kind of smile that starts around you because of it.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Change starts with every individual. We all have the profound power to affect others, with our words and actions and attitudes. We know that as humans. I firmly believe that this extends to business, too. As a leader — whether as the head of a company or of a team or of your own project or assignment — you get to choose what you care about and make and contribute time and energy and passion to. For me, as a writer and creative and mom, told I had no talent in business, it was about getting over that and creating a unique work model where other people who’d been taught — incorrectly — that they couldn’t own or run a business, could. And not only that but there were others keen to teach and support and guide, and they could too, in turn. You can grow business and pride together, it turns out.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Kind. Because it matters so deeply on a human level to simply be seen, and witnesed. We can be going through the lowest moments without showing it and need, always, that human gesture to remind us of our dignity and worth.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Jenny Lewis, Puppy and a Truck. This is darkly comic pop-country song about a woman finding her way on her terms, armed (after some tough times) with something that makes her feel like she can take on the world, and something dear to love (who loves back). “Shut up. Get a puppy and a truck.” How can you not love that?
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We’ve applied to become a BCorp and whether or not we make it this round, I’m inspired by the community and by the thoughtful changes that starting this journey has prompted.
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.
Nour Maatouk Yabra
Product Design Group Manager, The Ksquare Group
Seattle, Washington, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I lead the Product Design team, ensuring that all of our deliverables meet the standard of excellence that we set for ourselves, from a quality, budget, and time perspective. I also work to ensure the current and future success of my team by encouraging professional development, fostering a culture of collaboration, and support, helping resolve blockers, and maintaining constant communication with upper management.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
I love how we have been expanding our view of what our ultimate responsibility is as Product Designers. Through regular talks and debates, we have been growing our knowledge of key principles of design such as accessibility (a11y), inclusivity, and more. Armed with these new skills, we’ve been able to dramatically improve the impact of our work. It’s exhilarating to see how seemingly minor design aspects can have such a huge impact on some people’s experience based on their unique needs and expectations. It is very satisfying to know that, more and more, we are identifying those needs and designing accordingly, allowing people to have access to systems, products, and tools that they otherwise would not. There’s almost nothing better!
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Being a part of a team and organization that’s growing is so motivating. It feels like such a special time for us at The Ksquare Group – like we’re all in the foxhole together relying on each other to be our best. It’s incredible to look around (virtually at least) and see everybody giving their best, and knowing that I need to do the same. And knowing that we all play such an important role in empowering gets me out of bed in the morning fired up about the day ahead because I know that the decisions I make and the actions I take today have a direct impact on the success of the team and the entire organization.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
I actually heard this piece of advice recently and it was so simple but so profound to me. It was this – make being genuinely happy for other people’s success become your superpower. At the end of the day, what’s underneath most of the things we all try to achieve is a desire to be noticed and valued. So, if we make it a mission of ours to look for the successes of others – great and small – and genuinely celebrate that success with them, we can literally change the world. Imagine if more people around us each day felt affirmed and valued instead of insecure and overlooked how meaningful that would be. And what I love about this advice is it helps me get my focus off myself and onto others, which is the place I want to live rent-free.
What does generosity mean to you?
I feel like to be generous is to give not from my excess, but from what I hold dear. It requires sacrifice. Related to the good advice I mentioned above, one area I’m working on being more generous with is my attention. With every year that passes, as I take on more responsibility in my career and personal life, there are more and more demands on my attention. So, I place a high value on my time and what I dedicate my attention to. And what I’m learning to do is be present and in the moment with whoever I’m with and give 100% of my focus to that person. It’s easy to get distracted and divide my attention, but giving everything I have to the person across from me is a beautiful picture of generosity, and something I’m actively working on to this day.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
So many of the challenges that the world faces today stem from a lack of empathy and understanding, even unintentionally. This applies to business and design as much as it does politics and economics. And as a Product Designer, I realize now just how big a role empathy plays in the solutions that we create. The first step of the Design Thinking process is to empathize, and since starting my design career, I’ve come to realize that without this first step, there can be no true innovation. Too often we create solutions that are looking for problems, and as a result, end up with a product or service that doesn’t really fulfill the users’ needs. Only by truly understanding users’ needs and pain points can we arrive at a solution that will help ease those frictions.
I saw this truth play out first-hand a couple of years ago when working with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). I give a lot of credit to the BSA for realizing the importance of adapting their 110-year-old organization to better serve the youth of the 21st century. For example, at one point we were redesigning one of the core apps of the organization which was previously built purely for the parents and volunteers who ran the program to track and update the scouts’ advancement. Early on, however, we came to realize there was an opportunity to engage the scouts directly and give them the tools to stay motivated while working on their merit badges and awards. So we retired the old way for them to keep track of their advancement (paper and pencil) and designed a new mobile app from the ground up that better suited their needs and expectations.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Work-in-progress. Okay, depending on your definition of a hyphenated word that may technically be 3 words, but who’s counting?
I think work-in-progress is a fitting word for this question because it says I’m on the journey to where I want to be and who I want to become, but I still have work to do to get there, and that’s okay.
I’m proud of who I am as a person, the relationships I’ve built, the lessons I’ve learned, the progress I’ve made in my career, and the things I’ve given back along the way. But at the same time, I’m excited and even impatient at times about the woman I still want to become, the things I want to accomplish, and the difference I want to make in the world.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
On a personal level, after finishing my master’s degree in Spain and living in Mexico for a few months, I’m getting ready to move to a new country and build a life there. That process is always an intoxicating one for me, and I can’t wait to see what challenges and opportunities it brings.
But on the professional side, what excites me most is seeing the growth and development of my team. To continue learning new skills, developing our process, and creating products we can be truly proud of. But even more than that, knowing that I and most of my team are from Mexico means that this is an opportunity for us to show the world what we have to offer; to have our passion, creativity, and innovative spirit on display in a way it not often is. Pushing ourselves to become industry leaders here means not just advancing our careers, but becoming representatives of the country we all love, and it’s an opportunity we do not intend to waste!
Words to live by:
Nothing is obvious and less is always more.
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.
Arleen Saluja-Westerkamp
Director of Salesforce Consulting at Agency73
San Diego, California, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I help Agency73 build their Salesforce consulting business while overseeing customer engagements, managing and mentoring the consulting team, and helping clients achieve their CRM goals through successful Salesforce implementations.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Apart from helping customers change the way they do business, my favorite part of what I do is help shape the next generation of software consultants and entrepreneurs. Getting the opportunity to influence and work with some of the smartest minds in the business is both a privilege and a responsibility.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I get my motivation from our customers’ success stories. Through our software implementations, we have helped a number of businesses enable remote working for their employees. We are making a difference in these people’s lives and ultimately helping companies support safe work environment for their employees.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
When I find myself judging another woman, I get reminded of what someone once told me – the first thought that goes through mind is what you have been conditioned to think. What you think next, defines who you are. We are all struggling to find our voice and our place in this world, and a little empathy goes a long way. Amy Poehler once said – “It takes years as a woman to unlearn what you have been taught to be sorry for. It takes years to find your voice and your real estate”.
What does generosity mean to you?
Generosity is the ultimate human spirit. If you want to be anything in life, be generous! Generous with your time. Generous with your love. Generous with your support. Generous with your humanity. And generous in the way you treat people.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Businesses help the society grow and flourish. They add jobs and empower people to attain a better quality of life. Businesses help provide purpose and direction to the young adults who are starting new careers. For me, working for a small business provides me the opportunity to use technology to help make people’s lives easier and more efficient. Once, I built a software automation for a customer, that helped them save 2 hours everyday by not having to do manual data entry. This allowed them to be able to leave work earlier and be home in time to have dinner with their child.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Passionate. I am passionate about helping people and making a difference in the world. I try to put passion into everything I do in my personal and professional life. Passion drives my decision-making and goal setting.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Run the World (Girls), Song by Beyoncé
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Professionally, I am looking forward to growing our team and our company. Getting the opportunity to help guide software consultants in their career path. Personally, I am looking forward to getting a little more of the “normal” back in this COVID-present world. I don’t know if we can ever completely get rid of the virus, but I hope, as a world, we keep getting better at co-existing with it while staying safe and healthy.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I moved to the USA about 15 years ago, as a scared young Indian girl, with lots of hopes and dreams. With hard work and passion, I worked my way up to be a Director at a software company. My journey has taught me to have empathy and compassion for people who are going through their own journeys. I never let myself forget how fortunate I have been and how important it is to give back to the community that helped me flourish.
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.
Nancy Cooper
CEO, Servio Consulting LLC
Frankfort, IL, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
CEO – I mainly oversee our partnership with Salesforce and our sales and marketing departments.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Strategy! I love working with our customers to understand their pain points, requirements and goals and work with our solutions team to show our customers how to bring those to life using the Salesforce platform.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Watching the fear and challenges that our customers are facing as they try to adopt digital transformation and learning how to sustain the remote workforce over the few years. We mainly work in education and this has been a huge challenge for institutions and driving them through this new normal is what motivates me to keep going.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Document everything and have a running to do list that is consistently reviewed.
What does generosity mean to you?
Going above and beyond to help others with your time.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Today’s largest challenge is adopting to our volatile world and learning the new digital and remote way of doing business. So having realtime access to data to be able to pivot quickly is what we need to be looking at. Implementing technology that gives us this data and the ability to adopt to change quickly. For example, Servio was able to use Salesforce to implement COVID tracking solutions for several institutions and school districts that will quickly give decision makers the ability to see who is sick, who has COVID, who has been exposed in realtime and react accordingly. Without this technology, it would take days/weeks to gather this information.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Strategic – I love strategy, planning and executing in all aspects of my life and I feel that is my strength. I feel you need to constantly be evolving to improve to be a better company and person.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
If you are going through hell by Rodney Atkins
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am looking forward to seeing what our new norm is. We have been moved up to Premium Partner Level with Salesforce, we are figuring out our highbred office hours, we are rapidly hiring, implementing new processes and software. From the personal side, my daughter is getting married in October, my son was moved up to play on a D2 rugby team and I am looking forward to start traveling again. All of this gives me great excitement to see where the business falls at the end of the year, super excited to see my beautiful daughter marry her prince charming, very excited to become a rugby groupie mom this fall and cannot wait to start traveling again, my goal is to travel to a new destination every quarter.
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.
Leslie Buenz
COO, Servio Consulting, LLC
Frankfort, Illinois, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I provide oversight for all of our Operations and Strategic Partnerships.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Working with our internal teams to strategize and review processes to make sure we continue to change and perfect our approach to all aspects of our projects.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Managing through the last few years has been difficult for everyone. At Servio we have had a focus on navigating the new business landscape to ensure the least amount of impact to our staff and clients.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Keep doing things outside of your comfort zone until you no longer have one.
What does generosity mean to you?
Giving freely of your time and knowledge without expectations of reciprocation.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Today’s largest challenge is the ability to change quickly and figure out the new way of doing business, no matter what industry. Having access to meaningful data that will allow us to quickly pivot direction and focus on what is driving success is going to be very important moving forward. Implementing the correct technology is critical to give us access to that data and the ability to adopt and change. Working within the Education Industry we have been there to help navigate the recent challenges of the digital transformation many institutions are undergoing. We have utilized the Salesforce platform to implement solutions ranging from Recruitment and Admissions to Alumni Management. Having their data in one place, easily accessible, has given these institutions the ability to act on their data and quickly pivot when needed.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Strategic – I try to look at issues and opportunities from all angles to determine the best approach that will provide the most value to our company, staff and clients alike.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Hear Comes the Sun – The Beatles
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m looking forward to finding our new normal. After the last few years it will be interesting to navigate what an average day will now look like and how we handle those changes.
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.
Katelyn Montigney
Application Product Owner, Passage Technology
Lake Forest, Illinois, US
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I lead the product management team for our Salesforce AppExchange applications. My role involves mentoring other product owners, providing input on product strategy, and market research around topics like pricing.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is the dev team I get to work with — everyone on the team, product owners and developers alike, is friendly and collaborative. We’ve overcome a lot of tough challenges working together, and I’m really proud of how we’ve grown as a team.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
My wonderful husband and our found/friend family! I’m not sure where I’d be without their support — they can always make me smile.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Once I was feeling pretty low about something that had gone wrong, and my manager told me, experience = mess-ups. If you don’t make mistakes you can’t learn and grow. As someone who’s always been really, really hard on herself whenever anything goes wrong, I’ve found that idea useful to keep in mind — it helps keep me focused on learning from mistakes rather than beating myself up over them.
What does generosity mean to you?
Giving and doing good not because it is expected of you or because it improves your personal reputation, but rather because you know in your heart that it is the right thing to do.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I think one of the biggest things businesses can do to help solve the challenges of today is listen, and take action based on what you hear, not based on what you want to hear. I don’t have any one specific story I can share, but always being open to feedback and doing what you can with that feedback to make the world a better place is critically important in my opinion.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Stubborn. If there’s one quality that has gotten me through hard times (and caused a fair few issues as well), it’s stubbornness — I refuse to stop or quit, I’m simply too stubborn.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Flow — from the Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker soundtrack.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m excited to continue with a couple new hobbies I’ve picked up — I learned how to crochet semi-recently and have a few projects I’m working on there, and I’ve also started learning to draw, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.