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.
Brenley Brotman
Vice President, Global Recruiting at Lookout & Chair, Lookout Foundation
San Francisco, CA, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I lead the talent acquisition team at Lookout, and am responsible for hiring world class talent across our various regions. In addition, I am the Chair of the Lookout Foundation, and we are proud to be part of Pledge 1%.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Everyday, I get the honor of working with “wicked smart people” who are fundamentally really kind. I am delighted to Chair our Lookout Foundation, where we are supporting non-profits in the places where we live and work. Today in fact, we launched a Global Campaign for our sisters and brothers in the Ukraine. Within one hour of launch, we exceeded our goals. I am humbled by my colleagues each and every day.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I am driven to make a difference. During these difficult times, people need a reason to feel inspired, to be valued..to be heard. Every day I strive to bring out the best in my team and my peers. Empathy is my secret sauce, and lots of humor doesn’t hurt.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Behind all anger is fear. If you can wander about without scaring others, you will win at the game of life”. How true that is. Best performance comes from a place of emotional security.
What does generosity mean to you?
There is an old story about two women who are breaking bread together. One of the women held a loaf of bread, tore off a large piece, and handed it over to the other woman. The 2nd woman declined the bread and said, “with a full heart, you will toss the bread to me. When you release the bread into the air, you are releasing the expectation of anything in return”. A truly generous person asks for nothing in return.
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?
Every single company should have a Foundation, or at least a group of people that want to formalize efforts around “giving back”. In our Lookout Foundation, one of our themes is to support women interested in getting into the field of cybersecurity and other STEM areas. We co-founded “Day of Shecurity“, a place for women to come and learn about cybersecurity. We started small – bringing 25 women together at our Lookout offices in San Francisco. We provided a full day of Cybersecurity training.
At the end of the day, we held a “Capture the Flag” competition. The winner was awarded an all expense paid trip to Defcon (cybersecurity conference).
Fast forward 3 years and 6 events later, 2021’s Day of Shecurity conference attracted over 1700 women from 52 different countries for two days of free training, networking and collaboration (90+ Women Speakers). Just this week, Lookout hired another woman from our last Day of Shecurity event. It’s exhilarating to watch this free program grow in such a meaningful way for women around the world.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Driven. I have internal horsepower that drives me to make a difference in the relationships I build and the opportunities I seek.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’d like to launch a free “Day of Shecurity” Conference for women in India this year. Perhaps 3000 attendees? Let’s do 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.
Elaine Abery
Director, Unravelling Red Tape
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences
I deal with complex government requirements on behalf of small and medium sized organizations allowing them to focus on what they do best. I stand with them to develop position statements and advocate for them, their professions, and industries to access high quality government decisions.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The first meeting with most of my clients usually lasts for a long time and they are often very distressed – sometimes in tears. A few months later, our conversations are much quicker – they say they are confident with me by their side and sleep soundly knowing I am doing my best for them and their situations.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
From a personal perspective, I am known for being an eternal optimist, but in the middle of last year I hit an emotional and physical roadblock – it was like I was operating by habit and laughing less (strange for me). Then, I discovered ocean swimming in the middle of winter. If you look at pictures of ocean swimmers when they come out of the ocean, they are often glowing, especially in winter. And just like that, the invigorating glow of ocean swimming brought back my joy.
From a professional perspective, my clients relied on me to help them navigate complex, constantly changing government decisions around COVID. Sometimes, we think government is an all-knowing entity, but it makes mistakes. For example, many small businesses were excluded from accessing government COVID assistance in Australia due to a turnover test. After discussions with the NSW government, they created a micro-business grant for small businesses struggling due to covid. Just thinking how much this assistance was needed motivates me to keep going.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
When I was fifteen, I was being taken around Frankfurt-am-Main by a childhood friend of my grandmother. She said “everything is not black and white Elaine. There are so many colours of life in between.” Those words continue to open my perspective on life, events and people.
What does generosity mean to you?
When I was living in Malawi, working with orphaned and other vulnerable children, I would often go for long walks. People would call out “Muzungu,” (white person) and invite me into their homes. I would squat on the ground with men, women and children who gave me half their meal and insisted, with a broad smile, that I start eating before they did. I felt guilty taking half their food for that day or week. Many times, I tried to give them their food back, but this was met with confusion. True generosity is giving what you cannot afford.
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?
This is the reason I left behind my safe salary and set up my business. I love empowering people to change the law – to make it more equitable to help people do good stuff for society. Sometimes, government decisions just don’t make sense, or make the world a better place.
I have a particular passion for advocating for front line health workers, especially given their contribution during the challenging COVID years. One particular example is a highly specialised medical profession approached me after they received a large salary cut in the Federal Budget. This occurred due to some issues in the consultation process. I worked with them to have the Budget decision turned around and ensure they were treated equitably, in line with similar medical professions.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
LOL. I have an infectious laugh. My friends joke they never need my address when I move – they just follow the laughter.
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 want to do all the ocean swims in and around Newcastle and take the time to go places regularly and get back into rock climbing.
From a business perspective, as a woman I have struggled to own my successes. I am working with my business coach to stop feeling like I need to apologise for being great at what I do and charging to do something that adds value to so many associations, charities and businesses.
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.
Clara Perez
CEO/Founder, Radical One
Santiago, Dominican Republic.
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I passionately lead a small but mighty group of developers. From developing to daily operations to inspiring and motivating both our collaborators, partners and customers.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Helping our customers succeed by being able to meet their needs and being able to inspire others around me, by example, to be a servant leader.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Practicing resilience and knowing that each of our stories, battles and conquests serves a purpose and inspires others to act.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
In order to be a leader in technology, you need to know more than just technology. You must understand the people behind it (the makers) and in front of it (the consumers).
What does generosity mean to you?
It means empathy in action.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Curious.
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’m thrilled to jump start and grow Radical One. A consultancy firm that I’ve founded to create an army of technology professionals around the globe who are passionate about customer success, innovation, and giving back.
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.
Deepti Gupta
Chief of Staff, Goodera
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I work closely with the CEO to drive key strategic initiatives across the firm.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
As a Pledge 1% member, Goodera has pledged 1% of employee time. Every Tuesday for us is a Volunteering Tuesday. I love these hands-on volunteering sessions which help me learn about the great work that a lot of nonprofits are doing across diverse cause areas. These experiences have made me a more empathetic and self-aware leader.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
At Goodera, we are on a mission to revolutionize volunteering through technology. Managing relationships with nonprofits driving efforts on-ground to advance various social causes is a core part of my job. Speaking with nonprofit leaders from across the globe and understanding the challenges that they and their beneficiaries are facing, has helped me put my problems in perspective. The bigger purpose of creating meaningful impact for communities in need, has kept me going.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Life is too short to do a job that doesn’t bring you joy.
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 simple, by enabling and empowering their employees to play a bigger role in solving these challenges. Be it generating ideas for a new product or volunteering during the times of crisis, the power of individuals cannot be underestimated.
We can look at the Ukraine migration crisis. The way the citizens and families from neighboring countries have opened their homes to welcome the war refugees, is a powerful example of how individuals can not only support but take the lead in solving some of the biggest, complex challenges
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Audacious – because I like to make big bold plans, incremental innovation doesn’t excite me
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin.
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.
Trish Riley
Director, Cinema Verde
Gainesville, FL USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I’m the founding director of Cinema Verde Environmental Film and Arts Festival and Channel, which I developed as a way to broaden the reach of environmental education in 2010. I worked as an environmental journalist and author since 1992, which is how I learned how vitally important it is for us to wake up and address these concerns with sustainable solutions.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
I get so excited when I’m reviewing our film submissions and I find so many wonderful films from around the world covering so many different aspects of our environment and highlighting what we need to do to ensure everyone’s safe, healthy future.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
While it seems most people lament the effects of the pandemic, and of course we all mourn the great loss of life and devastating illnesses, I think we have also been presented with an exciting opportunity to make the dramatic changes that we need to reset our civilization on a path to sustainability – something that seemed nearly impossible before now has true momentum… We have learned that we don’t necessarily need to travel in droves each day to our offices, reducing our work time and many expenses associated with office buildings, transportation, wardrobes, childcare, etc. and in the process we’ve gained time for ourselves so that not so much of our lives are given over to work.. we might have more time to be with our families and explore our creativity – which of course leads to intelligent solutions to the very serious problems we face with our environment. In my line of work – trying to help create a sustainable future – this is a bonus we never expected. I hope we can truly take advantage of this opportunity rather than rush to revert to our old ways.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My father was a self-made business success and he collected and dispensed bits of wisdom to his staff and his children. His rhymes and cliches echo in my head still… things like: ‘Do the job right the first time so you don’t have to go back and do it again,” but also: “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.”
What does generosity mean to you?
I am constantly astounded by the generosity of so many volunteers and supporters of Cinema Verde who have given so very generously of their time and talents to help create Cinema Verde. I’ve learned that we are all motivated to help forge a positive, sustainable future and working together is the only way to get there – I made a little slogan: Cooperation Trumps Competition.
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 are the key to our solution for a healthy sustainable future. Owners and shareholders must step up with integrity to make the changes we need to move forward with renewable energy and reduced chemical contamination. Many businesses are already leading the way, such as investment companies like Green Century, which offers investment funds that only invest in clean energy and green product manufacturers. This sort of shareholder pressure, along with consumers choosing to buy cleaner products, will help business leaders shape our future with green initiatives.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Mom. Of course I love my work and everything about it but the most important job I’ve ever had has been to raise my children – children are our future and it is so very important to carefully nurture their brilliance so they can use all of their potential intelligence and creativity to help shape our sustainable future. It is now known how important it is to protect children from harm and trauma – their developing brains are fundamentally affected by all of their experiences – they grow in good circumstances and they are stunted and saddled with health problems and even lower intelligence when exposed to violence, neglect and environmental contamination. Our children will help move the world forward for all of us.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar, Helen Reddy.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I would like for Cinema Verde to reach the world with environmental education through our films and news so we can help create a sustainable future.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am excited to see more and more women stepping up to the plate to help us build a better future. As a woman, and as a mother, I feel very strongly that we will guide our future away from destructive practices… We don’t want to send our children to war, we don’t want to hurt our friends and colleagues, we don’t want to poison our air, water, soil and selves with petrochemicals. I believe we as women can see that there are many more important things than profit above all. I’m excited to see Chicks in Charge! Let’s Go, GIRLS!
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.
Lindsey Lanwehr
Director of Technical Support, Salesforce
Bloomington, IN, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I currently lead the Pardot Support organization at Salesforce. We are a driven, highly-skilled, diverse group of individuals that have one common goal. We make our customers successful.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Hands down, it is career growth. I feel so much pride when I’ve spent time investing in an employee’s career and they achieve a promotion. Seeing their happiness truly makes me happy.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
My family suffered a house fire during the summer of 2020. We were displaced from our house for 7 months. I did a lot of reflection during that time. My family was extremely lucky to have no injuries, great home insurance, flexibility at work, and an outpouring of support from our friends & family. Anytime I go back and think about this hard time in our life, it motivates me to continue being a better person each day.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Seek to understand. Asking questions is a key part of understanding many situations. Take the time to understand before jumping to conclusions.
What does generosity mean to you?
Generosity means more than physical gifts. It can mean time volunteering or even just being kind to a stranger. The smallest acts of generosity can change someone’s 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?
Businesses can be the change. It doesn’t need to be a charity or government that solves all the issues in our society. Businesses have the platform, resources, and workforce to be a driving source for change. One of the most creative ways that I’ve seen folks volunteer their time at Salesforce is through the organization Extra Life. Extra Life raises donations from gaming to fund Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I’ve had the privilege of playing games for donations and donating directly to some wonderful colleagues that are passionate about helping sick and injured kids
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Resilient. Life can be hard…painfully hard. I’ve lived a good life, but it hasn’t been without struggles. I’ve pushed through tough times and worked hard to rebuild myself. Each setback is an opportunity to grow. I am resilient.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
I’m a Bloomington, Indiana native. That means John Mellencamp is often my go-to on Spotify. His new album features a song (Chasing Rainbows) that speaks to my soul.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Professionally, I took a new role this year. It is a new team, a new product, and a new focus for me. I’m looking to bring my experience and perspective to help build upon the amazing work that is already being achieved. Taking on a new role can be scary, but it is also invigorating. Problem-solving is a core trait for me, so this gives me the opportunity to really dig in and get my hands dirty. Personally, my husband and I are building a new house. Once we move, we will be closer to friends and work. We are both looking forward to being more social and involved.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m a big advocate for mental health resources being available to anyone that needs them. Personally, I suffered through infertility, late-term stillbirth, and postpartum depression. I needed access to mental health resources to bring me back from all of those experiences. All women should have more than just a 6-week postpartum doctor’s appointment. Mental health needs to be as important as our physical health and everyone deserves access.
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.
Oriana Itriago
Salesforce Administrator, Certa Consulting
Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Currently, I´m assigned to a project as a CPQ administrator.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Propose and implement solutions to meet the customer’s requirements.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
The constant learning that adds to my professional growth.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Do not give up in the face of obstacles to achieve your goals.
What does generosity mean to you?
Helping or supporting people in a disinterested way.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Persevering: no matter how difficult the problem is, I will still keep looking for the solution.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Obtain the Advanced Administrator and CPQ Specialist certifications.
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.
Blair Pettit
Program Manager of Social Impact, Khoros
Austin, TX, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the Program Manager of Social Impact at Khoros, I oversee our global ESG strategy and supporting initiatives, including our tech-for-good program, corporate donation planning, employee volunteerism, and sustainability. Outside of day-to-day program management, I am constantly strategizing how we can better measure the impact of our work and share that story in meaningful ways with different stakeholder audiences.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Working in social impact requires constant curiosity and endless research — that’s my favorite part. I get to start each week asking myself, “How can we drive a more positive social impact in our world, and how can we do that in a strategic way that proves business value?” It’s a never-ending (often creative) challenge, and I’m energized by it.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I’m driven to prove that social-impact focused companies outperform others. Social impact can no longer be viewed as traditional philanthropy — it’s a strategic business move that, when done well, positively influences recruitment, customer acquisition/retention, investor relations, brand perception, positioning in the market, and more. As a team of one in a brand new, self-pitched role, I’m motivated to keep going and prove this to our stakeholders each day.
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 looking forward to publishing Khoros’s first-ever Annual Impact Report to hold our organization to higher standards of transparency, accountability, and year-over-year progress. Personally, I’m so excited to attend four of my best friends’ weddings this year (plus bachelorette parties!); COVID-19 has impacted so many people’s abilities to visit friends and family, so I can’t wait to celebrate love with those I love most throughout 2022.
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.
Keren Pakes
VP Brand Marketing & Communications + General Manager of The Bright Initiative
Tel Aviv, Israel
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the VP of Brand Marketing & Communications, I manage the company’s entire market positioning as well as its reputation. I manage a team of 12 people overall.
I also serve as the General Manager of The Bright Initiative, a pro bono organization that I established in mid-2020 as part of the global effort to help researchers make sense of the Covid pandemic. The Initiative has quickly grown and now supports close to 400 organizations, universities, NGOs, NPOs, and public sector bodies.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is the opportunity I have to inspire change! I love the fact that business-oriented technology can make such a big difference in people’s lives. For example, public web data helped the Covid vaccine become more widely accessible by making vaccine appointments available across the US through the FindAShot organization. And there are many more examples of web data being used for good. If you stick to the ethical guidelines and to public data only as well as utilize the largest database in the world, which is the internet, you can really make a clear difference – whether it is environmental, social, or related to people’s well-being.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I always tell myself that a challenge managed in the right way can turn into a great opportunity and that only when we are faced with the greatest challenges do we actually have the opportunity to grow. My own challenges inspired me to take some bold steps that I probably would have refrained from taking had I not been faced with them – those bold steps resulted in some great professional achievements and even greater opportunities that would not have happened if I had not used the challenges to grow.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Sometimes, it is best to stand still and wait for things to naturally unfold, and only then act.
What does generosity mean to you?
Seeing the other person’s perspective and trying to support them when they need you. I always aim to be available to those who need support, even on my busiest of days. I think words carry a lot of power, and sometimes when you are there for a person, truly listening and responding can make a real difference where you are needed the most.
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 businesses should look at ways to help the most critical causes by doing what they do best. For this reason, I established The Bright Initiative. Today, we share our expertise and our technology with many inspiring organizations (pro bono, of course). These include organizations such as HTI Labs, which utilizes public web data to fight human and sex trafficking, or the upReach charity, which partnered with us to run sessions and share our data-driven expertise, among many others. Any business can drive change where it matters the most. We started initiating change when the pandemic broke, and we found out about so many causes we could help to drive forward. Consequently, we decided to expand our organization and turn it into a comprehensive hub that delivers many benefits. For example, in another month, we plan to launch the Bright Academy, which will be available for all who wish to advance in the data profession.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Bold – and, if I may add, persistent. I am a former war journalist of 14 years who has truly seen it all . I think that I turned my journalistic skills into my current approach, which has basically made all the difference in my professional world. I truly think that every bright idea deserves to be realized, and I aim to make it happen. Why wait – right?
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
There are many – if I had to choose one it would be Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, a song that still speaks to me today
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
My team and I are going to establish a commission that uses public data sharing to fight violence against women. This has already started, and we hope to bring it to the public sector so they can make the necessary changes in their policies.