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.

What is your name and title?

Karina Capulong Cerdan, DEI & Social Impact Program Manager at SurveyMonkey.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

I channel the power of community, inclusion, and data to bring out the best in our people, products, and the communities we serve.

In my role, I manage our employee resource groups, volunteer programs, matching gifts platform, and am responsible for tracking belonging and quarterly diversity progress against annual goals.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

I’ve had an unconventional path – a jungle gym rather than a ladder, so to speak. My love affair with DEI started at UC Davis driving student recruitment and retention programs. Then, it was nonprofit, and another 8 years in biotech before landing at SurveyMonkey. I’ve been a case manager, an administrative assistant, a barista, a project coordinator for hematology advocacy and operations. Regardless of the role, there was always an opportunity to learn and grow, but it took my own audacity, hustle and folks who were willing to share access and opportunity that helped land me my dream job.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

Leave behind what does not serve you so that you can fly. Do what you love.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

You’re not going to make everyone happy, and you can’t take care of everyone or every issue that arises. That’s not the point. Focus on impact and on meaningful change. Be helpful. Be confident. Listen.

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

I only know one woman who reflects my identity in an executive role in the DEI and social impact space. I want to see more. It’s incredibly motivating to see and meet someone you can relate to succeed and do amazing things. Everyone should have that, woman or otherwise.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

I’ve been fortunate to have had mentors throughout my career. A mentor coaches you to think for yourself, asks you questions you haven’t considered, and drops knowledge you otherwise may not be aware of.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Don’t wait. If you’re curious about a role or if you have a defined goal – meet with as many people as you can to get the information you need and just go for it. Identify mentors and advocates along the way, communicate what it is you want, and take the steps to get closer. As my dad always tells me and my sisters, “You can do it!”

What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?

Your approach cannot be one-size fits all. Your women (and non-binary folks!) have intersectional experiences and the data shows this. SurveyMonkey participated in the Women in the Workplace Report, and data shows us that the pandemic has presented us with new challenges. How women of color, women caregivers, and women of different generations experience the workplace varies, and as such, should be considered in hiring (and return-to-work!), advancement, and daily support that managers and colleagues are held accountable to at work. If you don’t support your women, your business will suffer.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

I’d like to take our employee resource group program to the next level and grow us into a center of excellence in the industry. Influence and impact doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We’re all responsible for creating an inclusive, impactful environment regardless of our functions and roles, and employee resource groups help drive our DEI and social impact work.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I was matched to my Little Sister in the program for several years and matched and counseled dozens of Bigs and Littles in the Greater Sacramento region. It was also my first time recruiting a board of young professionals to champion the work, and I loved the entire experience. Role models and mentors make a huge difference.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

I believe SurveyMonkey joined Pledge 1% in 2019 under the leadership of Melynnie Rizvi alongside my colleague, Rebecca Nalder. Our impact program leverages our products and the expertise of our people to serve our customers and the communities they serve. It’s how we live our values and use technology for the greater good.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

This reformed plant-killer became quite the plant-mom during quarantine. I tried roller skating, but that was a bust. I used to dance when I was younger and try to keep up using the app, Steezy. I also enjoy food-travel TV, biopics, and walks by the ocean.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

The last book I finished is Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong. I’m learning so much about people with disabilities and the disabled community. Shoutout to our ERGs/DIIGs at SurveyMonkey for introducing this book to me.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

I’m a work in progress when it comes to remote work. Time to unplug is important, so take care of yourself.

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.

What is your name and title?

Diz Petit, Head of Civic Labs (Social Impact) at Postmates.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

Civic Labs mission is to positively impact our neighborhoods through community engagement and innovative technology solutions to combat complex, pervasive issues.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

After joining Postmates in 2013, I worked to build the customer service team from the ground up, launching new Postmates markets in Seattle, New York, DC, and Chicago, co-building the sales team, opening up a new stream of revenue for the company through the Postmates Partner program, and standing up a new 900+ employee Customer Service, Sales, and Operations office in Nashville, TN. In the summer of 2017, I created the Civic Labs team, Postmates’ social responsibility arm.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

The definition of Toxic Positivity. Kendra Cherry defines it as this – “Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. It’s a good vibes only approach to life. While there are benefits to being an optimist and engaging in positive thinking, toxic positivity instead rejects difficult emotions in favor of a cheerful, often falsely positive, facade.”

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

Wow, just one? It changes depending on the situation, company, colleagues, etc. Overall, I feel that my credentials are scrutinized more than men. I find that I usually have to offer more examples of my work and it’s impact than my male colleagues.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

Gabriella Wong from AccesSOS! We were connected via FastForward for a mentoring program and just totally hit it off. She is doing amazing things in the text-to-911 space as a tech nonprofit. I value her input, insight, and experience so much. She’s always just an email away to listen to my quandary of questions. Hopefully it’s a two way street, but I’m not sure it totally is.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Prepare for your interviews and meetings with concrete facts that you have memorized. A lot of companies want someone who is “data-driven” and being able to put numbers down in a first interaction will help establish credibility. Yes, you shouldn’t have to do that, but it is my advice.

What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?

Hire more women and promote more women! It’s not that hard. If you don’t have at least one woman at the table where decisions are being made, what are you doing? It’s 2021.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

Graduating from Saybrook University with my MBA in Sustainable Social Impact!

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

Right now I have been volunteering with Muttville, Rogers and Rosewater, and Berkeley Humane. I am a life-long animal rights advocate which will never change, but currently homelessness and saving dogs and cats are where I’m spending most of my time.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

I think Postmates joined in 2017 when we formed Civic Labs! This impact program has meant the world to me. Looking back on all the things that we have done and built to change hearts and minds – I am forever grateful to Postmates for the opportunity.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

Foster dogs! Read! Grad School! Apply to Y Combinator! Beat Saber on the Oculus 2! Learn Japanese! Play guitar and sing in my band, Plush Palace!

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

I just finished reading Why Zebra Don’t Get Ulcers. My favorite book right now is Systemic Racism by Ian Haney Lopez and my favorite non-true crime podcast is the Ezra Klein Show.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

Remote work is challenging when it’s forced. It used to be a little treat when you would work from home, but I am craving the feeling of the marker dragging across the giant whiteboard in front of a room of people during a massive brainstorm session.

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.

What is your name and title?

Nisha Kadaba, Global Social Impact Programs at PagerDuty.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

I channel our company’s resources to accelerate change in our local and global communities. I’m a passionate builder – from strategic partnerships and deep relationships, to innovative programs and campaigns.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

I took the plunge and left my first job in Los Angeles to attend the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to get my Masters Degree in Environment and International Development. It was one of the first programs of its kind, critically examining the inter-relationship between development and the environment, with a specific focus on social and environmental justice. This foundational knowledge inspired me to investigate the role technology plays in solving the world’s most pressing challenges. I’ve embarked on a career working at the intersection of tech and social impact.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

Let go of what you can’t control. I had a baby in June 2020, and bringing our son into the world during such a tumultuous time forced us to focus on what we could control and hone in on what was really important for our family.

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

The age-old question – how do you achieve work/life balance, especially during challenging times? I am passionate about motherhood and passionate about my career – how do I succeed at both?

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

Yes – I have several mentors. I view them as my “personal board of directors” and engage different people for different purposes. I’m lucky I’ve built a network of people that I can lean on when I need advice, both professionally and personally.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

I’m really looking forward to building out our new pro bono program at PagerDuty.org. We have incredibly passionate employees with valuable expertise, and I’m excited to connect them with nonprofit customers and grantees that will leverage PagerDuty’s platform and technology to further their critical work.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

I spent the summer of 2011 doing research for my thesis in the Amazon forest in Northern Paraguay at the Centro Educativo Mbaracayú – a unique school for adolescent girls that teaches entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management. The students at the school impacted me for life – their resilience, commitment to their communities, and love for the environment was unparalleled. I’ve since supported the school and even keep in touch with some of the students – one in particular is now a Sustainable Tourism leader!

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

PagerDuty joined Pledge 1% in 2017, and I joined our team in 2019. We have a small but mighty team, but we really move mountains to build thoughtful, meaningful programs that inspire our colleagues and make a tangible impact in our local and global communities.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

My husband is a true mountain man, and has inspired me to look to nature to replenish and re-energize. You can find us hiking, fishing, or picnicking in Marin.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

I’m almost finished with “Milkman” by Anna Burns. I’m really moved by immersive stories from Northern Ireland, since my husband is from there.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

Walking meetings – take a Zoom call to-go and walk around the block and get some sunshine. It’s tough being on camera/staring at a screen all day long, so walking meetings have been a great change of pace.

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.

What is your name and title?

Ania Smith, CEO at TaskRabbit.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

As the CEO of TaskRabbit, I determine the company vision and lead our global growth and expansion. Driven by our mission of making everyday life easier for everyday people, and in partnership with IKEA, I work to ensure our two-sided marketplace scales effectively.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

I came to TaskRabbit with more than 20 years of experience in global business operations and strategic planning at large multi-sided marketplace companies, including UberEats and Airbnb. Along with the support of wonderful people at TaskRabbit, the soft and hard skills I’ve picked up throughout my career have made the transition to CEO so rewarding.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

I don’t think about my career as a progressive upward trajectory. Instead, I like to think of it as a Google Map. Sometimes you’re flying down the highway at full speed, other times you may take a wrong turn down a bumpy road. Occasionally, you’re parked at a long stoplight. Through it all, the most important thing for me was to be open to new opportunities — take risks and have faith that I would wind up exactly where I need to be.

Choosing the less conventional path has paid off in several ways — including recognizing that it’s not always a climb up. As an example, for some part of my career, while working on strategy at Walmart eCommerce, I really wanted to ‘own’ a business which meant becoming a merchant. This was hard to do without any merchandising experience. Many senior leaders told me that it would be a tough road to get there. Still, through several lateral career moves, I finally got offered a role that I really wanted. Yet, in the end I turned it down in order to start a completely new business. That then led to a great opportunity at Airbnb which I think would have been more difficult to obtain had I accepted the merchandising role.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

This past year has taught me the importance of being nimble and adaptable, both personally and professionally. The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything — and despite making several important adjustments to our business at TaskRabbit — a level of uncertainty is always there.

What’s important is the ability to adapt and pivot quickly. We’re all navigating through uncharted territory, so we’ll inevitably take some wrong turns along the way. However, I think about everything as a learning experience that will allow us to make more informed decisions next time.

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

Learning to be comfortable being the “only” in a room — the only woman, mother, or the only immigrant — was a challenge. When I started out in my career, I sometimes felt intimidated, but over time I began to think about it as an opportunity. I embrace what makes me unique and strive to show others around me how these differences can create value for my team/company. I am fortunate at TaskRabbit that more than 70% of my leadership team is women — I no longer have to feel like I’m the only one in the room.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

There are a few qualities that I’ve grown to appreciate in a mentor. In my mind, the best mentors are those who can listen and help to solve problems without providing solutions. I also appreciate when mentors are able to see blindspots that I may have a harder time identifying, especially when it comes to leadership skills. Finally, the notion of a one-sided mentorship is not something I generally subscribe to. I am certain that I learn as much from those I mentor, if not more, than they learn from me. I hope I also provide value to those who have been by my side helping me to navigate my career.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Be confident and don’t be afraid to speak up. Also, if you want to continue growing and progressing in your career, rather than always focusing on that next step, make it your primary goal to do a phenomenal job in your current role. When it’s time to talk about promotions, then you’re already top of mind because you’ve demonstrated value and growth potential to the company.

What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?

Although “diversity” and “inclusion” may seem like buzzwords these days, workplaces must prioritize diversity of thought and experience as they hire and promote employees. At TaskRabbit, we have a top-down approach to ensuring women are treated as equals to men; in fact, more than 70% of our senior leadership team is comprised of women. We prioritize D&I not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because we’ve seen that it has made our company more successful overall.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

As a first-generation child to go to college in my family, and an immigrant, it has been particularly rewarding to work with first-generation immigrant children, especially young women, as they navigate high school and apply to college. I’ve been involved in a program that mentors these women to get them ready for college and supports them once they arrive. It helps that I’ve gone through what they’re about to go through, and I’m excited to share the joys and the challenges with them as they prepare for adulthood.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

TaskRabbit officially joined Pledge 1% in November 2019. TaskRabbit has been a mission-driven company since its founding, and giving back is an extremely important part of our culture. Through our TaskRabbit for Good initiative, TaskRabbit employees have pledged 1% of our time to volunteer with non-profit organizations dedicated to helping people find work or a place to call home in the communities we serve. We achieve this through a combination of office-wide community service days to support local nonprofits, department-specific volunteer events and individual volunteer time at charities of each employee’s choice.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

My family — including my husband and our three children — is a very active bunch. Together, we love to travel (which unfortunately has been put on pause during COVID-19) and enjoy hiking, rafting, biking and skiing. In fact, we spent a gap year living in Argentina, and I’m so grateful for that experience.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

I have been reading a lot of non-fiction lately including the latest book from Adam Grant, whom I adore, “Think Again”. I also just fished Bob Iger’s “Ride of a Lifetime” and am deeply immersed in “Walt Disney, the Triumph of the American Imagination” by Neal Gabler to follow on the Disney theme. Recently, I also finished “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towels which was one of my favorite novels I have read in years.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

The realities of the pandemic have helped me become an effective leader remotely — although I would still much prefer to be getting to know everyone in person. I strive to build connections and trust from the very start, and make the most out of every minute I have with people over Google Hangouts or Zoom.

I also bring my whole self to work. I try to be authentic, engaging, and empathetic and encourage others to do the same.

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.

What is your name and title?

Amanda Deol, Co-Founder & SVP at Addteq.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

I help create sales strategies, account growth, and new customer acquisitions. I am particularly focused on

aligning sales to business goals. In addition, I work to build company culture and maximize our community impact.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

My upbringing, family and spouse have all had a lot to do with my career success. I came from a culture where boys were cherished and girls were frowned upon. That motivation helped me strive to always be better and promote women in leadership at Addteq.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

Not overpromising and under delivering .

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

Working remote is possible.

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

Flexible work hours.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

Yes, I do. Mentors are extremely helpful for gathering advice and receiving another perspective.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Commit to a goal, and go for it!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

This year, I would like to expand the Addteq community impact model.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

Education is really important to me as a way to get out of generational poverty. My husband and I both come from similar backgrounds and education really helped us to lift ourselves out of poverty.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

Addteq joined Pledge 1% in 2015. The impact program for us is to build a culture of giving back along with delivery of those commitments.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

I recently became really interested in public school education and what it has to offer. I also like to read, take hot pilates classes and take long walks with my husband.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

I am currently reading “Keep Sharp: Build a better Brian at Any Age” by Sanjay Gupta M.D.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

Working on things that result in a high ROI, and cutting out what is not needed.

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.

What is your name and title?

Claudine Emeott, Sr. Director of Impact Investments at Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

Impact has always been my career through-line. That North Star has taken me to some very different places and given me a range of experiences I am very grateful for. I began my career in economic development consulting, both in emerging markets and in the U.S. In 2011, I left a consulting job in Chicago to move to Kathmandu as a Kiva Fellow. This experience with Kiva opened my eyes to the power of technology to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. After spending a year in Nepal, I moved back to the U.S. for a full-time role with Kiva, working on a new impact investing initiative for social enterprises.

In my five years at Kiva, I loved working at the intersection of investing, impact, and technology.I knew that I wanted to commit my career to the field. When Salesforce announced a new impact investing initiative, I was really excited about the opportunity to work for a much larger, but still mission-driven company. I joined Salesforce in 2017 to lead the Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

I have always been open to taking a major leap when the opportunity on the other side has the potential to meaningfully shift my career – whether that was moving to Kathmandu with Kiva or making the transition to a large company like Salesforce. I welcome the chance to stretch myself.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

Early on in the pandemic, I read something that strongly resonated with me — “We expect women to work like they don’t have children and raise children as if they don’t work.” In the chaotic transition to working, parenting, and schooling all happening at home, many women found themselves still fighting against that double standard in impossible circumstances. I personally had to combat the urge to apologize when one of my young children burst into a room while I was on a video call. I made the conscious decision to be candid with my immediate team about the very real challenges of juggling this stressful dynamic.

Sharing my own challenges paved the way for my team to open up about whatever they were encountering as well. Ultimately, this brought us closer together in a year of distanced working.

What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?

There are so many ways you can show up and speak out for gender equality. One thing companies can do is to close the pay gap. If you’re a hiring manager, take steps to close the gender pay gap at your company. Salesforce has invested more than $12 million to ensure that our employees are receiving equal pay for equal work. We conduct annual pay audits, evaluating by both gender and race. As a hiring manager, you can also examine your hiring practices to evaluate whether they are inclusive.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

Since the beginning, Salesforce has aspired to be a different kind of company — from our subscription-based software model, to our 1-1-1 giving model that put community service in the center of our culture. In 2014, leaders from Salesforce joined Atlassian and Rally to launch Pledge 1% and accelerate our vision to integrate philanthropy into businesses globally.

Our approach to the 1-1-1 model has evolved and expanded to address the needs of all stakeholders. The Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund, launched in 2017, advances social and environmental causes alongside strategic and business goals.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

I started my career in international development, and this work has always been close to my heart. A couple years ago I joined the board of the nonprofit Project Concern International. Last year, PCI served over 20 million people around the world with programs that enhance health, end hunger, and combat hardship. PCI has a strong focus on supporting women and girls in particular. That really resonated with me as a woman and mother. It has been a great experience serving on the board of PCI, and now the transition board of Global Communities (which PCI merged with in 2020).

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

Walk and talk alternative for some meetings — I think we can all agree that an old-fashioned phone call can be a nice break from Zoom meetings. It’s even better if we can get outside for a walk and fresh air!

In place of a commute, when I would listen to podcasts and read the news, I have had to develop a new morning routine. My morning workout is sacred, as is my first coffee of the day. I’ve also started using a paper journal every day to document gratitude, intentions, and top priorities. I find that using paper and pen is also a welcome change from my laptop. I’m still working to create other rituals to close the day.

Happy International Women’s Day! To kick off today’s celebration, our CEO Amy Lesnick will join a number of Pledge 1% female leaders at 9:30am EST to celebrate at Nasdaq. We are thrilled to be welcomed back for the second year in a row on International Women’s Day, and can’t wait to light up Times Square with a handful of the trailblazing female leaders within our community. 

But we aren’t just celebrating today! In honor of Women’s History Month, we kicked off our annual Women Who Lead series on March 1st, which shares inspirational stories of female leaders from a variety of backgrounds and industries. Today, March 8th, we will be sharing 8 of these stories with you each hour, starting at 12pm EST. Check out our Twitter feed and visit the blog throughout the day to follow along. 

At Pledge 1%, we believe that women should be celebrated every day. We are proud to support our members and partners working to advance equality in the workplace for ALL women, and look forward to sharing more stories of female leadership with you throughout the month!

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.

What is your name and title?

Chekesha Van Putten, Founder & CEO at Castango.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

I am the Founder and CEO of Castango.com, an online job marketplace connecting talent with jobs nationwide.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

I spent the early part of my career working in front of the camera as a professional spokesmodel, actress and dancer appearing in movies such as Austin Powers, American Beauty and Batman & Robin. I was also in commercial campaigns for Pepsi, Ross, Taco Bell and a Los Angeles Laker girl and choreographer for 2 years. Based on my experience in the industry, I saw how technology could streamline the casting process. I built Castango to create greater accessibility and more opportunities for talent to find work online nationwide.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

Moving to Las Vegas was the greatest decision I made to advance my career. Originally from Los Angeles California, the move to Nevada brought with it great opportunity. I graduated from the Score Institute for Entrepreneurs through the Small Business Association where I found mentors to help me get started. Tony Hsieh, the late founder of Zappos, was also investing and developing the downtown area to attract the tech community at the time. I was able to gain access to resources that helped me build out my team and platform.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

Creativity is the mother of invention. I also learned that staying in tune with what is going on in the world and providing a solution is essential. Being a tech based company, we have always been focused on the future of work. However, this year we accelerated our mission and learned that you must pivot when necessary.

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

Raising capital is definitely a challenge as a woman in the tech industry. Sadly only 3% of women receive venture capital funding. This number is even lower for women of color. It is still an uphill battle, but we are making great strides as more female focused funds are coming into play and women are taking on leadership roles.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

I would not be where I am today without the many mentors in my life. As a young professional, I remember being afraid to ask for help. I made a commitment to surround myself with people who had experience and were willing to help advise me this time around. Two minds are better than one, and I am grateful for the many people that have helped get me to where I am today.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

There is so much pressure early in your career to figure things out and reach your goals. It’s important to remember that it’s the journey not the destination, and that you have time! If you are always focused on the future, you will miss the moment and that is where greatness is built. One day, one relationship, one milestone at a time.

What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?

The first step is for companies to realize the inequities that exist and evaluate where they are and where they want to be. From there, they can make a commitment to diversify and level the playing field.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

In the next year, I hope to build more brand partnerships and further expand our marketplace to create more job opportunities for women and people of color.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

I currently sit on the Board of the Junior League of Las Vegas, which is an organization that promotes volunteerism, and develops the potential of women while improving the community. I wanted to find a way to give back to my community on a consistent basis. The Junior League has allowed me to not only do meaningful work with a variety of local non-profits, but also develop leadership skills to continue to grow as a leader in my community.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

Outside of the office, I love to dance, cook, hike the red rock mountains and travel.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

I am obsessed with Podcasts from Wait What Productions including Masters of Scale and most recently Meditative Story. It’s inspirational hearing the stories of other people overcoming challenges and finding success.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

One of the most important things that I do to manage remote work is to get fresh air. When you are bound to your home & computer, going outside is a luxury. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the morning, afternoon run, or weekend hike, getting fresh air and oxygen in your lungs is a great way to manage this new lifestyle.

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.

What is your name and title?

Gabriela Crego, Social Impact Leader at Rock Content.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

I am responsible for Rock.org, the social impact initiative at Rock Content. I created the program in 2019, and since then we have been doing our best to make education resources available for everyone in Brazil. We run a program called Rock’n’Grow an online development program that provides scholarships to Rock University courses. These courses are focused on developing relevant skills needed in the job market in four main areas: digital marketing, social media, sales and customer success.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

I graduated with a degree in Production Engineering, but decided to take a more nontraditional path. Together with two friends, I founded a nonprofit called Naação in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The main goal was to leverage the impact of social leaders by sharing knowledge regarding financial suitability. To offset my low salary as a nonprofit leader, I decided to accepted an offer to work part time at the sales team at Rock Content. After 6 months working there, there was a huge opportunity to bring these two worlds together. The task was to create a social impact program within the company, from the ground up. Convincing the leadership team of the importance of this program was crucial to our execution.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

It is hard for me to say my number one decision. I believe a path of right and wrong decisions have helped me get where I am today.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

Remain optimistic, and learn to adapt and move quickly. To get through all of the challenges we faced last last year, we had to exhibit bravery. We had to think fast and bring different solutions. This was especially true as we were working with underrepresented students, many of whom did not have access to the digital world.

I also learned to focus on what make our team strong, and to never forget the core values and culture.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

Not yet, but I always have that top of mind. It’s something I plan to cultivate this year.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Believe in yourself, trust your voice, and remain true to your values – then, go for it!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

Expand our program beyond Brazil and make it a global initiative.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

Education and equal opportunities for everyone.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

We joined when we first created our social impact program, but more effectively in 2020. Pledge 1% was a huge opportunity for us to exchange knowledge with people working in the same area – facing similar challenges. It has been an amazing learning experience, and supported us with tools and resources to help us build.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

I have a dream to travel around in a trailer. So, I spent some time researching, and started building my own.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

At the moment I’ve studying about ESG, so I follow a podcast called ESG agenda and news from Capital Reset (an independent Brazilian journal).

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

I created an office outside my bedroom. That way I ensure I don’t spend 24 hours a day in the same room.