Looking behind us and honoring the many women who paved the way for women today is imperative for us to continue to create a future built on lessons learned. This year, in the spirit of Women’s History Month’s theme of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” we wanted to share the advice we would give to our younger selves. According to the National Women’s History Alliance, who pioneered the declaration of March as Women’s History Month, this year’s theme was chosen to “honor women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.”
The stories we tell each other, like the ones below, are part of our individual and collective histories. It is through these stories that we are able to reflect, honor, grow and influence the many people around us who we interact with both professionally and personally.
“I will never forget sharing my career ambitions with someone once and his response was, ‘Wow? As a woman? Never heard that before. Good luck.’ If I could go back to that young girl, I would show her all of the ways that not only did she let that comment not stop her, but how it ignited a fire that nobody could put out. That young girl who was perplexed by such a remark went on to not only achieve all of her dreams, but exceeded her own expectations. I would tell her that she would find herself as the only woman in the room sometimes and the only female voice sitting at the table, but that the voice that she used was just as powerful as anyone else’s. I’d tell her to never settle on the easy route, and not to only face the giants in front of her, but to chase them. That girl had no idea that she would be getting a law degree, serve as a Board of Trustee for an honorable institution, and work for an establishment that values her work product. But that girl became a woman that little Kayla would want to add to her list of inspirations alongside Elle Woods and Olivia Benson.”
– Kayla Kosack, Analyst, Due Diligence
“Don’t underestimate the power of female relationships in your life. Seek out mentors and friends with similar values and career aspirations. It will make all the difference in navigating the work/life/motherhood experience!”
– Josephine D’Ippolito, Chief Operating Officer
“Don’t be afraid to take risks, life is too short to not do what we are passionate about. And do not strive to do extraordinary things, instead do the ordinary extraordinary. It’s in the little things in life where you can make a difference.”
– Ivana Cruz Guerrero, Analyst, Due Diligence
“Don’t feel like you need to have your whole life planned out because there’s a good chance what you think will happen, won’t, and what does happen will be even better.”
– Danielle Ostrander, Partner, Due Diligence
“Establish your worth and know the value of what you bring to the table. Your place card at the table may put you in the company of some that might not see you, so make sure they hear you.”
– Nirali Patel-Prabhakar, Partner, Business Intelligence
“Rise above the politics, the gossip and the roles you feel like you have to play. The long-term rewards of confidence, real relationships and success are worth far more than being liked.”
– Mandy Moody, CFE, Chief Marketing Officer
