Edward De Bono said, “Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” To me, the true meaning of creativity is all about taking risks, putting yourself out there, being vulnerable and being confident in who you are. Believing in yourself, in what you can imagine or create in your mind. For females, this is the essence of feminine intuition and energy. We are built for creative work. We as women must defy all odds, be relentless in our pursuit of change and forever trail blaze a path forward despite the path being pitch black or dimly lit. It is our belief in ourselves that allows our true expression and creativity to come out.

Being a female executive and leader, I recognize that I am also a mentor and a role model for many. I set an example by being their voice and by showing them that women belong in a seat at the executive table. I validate them by listening and using my voice to act where their voices are not being heard. I am also a big proponent of investing in leadership training and coaching for our young female employees.

I am a female in technology and unfortunately there are not many of us.  As one of the only girls in my Computer Science program a couple of decades ago, I know how it feels to stick out like a sore thumb in a male dominated profession, and it is not a pleasant feeling.  I am VERY encouraged by a recent movement to promote girls in tech and I try to do my part by participating in events that advocate for women in leadership and in non-traditional careers. Did you know that the first computer programmer was a woman? Her name was Ada Lovelace. Women are just as intelligent, analytical, and logical as men, so it is time to break down traditional stereotypes and gender role biases.

Sharing my passion for technology with others is something I absolutely relish.  Technology is a wonderful enabler of efficiency and when it is successfully embraced, it can drastically improve our lives at work and at home.  A career in technology is incredibly rewarding, and I always try to encourage young girls to consider pursuing a career in my field.

As a female born in 1977 with a passion for sports and competition, I am thankful I came of age after Title IX was passed. However, it was frustrating to watch how my brother, who was only one year older, had more opportunities for sports success than I did. Much has changed since 1977, but we still have so far to go. When girls play sports, they build self-confidence. Self-confidence leads to so many positives things in our lives and includes helping us understand what our path is. Self-confidence helps you say no in a bad situation, helps you ask for the bigger raise you know you deserve and helps you strive to reach all of your goals. When girls play sports and are recognized for the incredible athletes they are, the world is setting them up for great success in all aspects of their lives. And when girls are confident, they become confident women and confident woman change their families, communities and the world.

Throughout my life and career, I have received the support, encouragement and challenge from female mentors, including Denise Turcotte who was so important to me.  I am forever grateful to them for sharing their experiences, their missteps and regrets and especially their investment and belief in me.  As a woman who has benefited from this outreach, I encourage you to extended yourself to others, share your experiences, cultivate talent and listen for the passion.

Without fear, I verbally thank the women in my life who have impacted me in a positive manner, who allow me to grow in my space and who continue to champion us all in the realm of inclusivity, advancement and equality.

In my volunteer positions with ADMEI, MPI-CAC and participation in ancillary events, I try to be empathic, a student and cheerleader. We don’t all come from the same foundation and we experience life through our own lenses so; let’s be kind to one another, pick each other up and be a willing student when we think we should be a teacher. We all make mistakes, may not get it right the first time, will celebrate failures along with success ultimately, it is in the confidence and faith we have in ourselves that help keep us progressing forward.

I love celebrating, especially when it’s someone I care about accomplishing their goals. Whether in the office or in my personal life, there is nothing that I love more than watching the success of the powerful, passionate and dedicated women around me as they work hard to make their dreams come true. It’s truly inspirational.

Michelle Obama said, “As women, we must stand up for ourselves. We must stand up for each other. We must stand up for justice for all.” This exemplifies empowered women empowering women. We must be strong for ourselves and one another, and we must support one another along this journey.

I am forever grateful for two of my first professional mentors, Liz Keyser and Ferris Suer, who believed in me from the beginning and were willing to support, coach and mentor my growth. Mentors come in many different forms – family, friends, teachers, colleagues. Having these women’s (and men!) support along your career will help define you and propel professional growth in ways you didn’t know was possible and allow you to do the same for others.