Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

Today, March 8th, 2024 we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 by reflecting on this year’s theme of Inspire Inclusion. This campaign emphasizes the crucial role of promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions, aiming to dismantle the barriers that women face when seeking leadership roles. Through education, awareness, and initiatives like mentorship programs and advocacy campaigns, we create opportunities for women to thrive and overcome obstacles on their path to success.

At Consilio, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more diverse and equitable community. By working together to break down stereotypes, challenge barriers, and promote diverse perspectives, we can pave the way for a future where all women have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We value and support our employees’ professional and personal growth, exemplified through our Diversity & Inclusion commitment, WE-Together Affinity Group, Women in Technology blog series, and the appointment of Meredith Kildow as Consilio’s President. Our annual International Women’s Day campaign is another way we strive to raise visibility and help forge positive change for women.

We have continued that effort and have spoken with several of our employees worldwide about what International Women’s Day means to them. We have included their answers below:

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Krista Mayer
Director, Sales
Chicago, IL

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?
Stay true to yourself and your values. Be proactive and take initiative. Believe in your potential and don’t be afraid to take risks or step outside of your comfort zone. Confidence is a key factor in achieving success in the workplace.

Build a strong network. Connect with other professionals, mentors, and role models who can offer guidance, support, and valuable connections. Networking can be a powerful tool in advancing your career and opening up new opportunities.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re facing challenges or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to others for assistance. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Be adaptable and open to change. The workplace is constantly evolving, so it’s important to be flexible and willing to learn new skills and adapt to new situations.

Remember to take care of yourself. Work can be demanding, so make sure to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Set boundaries, take breaks when needed, and find healthy ways to manage stress.

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Alexia Hall
‍Manager, Strategic Client Solutions
Houston, TX

How do you think Consilio champions women in the workplace?
At Consilio, women are not just included; they are championed and celebrated for their leadership and contributions. With a woman president at the wheel, we embody a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization. Our leadership team actively promotes an environment where women are empowered to excel, with equal opportunities for advancement and recognition of their talents. By championing women in the workplace, we not only strengthen our company but also set a powerful example for others in the industry to follow.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?
To young women entering today’s workforce, I would advise you to cultivate confidence in your abilities and never underestimate your worth. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and without “acting like men,” never be afraid to speak up and assert yourself in male-dominated spaces. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who support your aspirations, and always strive to uplift and empower other women along your journey. Remember, your unique perspective and contributions are invaluable, and you have the power to shape a more inclusive and equitable workplace for generations to come. Be impactful!

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Charu Duggal
‍Associate Manager, Finance
Gurgaon, India

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day serves as a global reminder of the achievements of women throughout history. By raising awareness, advocating for women’s rights, and promoting gender inclusivity, International Women’s Day helps drive positive change and inspire future generations to strive for equality and justice.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?
As a young woman, it’s essential to believe in yourself, pursue your passions with determination, and never let anyone undermine your worth or abilities. Trust your instincts, stay true to your values, and remember that your voice matters.

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Megan Rowland
Senior Director, Project Management
Chicago, IL

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
The International Women’s Day theme of Inspiring Inclusion resonates deeply, reflecting the collective effort required to create a more equitable world, not just for women, but for all individuals entering the workforce. It’s an opportune moment to pause and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the talented women around us, recognizing their immense impact in shaping our professional landscape. Moreover, it’s a time to reflect on the ways in which each of us, regardless of gender, can empower and uplift others in their career pursuits. Ultimately, International Women’s Day symbolizes a shared commitment to fostering diversity, amplifying voices, and championing progress toward a more inclusive society.

How do you think Consilio champions women in the workplace?Consilio actively champions women in the workplace by fostering an environment where female leaders thrive. My experience at Consilio has been enriched by the presence of incredibly talented and determined women. The company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within is evident, exemplified by initiatives like the Consilio Leadership Academy, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the emphasis on personal and professional growth for women within the organization.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?
In navigating today’s workforce, it is crucial for young women to maintain a commitment to curiosity while confidently leveraging their talents. Instead of downplaying their capabilities, it is important to recognize and amplify their strengths. Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who complement these strengths and address potential areas of improvement is essential for personal and professional growth. Embracing new challenges as opportunities for growth can lead to unexpected avenues of success. Cultivating meaningful connections and friendships throughout one’s career journey can prove invaluable, underscoring the importance of nurturing these relationships and extending support to others in turn.

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Grace Strutton
Head of People & Development
London, UK

‍What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, IWD stands for equality and recognition of the expertise our female colleagues bring to work. It’s a time to reflect on the incredible contributions women make and to keep our focus on gender equality for the future.

How do you think Consilio champions women in the workplace?
As a working mother of two, I’ve been so impressed by how consistently supportive and kind the team is. People have been respectful of my time outside of working hours and yet ensure I’m included where I can bring value and that’s incredibly important to me. I feel like the mutual respect we share allows for collaboration and friendship on a deeper level and I’m delighted to work with talented women across every specialism.

How do you feel valued in your role at Consilio?
I feel valued in my role by being brought into challenging situations and partnering with colleagues to come up with solutions that work for everyone. The fact that my colleagues appreciate my expertise has been profoundly encouraging and I’m certain that has directly impacted my career progression to date.
What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?
Be authentic, look out for role models in the women around you, and never underestimate the value of champions in colleagues of all genders. A piece of advice with significant importance is to be kind and give credit where it’s due. It’s just as important for you to champion others as it is to find those who will be a champion for you.

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Jennifer Stickney
Vice President, ELS Operations
Kansas City, KS

‍What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
IWD is a chance to reflect on progress towards the inclusion of women and our historical contributions. It is a reminder to intentionally make room at the table for others’ voices.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?Participate in opportunities as much as you can; get involved and be curious. Seek mentors and when the time is right, pay it forward by becoming a mentor yourself.

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Tatyanna Silver-Brown
Analyst, Enterprise Fulfillment
Atlanta, GA

‍What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?I would advise young women to take the time to listen to themselves, identify their life goals, and determine their core values. It’s crucial to align with a company that shares those values. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure that you haven’t lost alignment with your overarching goals. Give yourself grace if, over time, your values and goals evolve. Success is not only monetary but it’s emotional, and in today’s workforce that comes when you remain aware and in alignment with your core values, so that each decision is results driven and puts you one step ahead.

How do you feel valued in your role at Consilio?
‍I feel extremely valued here at Consilio. The opportunities for professional growth, such as trainings, mentorship programs, and skill enhancement, demonstrate Consilio’s commitment to empowering its employees and promoting career advancement. This support from Consilio enhances my sense of value. A supportive workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion, coupled with the recognition of achievements, fosters a feeling of belonging within the team. Additionally, having autonomy and creative freedom in my role empowers me to take ownership of my responsibilities and excites me.

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Georgie Gale
Regional Associate
London, UK

‍How do you think Consilio champions women in the workplace? 
My journey at Consilio is a testament to how the organisation continues to champion women throughout their careers. When I started at Consilio, at age 19, I was surrounded by female role models at all levels who were always there to support, and advise me (and continue to today). Consilio is actively committed to promoting women and developing their careers. I started as the administrator of our London office and now four years later I am in a role I could only have dreamed of – consulting clients about our services. Fortunately, when I was ready to take the next leap in my career, there were women that I could look up to.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?Follow your intrigue and never stop asking questions.

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Myra Lane
Vice President, Transformation
Seattle, WA

‍What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 
International Woman’s Day is a day to honor and thank the resilient women who have paved the way before me, a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women around the world, and most importantly, a call to action to push for greater inclusivity and opportunities for women in all aspects of society.

How do you think Consilio champions women in the workplace? 
Consilio has a human-centered and work-life culture. Women are disproportionately responsible for unpaid labor in the home, and this flexibility allows many of my colleagues to be both fully present at work and at home.

How do you feel valued in your role at Consilio? 
The leaders I have worked with have been committed to maximizing my skillset to address the needs of the organization in a way that aligns with my career and development goals. This intersection drives purpose into my daily work and has allowed me to make a broader impact on the organization.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?Never be the one to say no to yourself. Find mentors in your organization or industry who can help you navigate the unique challenges you will inevitably face.

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Deanna Futia
People & Development Consultant
Brisbane, AUS

‍What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 
IWD is an opportunity to have open and respectful conversations about women (and men) regarding the significant progress to close the gap while encouraging and supporting equality and inclusion in our day-to-day lives. It is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments but also identify ways that we can continue to support positive change around the world.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?Own your strengths and what you can bring to conversations. Don’t doubt your ideas or opinions, and make the commitment to yourself to always be engaged and collaborate with your colleagues. Your opinions and ideas matter!

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Aisling Hubbard
Solutions Lead
London, UK

‍What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 
It’s a time to pause, reflect and recognize the contribution and position of women in society. It’s also a time to remember that the progression of women’s rights is a relatively recent thing, and in many ways, there is much more to be done to achieve female equity across the globe. I think it’s one day for all, regardless of sex or gender, to think about what more can be done on a daily basis to make a change. And of course, it’s a day to celebrate women and that’s super positive 😊

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?Don’t let fear hold you back. You’re not where you are by luck alone and you deserve a seat at the table as much as everyone else. Also, recognize the importance of finding and working with female leaders who inspire you. Having female leaders that you can look up to and learn from is invaluable. If you can’t see any, don’t be afraid to ask yourself whether you are in the right place for your career development. I do count myself lucky at Lawyers On Demand that I’ve had more than one inspirational woman sponsoring and supporting my journey with the business.

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Geetha Saravanan
Scrum Master, Product Engineering
Bangalore, India

‍What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 
International Women’s Day means celebrating the achievements and progress of women worldwide, reflecting on the challenges that still exist, and advocating for gender equality in all aspects of life. I feel it’s also an opportunity to inspire and empower future generations of women to pursue their dreams and break barriers.

To all the incredible women, shine on not just today but every single day. Happy International Women’s Day! 😊

How do you feel valued in your role at Consilio? 
It’s been an amazing journey of one year at Consilio! I can share that, feeling valued in any role is crucial for one’s sense of fulfillment and motivation. I see an inclusive work culture where the management is open to new ideas and my contributions are valued and acknowledged by peers and leadership. The unwavering support from the team makes me thrive more and feel confident to work on this embrace equity workspace.

What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?To my younger self – speak up, leverage your network, and keep learning. And more importantly, self-care and finding a balance between work and personal life are essential for long-term success and happiness!

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Thien Lieng
Senior Manager, Review Solutions
Raleigh, NC

‌What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 
International Women’s Day holds personal significance as a time to celebrate the achievements of women and acknowledge the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It’s a reminder to advocate for justice, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all women. 

How do you think Consilio champions women in the workplace? 
From my experience, Consilio truly stands out in its commitment to supporting women. We prioritize fairness and equal opportunities in hiring and promotions, and offer support networks and mentorship programs for women. Our proactive approach to addressing gender bias and fostering a culture of respect and equality makes me proud to be part of this team. 

How do you feel valued in your role at Consilio? 
The inclusive environment ensures my voice is heard and my contributions are recognized. The support from colleagues and avenues for personal and professional growth further solidify this sense of appreciation.

‌What advice would you give to young women entering today’s workforce?Remember to have faith in yourself and your capabilities, cultivate meaningful connections through networking, and seek out mentors who can offer invaluable guidance. Never forget to uplift and support other women in their pursuits, as our ultimate goal is to pave the way for a more inclusive future.