March is nationally recognized as Women’s History Month, and as the new executive sponsor of my company’s, SAIC, Women's Business Resource Group (WBRG), I am thrilled to celebrate the achievements of women who have made history. These pioneers helped shape each of us as we strive to promote an understanding of the benefits of a diverse workplace and the unique challenges women face.
And particularly, as I look back on this past year, I am humbled by and in awe of our collective achievements throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – we are also pioneers. We often overlook our accomplishments as women and especially as working mothers, probably because during times of duress, we are focused on getting the job done and keeping it together. But this March, I raise my glass to you!
This past year has been challenging, but it has also given me more time with my daughter who is currently learning remotely at home. Our time together has been a constant reminder that the pressures and influences of society, especially for working mothers who have had to juggle being an employee, caregiver, and teacher during this past year, are still prevalent in 2021. As a mother, I understand that I must play a role in changing and exploring creative and innovative ways for everyone to connect, share, and grow with each other in order to pave the way for the future successes of my daughter and other young girls.
In my new role, I am honored to be joining forces with my colleagues to take action to accelerate the advancement of women. We hope to inspire and encourage our future workforce while also offering professional development opportunities to our current workforce. And I am inviting you and others to join us by participating in the following organizations and efforts:
Girls Who Code: we are hosting a donation drive to help inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills to become change agents in their communities. Help us meet our fundraising goal by scanning the QRC to donate to ensure that girls continue to have access to these educational experiences.
Dealing with Difficult People. We are encouraging our colleagues and others to join this Women in Aerospace (WIA) Professional Development Workshop on March 4th to learn how to overcome frustrating, disheartening, and time-consuming interactions with their most difficult counterparts. Join in to gain techniques that have a positive impact on your mood, energy, and confidence.
A Virtual Field Trip. In an effort to create change, it's important to study the obstacles women have faced throughout history, as well as the barriers that still exist today. For this reason, we're taking a virtual tour of the Women’s History Museum. Learn with us at no cost on March 18th, at 1:00 p.m.
#ChooseToChallenge. As part of the International Women's Day Mission, we will spotlight the remarkable contributions of my women colleagues at SAIC whom #ChooseToChallenge every day by being leaders at work, at home, and among their social circles. Participate by following our social channels and posting your own #ChooseToChallenge pictures to amplify the cause.
With the day-to-day challenges of life and motherhood, I understand that getting involved in these events may seem overwhelming – one more thing on our plate, right? However, I hope you will join me and together, we can make a lasting impact on the women and young girls in your family, community, and around the world. We can build upon the work of the trailblazers who came before us, and contribute toward a path where leadership and advancement opportunities for women are equally normalized.
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