THE WOMEN OF 1909
TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
I create community-focused solutions for software developer health, aka preventing/recovering from burnout and practicing restful work.
what is the biggest challenge you have faced being a woman in your industry?
How do I choose just one? I think for one reason or another -- infantilization, sexualization, degradation -- it all comes back to not being taken seriously despite absolutely, by all metrics, kicking ass.
what are some societal norms you push back on and why?
"You can't do that", "That's not how that works", "It's just the way it is" are phrases like nails on a chalkboard to me. Everything is malleable. Just as all of what we know was once created, it can be destroyed and something new created in its place. So I guess I push back on the norm of "norms".
who is another boss woman you admire and why?
No way I can only say one, but Shana Ostrovitz, Danielle Casey, Vanessa Calas, Rebecca Bakels, Monica Rojas, Nikki Cabus. ABSOLUTE WARRIORS. I would go to battle on any grounds they fought on and they've gone to battle for me when I've laid my neck on the line in massively consequential and risky situations. In the spirit of this questionnaire, it is incredible thinking back on just the little of what I know these women have been pitted against. Things that most people have no idea about, cannot even imagine, even in our own community. Despite it all, each one has carried on business as usual and has continued to serve others through it all. To be a woman in leadership...
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TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
I help solo, small and growing companies become Certified B Corps. Together we build social and environmental impact systems into your current business model to balance for both profit and purpose. In other words, I help your business save the world.
what is the biggest challenge you have faced being a woman in your community?
The lovely thing about the purpose, mission-driven space that is the B-Corporation space, is that women are very much celebrated. There are even systems in place in this industry that give a leg up to women and accounts for equity, not just equality. And this is extended to both biological women as well as self-identifying women.I have yet to have a conversation with a single person who hasn't left me feeling anything but respected and heard. This is a big change coming from a tech background where its very male, tech-bro dominated. I guess the biggest challenge now is how do we make this the norm in other industries as well.
why do you think its important to see female representation in leadership roles?
It's important for future generations to know what leadership can look like. It's important for little girls to see women taking charge to give them the confidence to do the same. And it's just as important for little guys to see women as people who deserve not just respect but esteem.
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TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
I help, and motivate women romanticize their own lives, and take care of themselves.I make handcrafted, vegan candles to fill your home with essential oils.
what are some societal norms you push back on? why?
The idea of a "strong black woman". We are all human and nuanced. We should not be forced to use our trauma as a shield. I want to see more women of all walks of life feels safe in their vulnerability. I want us all to prioritize our mental health. I would like to see mental health continue to be destigmatized and accessible to all.
how do you persevere through the tough times?
I genuinely enjoy what I do. The past two years have been extremely difficult to navigate, especially as a new mom. I give myself a break and take a look at what I'm doing wrong and what I can work on improving while I take a step back. Success is not linear, I try to keep that in mind.
CONNECT WITH ME –
TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
As the Executive Director of 1909 my goal is to make sure this amazing place fulfills it's mission and can be financially sustainable. I do a whole mish-mash of things to make that happen... including taking out the trash when needed.
IS CONFIDENCE SOMETHING THAT COMES NATURALLY TO YOU OR IS IT SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED?
Definitely something I'm still learning. I often have to fake it at first to get to a real place of confidence. One thing that's been very eye opening to me is that I feel more confident when I'm doing something I love. My position at 1909 is by far the most enjoyable and rewarding position I've ever had and for some reason this has made me feel more confident - even when I'm in situations where I know absolutely nothing. It's like my gut knows what to do or how to solve problems because it knows I'm in the right place. I don't know how to explain it, I just know that I feel more grounded and centered even though I often know very little about the new things I have to take on each day.
who is another boss woman you admire and why?
There are so many I admire it's hard to just pick one. I really admire Pranoo Kumar because I know all of the resistance and push back she has received in her life and she's still so loving, compassionate and optimistic. She also uses her voice to share truths that make others uncomfortable. She uses her voice to educate people, to provide the feeling of safety and belonging and to advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves. I want to learn how to use my voice more affectively and she's an absolute inspiration when it comes to that.
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TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
Software engineering – specializing in the front end, building out and updating features across the City Furniture website. If you've shopped for new furniture in the past year you've probably seen some of my work.
DO YOU WORRY THAT AS A STONG WOMAN IN YOUR FIELD THAT YOU INTIMIDATE MEN?
No. I know I do but that is not my responsibility to unpack for them.
why do you think its important to see female representation in leadership roles?
Besides the obvious need for representation for younger generations, when I see a woman in a leadership position I feel understood. I know that she's been through hell to get there, she's faced similar struggles to my own and persevered to make the path easier for other women to follow. I see a leader in all definitions and aspects of the word.
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TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
Audio engineering specializing in audiobook editing and production.
whAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED BEING A WOMAN IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Audio engineering is a boys club and being taken seriously has always been a struggle. In my first job out of college, I was one of two female engineering assistants at a Detroit-area studio, and it always felt like we had to prove ourselves in ways that the guys never did. From general condescension to outright sexual harassment, being a woman in a male-dominated profession was truly eye-opening in regards to how the male experience is the default setting in so many industries. When I switched careers from engineering to teaching, my skills and expertise were never questioned in the ways that they were previously. Now, several years later, as I've returned to engineering, I'm seeing that same arrogance and dismissive responses from some folks. All that being said, I'd say that over the last 15 years there has been a shift in the number of women in audio engineering, which is promising. I love that of the handful of people I've worked with to teach audio engineering, more than half have been women. It really brings me joy to work with and help other women who want to get started in audio engineering. And to be honest, I love that they have a woman teaching them the ropes.
HOW DO YOU PERSEVERE THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES?
Crying. Cadbury mini eggs. Naps. If I'm having a hard time with something work-related, I do my best to remind myself that I am 100% qualified to be doing what I'm doing. That as a former English teacher and copyeditor, there is literally (see what I did there?) no other career that I'm more qualified to do, so I shouldn't let little setbacks make me feel like a failure. If I'm struggling with life in general, I am a huge fan of the "walk n' talk" - calling a friend and just meandering around town while venting about everything. The act of being physically active while working through problems is what got me through the pandemic.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER FEMALES JUST STARTING OFF IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
There is nothing that makes a male inherently better or more qualified to be an audio engineer. Embrace being the only female in the classroom, the editing suite, or the production team. Own your voice and own your perspective. Reach out and find another female engineer to talk with and learn from. Don't apologize for wanting to make money and be valued for your work. And finally, don't be afraid to upset the male ego, because in the great words of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler: Bitches get shit done.
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TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
I design and develop brands from the inside out. From strategy to design I’m on a journey with my clients helping them use their brand assets with confidence.
what is the biggest challenge you have faced being a woman in your industry?
Being respected and valued in the work I do has been a challenge. Even with confidence in my skillset, being taken seriously and paid accordingly can be a problem. Along with voicing my opinion on how I'm being dealt with. It took a while to see that was my challenge as I forged my way into the industry. In different situations I would see my male counterparts who where doing the same work I did be treated differently. It’s a hard pill to swallow when you’re overlooked for opportunities you qualify for. At first I thought I was alone in my thoughts until I noticed it was happening to other women around me. I came to the conclusion that I had to speak up. I continue to learn and grow from these challenges, even if that means walking away from work - because nothing is worth the feeling of loss of sanity or dignity.
HOW DO YOU PERSEVERE THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES?
Being a part of a supportive community helps out a lot to get through hard times. I use to struggle so much more when trying to tough it out all on my own. When I had no one to talk to who could understand what's it's like to be an entrepreneur, I felt alone and down. Almost giving up at times. Now that I have found different communities that get me and want to help me, those tough times that come are easier to deal with.
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TELL US WHAT YOU DO.
I specialize in organic and technical search engine optimization, focusing on Wordpress websites. My company, Search Appeal, designs and develops creatively unique websites that perform well for users while being technically correct to perform well with search engines.
how do you persevere through tough times?
I do my best to focus on things I can change or have an affect on. I often reach out to those I trust for feedback and encouragement. Most importantly, I ask for help.
what are some societal norms you push back on and why?
I think much of what I push back on is actually starting to go in the direction I want it to. Many are seeking higher pay and a work life balance. Those are the two main reasons for quitting the only major W2 employment I had after my secondary education. I’m happy working for myself because I am the one who gets to make the decisions now.
do you ever feel intimidated being the only woman in the room?
Yes, all the time. And then I remember I’ve been doing this for a while and I belong at the table. Often times I’ll ask a question or bring up an alternative view point. Participating in the conversation has helped wonders with imposter syndrome when it strikes.
what advice do you have for other females just starting off in your industry?
Ask questions. Ask all the questions! Then ask them again. Follow the flow and know that no one in SEO knows for certain. Having the desire to learn and find the answer to the issue is going to get you very far.
