Samantha Skalski

Customer Service Manager

Why is it important for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Women should support each other and like to see other women succeed. Seeing others succeed around me with my support makes me feel good!

What is an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Being a woman should never deter you from going after what you want. If you have a goal, go for it. Reach high and don’t let adversity stop you. Others may try to hold you back but you will prevail with hard work and passion.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about empowering women in the workplace?

It is important to have a good mix of females in the workplace in all different positions. We can bring a different perspective on things that our colleagues may overlook. Male/female, white/brown/black/purple, everyone has something to contribute to society and it is important to listen with open ears and heart before judging based on appearance or sex.

Elizabeth McGruder

VP European Sales & Marketing

Why is it important for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Kindness, acknowledgement, and cooperation leads to positive, sustainable relationships. Treat others as you wish to be treated.

What is an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Be bold, brave, and curious as you pave your own path to success. Never stop reading or exploring. Your greatest successes may come from an unexpected connection or experience. Think about what you want in life and be ready to work hard to achieve those goals. You need to be your own best advocate.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about empowering women in the workplace?

It is important as a leader to be aware, listen, and gauge if the factors to empower employees are actually present or if change is required: autonomy to get the job done, fulfillment, acknowledgement, and awareness of impact the position has on the overall organization and merit-based compensation.

Kathleen Straiton

General Sales Manager, Automated

Why is it important for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

As a woman, supporting each other is extremely important. Women tend to look at situations with different views at times. Many are juggling so many responsibilities at once; such as child care, home maintenance, family schedules, etc… Then you have actual work responsibilities – constantly trying to manage time, priorities, and meeting daily/long-term objectives. It can definitely be overwhelming at times and we need to listen and support each other, even if it is a simple 5 minute chat with a smile, a hug, or even a joke. It really helps!

What is an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Never sit back and accept someone else’s negative view of you or your capabilities. Never downplay your accomplishments – you earned it. And most importantly, don’t be afraid of the unknown. Everyone started out their careers with little experience – if they can do it, so can you! Grow and learn as much as you can at each job advancement. And with today’s technology, networking capabilities are crucial and a fantastic tool at our disposal.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about empowering women in the workplace?

Again, networking – either via social media, attending seminars, socializing, etc… Be sure you are accessing the same resources and opportunities as our male counterparts. Learn how to delegate. Don’t waste time on duties that others can be performing for you. Bring about change with flexibility and work schedules that allow a more manageable daily routine with a good work/family balance. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP!

Amy Schwarzkopf

Controller

Why is it important for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Earlier in my career I had two women that took the time to teach me and encourage me, without their help and support I would not have been able to progress in my career. As a manager, it’s important to help anyone under you to succeed, it makes for better employees and a better work environment.

What is an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Show up and work hard, never think anyone or any task is beneath you.

Amy Denning

VP North American Sales

Why is it important for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Women have been subjected to oppression for centuries. Without the sacrifices of the resilient, courageous women that stood before, that fought for women’s equity (and continue to), we would not have the opportunities we have today. There’s still work to be done, but it take a commitment from both women and men to make progress happen.

What is an important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Dream big and push through the doubts that can creep in. To be successful in any career, you must have knowledge and a passion for what you do, the rest will come. Be empowered and willing to take a leap of faith!