It’s Women’s History Month, and SSRS is taking the opportunity to show appreciation for the contributions of women throughout history, and to become an ally for the women in our lives. Members of our team have shared thoughts of reflection and inspiration to celebrate the occasion, and these pieces will be highlighted in our blog all month long.
Did you know that Women’s History Month has a different theme every year? 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The National Women’s History Alliance “will recognize women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.” At SSRS, we take immense pride in our corporate culture and are dedicated to areas that we feel are critical to developing and maintaining inclusivity.
As one of the leaders at SSRS, I am responsible for providing the opportunity for people to voice their opinions, ideas, and perspectives. I take this very seriously because part of the reason I have been successful is because someone gave me those same opportunities.
Throughout my career I have been fortunate to see women become more visible in leadership roles, specifically in the research industry. This positive change allows for a greater diversity of voices and perspectives to be represented in decision-making positions. Personally, I am surrounded by a strong group of people, including amazing women as colleagues and research partners. Looking back on the journey my career has taken, I have some pieces of advice that apply to those in any industry:
- One of my mentors encouraged me to be vocal with my opinions because she trusted that I had the required knowledge to bring new ideas. Her coaching helped me feel more confident, even if my opinions differed from those in the room. Those opinions helped me to stand out and grow in my career.
- Take chances and say yes to opportunities, even if they are outside of your comfort zone. When you try new things, you stretch your skills. Use the opportunity to seek guidance from someone you do not normally work with and make new connections. You may gain knowledge, a mentor, or a friend out of the situation.
- Stay curious at work by asking questions, trying new approaches, seeking learning opportunities, and collaborating to generate fresh ideas. Be open to other perspectives and let people feel included in the decision-making process.
- Know your strengths and highlight them. Also, know where you have room to grow and seek support from others.
I am looking forward to hearing perspectives from the SSRS team over the course of Women’s History Month, and I hope these pieces are a source of inspiration for those reading them.
