What advice would you offer to the next generation of female leaders?

It is important to trust in yourself and your abilities. Finding mentors and peers that will encourage you and offer advice when needed but will still challenge you to grow while staying true to yourself are core principles. While the goal should be to empower all, it is also necessary to create a healthy balance between lifting others up and prioritizing self-care and mental health. Do not shy away from challenges…embrace them! – “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.” – Jerry Rice

What kind of a role model do you aspire to be?

I would like to be a role model, who isn’t afraid to speak up. One that fosters kindness and empathy while creating an environment where people can thrive personally and professionally and can openly voice their opinions, while feeling valued and supported. I strive to be approachable, open-minded, patient, respected and through my actions can be an inspiration to others, including my daughter.

What message would you like to share on the occasion of International Women’s Day? What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To ALL women – Know your value, do not be afraid to voice your ideas, to offer contributions or be a strong advocate for your beliefs and those of others. As a career woman we often become “super-woman”, but it is crucial to have that work-life balance and carve time out for relaxation, self-care and to focus on mental health.

International Women’s Day means celebrating the achievements, progress, and contributions of women all around the world while also recognizing the work still to be done. We take time to honor the women who paved the way and continue to push boundaries and break down barriers. While this day is celebrated, we also reflect on the struggles that women today still face – discrimination, violence, gender inequality, with hopes in the future that this will be a thing of the past and something our children will no longer have to deal with.

What does “great leadership” mean to you? What key traits do you value the most?

Great leadership is about having a vision, setting goals and establishing a pathway to achieving them with your team, while ensuring that everyone is committed, focused, inspired and no one is left behind on the road to success. It is about encouraging and inspiring others to be the best version of themselves, while leading by example with integrity, compassion, resilience, determination, continuous self-improvement and actively building up others.