Blog

We are now more than three years removed from when workplaces shut down because of a deadly global pandemic, as well as the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s also been nearly six years since the reignition of the #metoo movement. In those years, allyship reemerged as a powerful way of fighting injusticesRead more

If your organization was like many others in 2020, George Floyd’s murder inspired a fire and passion for pursuing justice and implementing DEI initiatives. We all wanted to be better, to do better. Companies created plans, brought in experts, and hired DEI leaders. The number of roles devoted to these measures increased by 55%. ButRead more

In America, we are all fortunate to have freedom. But what do we do with our freedom and, more importantly, how did we get it? What are we doing to advocate for the freedom of the younger generations? As we celebrate Juneteenth, let’s consider the history behind this new nationally recognized holiday. As I embarkRead more

It’s another day for women. Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every August 26, commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward. If you’re like me, you are faced with many emotions today—gratitude forRead more

As March and Women’s History Month come to a close, I’m reflecting on some of the uplifting content that’s been shared throughout the past several weeks. There’s been a lot happening, as usual, but this of course includes how people marked #InternationalWomensDay on March 8, a global day of celebration where all were encouraged toRead more

International Women’s Day was officially celebrated earlier this month, but I received such an overwhelmingly positive response to my initial outreach to the Chief network, that one post just wasn’t enough. I would be remiss if I didn’t share all of the fantastic insights, advice, and personal stories that came my way! This is theRead more

Connecting with, learning from, and lifting up other female leaders is in my DNA, so when presented with an invite to join Chief earlier this year, I enthusiastically accepted. Chief is a private network for women in executive leadership, and while founded in 2019, it recently expanded its reach nationwide and started offering virtual memberships.Read more

The pandemic continues to drive a seismic change in the world of work, transforming where, when and how much we work, and the value of work in our lives. For some of us, our work-life balance has shifted, with a renewed focus on family time and personally fulfilling activities. We’ve heard plenty about employers paying moreRead more

While many aspects of life have started to return to some kind of “normal” following 16+ months of disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are others, like travel, workplaces, and family dynamics, that are forever changed.   Like many working parents, when I look back on the past year and a half, my memories and emotionsRead more

Even as Derek Chauvin was found guilty by a jury this April, the trial of the former police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd reopened the deep emotional wounds felt following Floyd’s death last summer. And in the wake of increased violence against Asian Americans, the nation faces more thorny issues centered around systemic racism, inequality andRead more

National days of recognition are aplenty (I see you National French Fry Day!). The one that strikes the strongest chord with me though, is the one we honor today: International Women’s Day (IWD). Lifting women in business and tech is at the foundation of most decisions I make—in both my personal and professional worlds. WhetherRead more

It was not long after the launch of ARA, an organization which aspires to attract, retain and advance women in technology and leadership, that my co-founders and I were introduced to Chicago Tech Academy High School.  From facilitating a virtual power lunch with their Young Women’s Leadership Society, to welcoming an intern from the Academy, weRead more

Meeting i.c.stars President and Co-Founder Sandee Kastrul has been a huge blessing in my life. Not only is Sandee a friend and mentor, she is pure inspiration. I am in awe each and every time I am in her company – virtually or otherwise. It is fitting, therefore, to highlight the amazing program she has builtRead more

Community matters. Meaningful connections are magical. Mentorship creates opportunity for growth and learning for everyone involved. Relationships are the foundation for everything.  I believe in these statements. They are my truths. And, despite all that 2020 has served us in terms of local, national, and world news – from the global pandemic, to racial injustice,Read more

Building upon ARA’s June 2020 “Allyship in Action” Webinar, the organization is producing a five-part series, “Allyship, Advocacy and Taking Action,” in partnership with three visionary organizations: i.c.stars, Chicago Tech Academy and Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE). This continuing series is designed to help ARA members learn how to become better allies to marginalizedRead more

Last year on International Women’s Day (IWD), I wrote about the gratitude I have for all of those who have forged for gender equality before us, as well as those who continue to keep fighting the good fight. That gratitude is unchanged as IWD approaches this Sunday. If anything, I’m moreappreciative of each and every personRead more

When employees know their skills are in demand, it’s hard to keep them around by dangling raises and career advancement opportunities. Tech executives should consider an employee-first approach of creating a culture that is equitable, inclusive, and diverse.

On Wednesday, August 27, I was honored to be a part of an OCC Women’s Leadership panel featuring OCC’s Dana Earles, FVP, Treasurer, and Sheila Saegh Henretta, FVP, Deputy General Counsel, along with myself and Julia Bristow Briggs, Principle and Consultant of Smart to the Top. It was the third of a four-part panel seriesRead more

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) programs are common in today’s workplaces as companies strive to connect with an increasingly diverse customer base. Whether operating globally or servicing a local clientele, business leaders recognize that customer demographics are changing and reaching them requires employees who bring different perspectives. But, is incorporating diversity and inclusion strategies into theRead more

As the school year draws to a close for many across the country, students aren’t the only ones getting ready for prime internship season. Companies are also looking at fresh ways to leverage interns this summer and beyond.  For the third post in my #MindTheTechTalentGap blog series, I’m taking a look at Micro-Internships, and howRead more