As we celebrate International Women’s Month, we’re taking time to spotlight the talented women across our organization who help drive our mission forward every day.
Throughout the month, we’ll be featuring women from different teams and departments, highlighting their perspectives on leadership, inspiration, and career growth. We asked each participant three questions: what strengths women bring to balancing career and life responsibilities, which female historical figure has inspired them most, and what advice they would offer to other women building their careers in our industry.
Their answers reflect a wide range of experiences, insights, and inspirations—but a common theme runs through them all: resilience, leadership, and a commitment to lifting others up along the way.
This post will continue to grow throughout the month as we add new voices and perspectives. We invite you to follow along and get to know the women behind the work that powers our organization.
Shea Meadow, Sr. Sales Manager
What strengths do you feel women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities?
When I think about the strengths women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities, I see something powerful and deeply layered.
I see emotional intelligence. I believe women often carry a heightened awareness of people, of tone, of energy, of what’s being said and what’s left unsaid. That awareness allows us to navigate teams, families, and relationships with insight and care. It allows us to resolve conflict thoughtfully and lead with empathy without losing focus on results.
I see an incredible ability to juggle complexity. Many women move between professional demands, family needs, relationships, and personal goals sometimes all within the same hour. That constant shifting builds prioritization, adaptability, and mental agility. It strengthens our ability to hold multiple responsibilities at once and still move forward with intention.
I see relational strength. Women often build networks not just for advancement, but for connection. We tend to lead in ways that create trust, collaboration, and long-term stability. In both work and life, relational focus creates strong foundations.
I also recognize resilience. Especially the resilience built from carrying what is often invisible. The mental load, planning. and being able to anticipate what’s next. Managing these unseen responsibilities develops organizational skill, foresight, and quiet endurance. It sharpens problem-solving because we are constantly thinking three steps ahead.
I value collaborative female leadership. I believe many women naturally create space at the table for each other. We listen. We include, and we share credit. We build teams where people feel seen and heard, and that drives stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
And finally, I believe women often integrate life and work rather than separating them. We bring our values into our decisions. We define success holistically, not just by titles or income, but by impact, relationships, and meaning.
These are not small strengths. They are strategic strengths. They are leadership strengths. And they are life strengths.
Who is your biggest female historical inspiration?
When I think about a powerful role model, I think of Mariska Hargitay. What makes her inspiring to me isn’t just her success; it’s her strength, her compassion, and the way she has used her platform to create real impact.
She experienced profound loss at a very young age as the daughter of Jayne Mansfield. Instead of allowing that tragedy to define her in a limiting way, she transformed it into resilience and empathy. That kind of emotional strength and the ability to grow through pain rather than be broken by it is something I deeply admire.
Through her role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, she didn’t just play a character. She gave a voice to survivors. For decades, she has portrayed leadership, courage, and compassion in a way that has shaped cultural conversations around justice and dignity.
What truly sets her apart is that her commitment didn’t stop when the cameras turned off. She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. She used her influence not just for recognition, but for reform. That shows integrity, aligning professional success with personal purpose.
I also admire how she balances a demanding career with family life. She demonstrates that ambition and devotion to loved ones are not mutually exclusive. She represents strength that is compassionate, leadership that is inclusive, and success that is meaningful.
Mariska Hargitay is a role model for me because she embodies resilience, empathy, and action. She doesn’t just talk about change, she lives it. That is the kind of example I strive to follow.
What advice would you give to other women who are building their careers in our industry?
If I could offer advice to other women building their careers in technology, I would start with this: you belong here!
Technology needs your perspective, your creativity, your leadership, and your voice. Don’t let imposter syndrome convince you otherwise. Every expert was once a beginner, and growth comes from staying in the room even when it feels uncomfortable.
Second, invest in your skills relentlessly. Technology evolves quickly, and continuous learning is your greatest advantage. Take the course. Ask the question. Volunteer for the stretch project. Confidence often follows competence, not the other way around.
I would also say: build your network intentionally. Find mentors, sponsors, and peers who challenge you and support you. No one succeeds alone, and strong relationships can open doors that talent alone sometimes cannot.
Another important piece of advice: Speak up. Share your ideas in meetings. Advocate for your work. Document your achievements. Visibility matters. Your contributions deserve to be seen and acknowledged.
At the same time, set boundaries. Burnout is not a badge of honor. Protect your energy. Sustainable success is far more powerful than short bursts of overwork.And finally, redefine what leadership looks like. You don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold. Whether your style is collaborative, analytical, empathetic, bold, or visionary there is room for all of it. Authentic leadership creates lasting impact.
Technology is shaping the future. My advice is simple: don’t just participate in it, lead it.
About the Author: GovSpend
