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.
Kathryn Sanders, Director, Product Management – Platforms
What strengths do you feel women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities?
I think women have a certain resilience and grit to how they approach life, helping them push through challenges and persevere. They also bring significant empathy and understanding to their personal and professional relationships, which helps when working with varying personalities and gaining consensus across groups. I also think they can integrate their approaches to life and work to find unique ways to look at and solve problems.
Who is your biggest female historical inspiration?
Maybe not historical, but in recent years I’ve really come to respect and gain inspiration from Chelsea Handler. I used to love watching her just as a comedian, but she started using her fame and platform to speak up for women and others who lack a voice. She’s helped to shed light on real issues and be part of the solution. It’s awesome to watch a woman with so much talent, confidence, and willingness to do more because she can. I strive to find ways to have a greater impact, not only at work but in my community and further, and that’s fueled by women like Chelsea who do that every day.
What advice would you give to other women who are building their careers in our industry?
Trust your gut and intuition, you probably know more than you give yourself credit for. Feel confident speaking up and sharing your opinion, even if it’s just every once in a while to start. The more you do it the more comfortable you will get and your voice is important for everyone to hear! Lean into the other strong women around you. Having other women as sounding boards for your ideas or to share their experiences and challenges is vital for building your confidence and shaping your career choices.
Lindsay Peer, CX Marketing Manager
What strengths do you feel women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities?
I feel like as women, we’re not only expected to do it all, but to do it all with grace. We often carry the unexpected mental load of managing a household while also showing up and kicking butt at work. It’s a constant balancing act that doesn’t always get recognized.
And honestly, some of the most logistically sharp, organized, and forward-thinking people I’ve met in the workplace have been women. We juggle a lot, and we do it exceptionally well.
Who is your biggest female historical inspiration?
Tammie Jo Shults is one of my biggest inspirations. After being turned down by the Air Force, she didn’t quit—she applied to the Navy and went on to become one of the first female F/A-18 Hornet pilots. She even trained other pilots at Top Gun. Although women weren’t allowed to fly combat missions during Desert Storm, she served as an aggressor pilot and specialized in “out of control” flight—literally training for worst-case scenarios.
Most impressively, during her civilian career, she safely landed a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 after an engine exploded midair. A fan blade broke off, tore into the fuselage, shattered a window, and caused rapid decompression. In the middle of chaos, she made quick decisions, communicated clearly with air traffic control and her crew, and remained completely composed while guiding the severely damaged plane to safety. Her calm leadership saved the lives of nearly everyone on board.
She inspires me because she pushed forward in a male-dominated field even when she was told she couldn’t—and she proved that steady, calm confidence is one of the most powerful forms of strength.
What advice would you give to other women who are building their careers in our industry?
Don’t be afraid to take up space. Your voice matters. It took me a long time to realize that it’s not only okay to have an opinion, but that I deserve to share it confidently with my peers and superiors. Speaking up isn’t being difficult or bold for the sake of it, it’s contributing. And your perspective could be exactly what the room needs.
Jessenia Carvajal, Data Acquisition Manager
What strengths do you feel women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities?
Women often bring a deep sense of awareness and intentionality when balancing career and life. When you are balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities, you learn quickly that not everything is urgent, and not everything deserves your energy. That clarity carries over into leadership. There is also a quiet determination that I see in so many women, the ability to stay steady under pressure and continue moving forward even when things feel overwhelming. That combination of empathy and grit is powerful.
Who is your biggest female historical inspiration?
I am inspired by the generations of Hispanic women who made difficult sacrifices to create better opportunities for their families. Many left behind familiarity, comfort, and sometimes their own professional goals to build something greater for the next generation. As a Hispanic woman, it motivates me to take full advantage of the opportunities I’ve been given and to lead in a way that reflects the strength and perseverance that came before me.
What advice would you give to other women who are building their careers in our industry?
Do not let fear convince you that you are not ready. Growth often feels uncomfortable, but discomfort does not mean you are incapable. One quote that reminds me of this is: “Fear is a puddle that likes to act like an ocean.” Challenges can look overwhelming at first, but when you step into them, they are often far more manageable than they seem. Remember to stay focused on your purpose, keep showing up, seek a mentor, and ask questions. Confidence is built through action, not perfection, and before you know it, you will be able to reflect on how you’ve impacted every area you have been a part of and have overcome so many things you thought were not possible.
Mara Chotiner, Relationship Management Team Lead
What strengths do you feel women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities?
I believe women bring a unique sense of harmony in managing both career and life responsibilities. Whether caring for children, supporting aging parents, or being a steady presence for friends, women frequently step into caretaker roles. It is a strong ability to balance those responsibilities while continuing to lead or perform meaningfully in our professional lives.
Who is your biggest female historical inspiration?
One of my greatest female inspirations is Mel Robbins. She leads with authenticity and vulnerability, openly sharing her journey in a way that makes growth feel attainable and real. I respect the way she has pivoted multiple times in her career, trusting that each transition was guiding her toward a greater purpose. Her curiosity and genuine desire to help others become the best versions of themselves are qualities I admire.
What advice would you give to other women who are building their careers in our industry?
The advice I would give to women building their careers in our industry is to never be afraid to ask questions and to resist the urge to apologize for not knowing something — growth comes from curiosity. I would also encourage prioritizing self-care in a way that builds self-confidence. When you invest in your well-being, you show up stronger, clearer, and more assured of yourself.
Sandhya Govindaraju, Sr. Software Engineer
What strengths do you feel women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities?
A difference in perspective is a real strength. Diversity of thought and action improves problem-solving, and women’s perspectives are an important part of that mix.
Who is your biggest female historical inspiration?
I’d say, Margaret Hamilton. I had seen an article about her in a newspaper when I was a kid. The picture of her with the stack of books stayed in my mind long after I had forgotten her name and what she had done. All I remembered was that she did some significant engineering work for the Apollo missions. I really wanted to be like that lady in the picture, and imagined myself as geeky. More importantly, I chose to do engineering after high school.
What advice would you give to other women who are building their careers in our industry?
Invest in your career without it taking over your identity. Invest some time every day to learn something new that is related to your career.
Krupa Choksi, Manager, Customer Success
What strengths do you feel women uniquely bring to managing both career and life responsibilities?
Women often lead with resilience, empathy, and adaptability. Balancing career and personal responsibilities teaches us to prioritize effectively, stay solution-oriented, and support those around us. This ability to combine emotional intelligence with execution allows women to create impact while building meaningful relationships both professionally and personally.
Who is your biggest female historical inspiration?
One of my strongest inspirations is Indra Nooyi. Her leadership journey reflects courage, authenticity, and purpose. She demonstrated that success involves not just professional achievement but also staying grounded in one’s values while navigating complex responsibilities.
What advice would you give to other women who are building their careers in our industry?
Own your journey with confidence. Don’t wait until you feel completely ready — growth often begins where comfort ends. Seek mentors, keep learning, support others along the way, and remember that your perspective and voice add real value. Success becomes more meaningful when we lift others while we rise.
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
