The Actual Size of Women's Impact in the Workplace

Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

It’s 2024 and women make up over 56% of the US workforce . More women are graduating college than ever before and we’re coming off of a summer bursting with Barbie pink and brimming with friendship bracelets. Women are more vocal than ever, working as a worldwide community to encourage action and #InspireInclusion.?

As we head into the #2024PresidentialElection the female perspective is more important than ever.??

Actual Size is a small, but mighty team led by a group of women whose creativity, talent, and dedication drive innovation, inspiration, and inclusion. Let’s celebrate International Women's Day 2025 day by hearing from the #ActualSizers themselves.???

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

“My mom and sister. They’re both graphic designers, and I think they are some of the smartest people I know. I knew if I came to Actual Size, I would be surrounded by the same dedication to design that my mom and sister have and that I appreciate so much.” - Larissa Sweitzer , Director of Operations.?

Larissa brings sparking energy and insightful direction to Actual Size, putting her experience in campaigns and issue advocacy to good use. Her background in voter targeting and mobilization underscores her passion for electing women, “especially young women”, into office. “Watching other women excel in this space is always so rewarding and inspiring to see.”

"Watching other women excel in this space is always so rewarding and inspiring to see."

Mary Kiernan , an Actual Size Co-Founder, understands the value of impactful branding and its ability to create change. “Clearly communicating messages and seeing how they evoke a response has always been intriguing to me. I especially enjoy seeing how messaging and visuals can move the needle on an issue or inspire action.”?

Mary’s extensive experience navigating political landscapes gives her a unique perspective on crafting compelling advocacy campaigns that influence the public, inspire creative strategy, and ignite profound action.

Clare Connell , an expressive and forward-thinking Designer, always knew she wanted to work in a creative field and attributes much of her success to a beloved 美国宾夕法尼亚州立大学 professor.??

Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your career??

“My professor, Taylor Shipton has been extremely influential,” Clare says. “She really worked on making us strong designers who are not afraid to take risks and receive feedback. She genuinely cares about every single student who steps into her classroom - even post-graduation. She has been there for me pretty much every step of my career.”?

"She has been there for me pretty much every step of my career.”?

Female mentors, or “femtors ”, help women cultivate the confidence they need to raise their voices and take up space. The act of paying it forward gives women the push to find companies that celebrate their achievements and support their thriving careers.?

Larissa credits Mary as a female leader she admires and a role model she hopes to emulate. “Her career path is so similar to mine, having worked in politics previously like me. Watching her navigate the political world from a communications and design perspective has been such a learning experience for me. Mary put a lot of trust in me, bringing me onto the team, and I’m so thankful she introduced me to this world!”?

In turn, our new Digital + Content Manager, Cecily Milligan extends her thanks to Larissa. “I put huge value in my female friendships and I’m incredibly fortunate to have a community of kind, clever, intelligent women in my corner. When Larissa, one of the smartest, most genuine people I know, talked about her experience at Actual Size, I knew it was an environment where women could thrive.”??

"I put huge value in my female friendships and I’m incredibly fortunate to have a community of kind, clever, intelligent women in my corner."

The women of Actual Size are ambitious and hardworking, passionate about creating projects that lend themselves to diverse perspectives shown through multifaceted lenses. Here’s what they have to say about advancing in the workplace.??

What advice do you have for other women who want to succeed in this industry?

• "Do things that are outside of your comfort zone. I feel like I always grow the most when I put myself in environments where I am trying to keep up with everyone else.”?- Larissa
• “Connect with women in your industry. It is really important to listen to the perspective of women that came before you and your peers.”?- Clare
• “There are no limits except for the ones you put upon yourself. Don’t get caught up in keeping up, but be fearless in blazing a new trail.”?- Mary
• “Recognize the value of your contributions and don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Forging relationships with women in similar roles will develop those skills and help you take a step back from imposter syndrome.” - Cecily

“There are no limits except for the ones you put upon yourself. Don’t get caught up in keeping up, but be fearless in blazing a new trail.”

International Women’s Day amplifies a global initiative to empower women and put them in places of power. The inaugural event in 1911 attracted over one million supporters. Now, the annual campaign is the world’s biggest employee engagement day each year.?

How do you see the role of women in the workplace evolving in the future?

Larissa: “They are going to become the decision-makers! I love watching Addison Reckley [Project Manager] and Clare and Cecily make decisions all day, every day, on things that shape an entire project brand, or idea. It’s those little and big decisions that truly move things along. If you don’t have decision-makers, things just stop.”?

Larissa’s right on track. Attitudes towards #WomenInLeadership are moving in the right direction. A 2020 meta-analysis published by the American Psychological Association examined competence stereotypes in the workplace. In 1946 only 35% of people surveyed believed men and women were equally intelligent. In 2018, a similar poll saw that number jump to 86%.?

Decades of psychological research have confirmed the benefits of female leaders, citing improved collaboration and increased inspiration. As of 2023 - for the first time in history - more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs. “Hopefully we get to the point that roles aren’t defined by gender but by value to the workplace,” Mary says.?

"Hopefully we get to the point that roles aren’t defined by gender but by value to the workplace."

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is to #InspireInclusion. This emphasizes the importance of a gender-equal world, free of bias and discrimination; one that prioritizes equity and inclusion. Let’s use today as a reminder to celebrate the women in our lives, every day. To give them the space they deserve to speak up, speak out, and be heard.?

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInBusiness #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #WomenChangemakers

Mary Kiernan spent a decade navigating D.C.’s political landscape, working closely with elected officials and democratic legislators, before diving into the world of branding and communication. With a skill for advocacy communications, she leads the charge in crafting coherent, compelling messages. Mary knows that behind every successful communication strategy lies the magic of audience understanding and tailor-made tactics. When she’s not in the office, Mary sits on the Community College of Allegheny County Educational Foundation board.?

Larissa Sweitzer is a dedicated people manager with a background in campaign experience focused on voter targeting and mobilization. She brings her passion for problem-solving and teamwork to Actual Size. As the glue of our office, Larissa prioritizes processes and training to enhance our daily operations, boost company culture, and help us find creative solutions for projects big and small.

Cecily Milligan has a special ability to anticipate change and communicate effectively across a variety of social media platforms and search engines. She channels her creative, competitive spirit to make sure brands inspire, motivate, and succeed. In her free time, Cecily is an active volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and former honoree of Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest.?

Addison Reckley is an experienced project manager who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments. As a lifelong athlete and Pittsburgh sports fan, she knows how to play the long game, using her unique blend of skills to find creative solutions that help brands succeed online, in print, and on the green!

Clare Connell is at the forefront of visual storytelling and brand expression. She approaches every project with enthusiasm and creativity, ensuring that each design attracts attention and successfully conveys your brand’s message. If you’re looking to push the envelope, swap pet photos, or give rock climbing a try Clare can take you to new heights.?