Finding Strength, Embracing Differences, and Growing Together

Celebrating International Women’s Month

Every March, I love seeing the events, posts, and celebrations honoring women around the world. It’s a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done.

For me, this month is not just about celebrating women—it’s about recognizing the value of all people and how we can grow together. It’s about understanding our differences, learning from them, and using them to create stronger, more inclusive workplaces and communities.

Too often, we see male-dominated leadership as a barrier for women. But what if we stopped viewing it as a roadblock and started seeing it as an opportunity to shift the conversation?

The truth is that men and women bring different strengths, perspectives, and approaches. Instead of allowing those differences to divide us, we should embrace them. Real progress happens when we stop fighting for one group to “win” and work together to create balance and opportunity for everyone.

But how do we get there? How do women step into their power without feeling inferior?

From a Small-Town Girl to a Business Leader: My Personal JourneyI grew up in a small town with a domineering father—head of the household, the ultimate decision-maker. His word was final. If something wasn’t necessary, it likely didn’t happen.

At 14, I decided to challenge that. My first job gave me something I had never had before—independence. I could buy what I wanted, go where I wanted, and experience things my father didn’t deem “necessary.” That was my first step toward freedom.

At 16, I took it a step further. I bought a car. More freedom. More control over my choices.

Then came the biggest act of independence yet—choosing my own future.

When the time came to decide on college, I set my heart on art school. My father had other ideas. He suggested nursing or something “more appropriate.” He asked me, “What do you think you’re going to do with a degree in ART?”

I left my hometown for college and never looked back.

I earned my BFA and had a job lined up before graduation. The shy little girl from Pennsylvania was stepping into a world of opportunity—and I was determined to make the most of it.

Building a Career, One Bold Move at a Time

My career took off quickly. I worked at several design agencies, moving up the ranks and proving myself every step of the way. Then, at just 27 years old, I took my most significant leap yet—I started my own firm.

For more than twenty years, I built and led a successful design agency, employing incredible men and women and pushing the boundaries of creativity and strategy. Relationships and trust carried me forward—clients who believed in me, colleagues who supported me, and a deep belief in always delivering my best work.

After two decades of running my own business, I embraced another transformation. I sold my agency to Yes& Agency , a much larger firm, and stepped into a new role as Chief Marketing Officer. Today, I lead the marketing and business development teams, constantly learning, evolving, and growing.

That’s what success looks like to me—continuous growth, reinvention, and embracing new opportunities.

Understanding Our Differences and Growing Together

I’ve worked with, been mentored by, and led both men and women in my career. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this:

Each of us, regardless of gender, brings unique strengths, approaches, and perspectives to the table. Instead of allowing these differences to create barriers, we should leverage them as a foundation for collaboration.

Yes, more men are in leadership roles—but this doesn’t mean there isn’t space for women. It doesn’t mean men are the enemy. The key is to build bridges instead of walls.

True progress happens when:

Women stop feeling like they have to prove themselves as “better than men” and instead focus on being the best version of themselves.

Men recognize the value of having women at the table and actively create opportunities for inclusion.

We all work to understand each other’s perspectives and respect the different ways we approach challenges.

Leadership isn’t about gender but capability, collaboration, and vision. When we embrace our differences and work together, we unlock new possibilities that benefit everyone.

How Do Women Succeed?

People often ask me: How do women succeed? How do we grow?

The answer is simple yet powerful:

• Recognize that every step in the journey matters. Each small action you take—every risk, every lesson, every connection—is a significant achievement that deserves to be celebrated. It’s these individual victories that pave the way for your success.
• Learn from every experience. Success isn’t about never failing. It’s about learning from failures and using them to build a stronger foundation. Each setback is an opportunity to grow and become more resilient, empowering you to overcome any challenge.
• Engage with others. Your next big opportunity might come from a conversation you never expected. By actively engaging with others, you expand your network and create a support system that can help you navigate your journey.
• Find your voice and use it. The sooner you learn to trust yourself, the more confident you’ll become.
• Give generously. Share your knowledge, mentor others, and lift the women around you. The more you give, the more you’ll receive in return.
• See men as allies, not adversaries. True gender equity comes from working together, not competing against each other.

I learned at a young age that control comes from action. Work gave me freedom, making my own decisions gave me confidence, and refusing to let others define my worth gave me strength.

Every small win builds momentum. And once you find that momentum, you keep going.

Step Forward, One Step at a Time

Wherever you are in your journey—whether you’re just starting your first job, making a career shift, or looking for your next big opportunity—know this:

You are capable. You are strong. And you have the power to shape your own path.

A Future of True Partnership

This International Women’s Month, let’s celebrate the value of every person—women and men alike. Let’s focus on growth, collaboration, and happiness.

Because when we work together, we don’t just break barriers.

We build something stronger together.