Stories of Resilience & Impact from Women at J.S. Held | #InternationalWomensDay

This International Women’s Day, several women from throughout the firm share first-hand experiences and perspectives on those who have inspired them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and ways they are lifting others up in the industries and communities they serve.

Their stories offer insight into the power of mentorship, resilience, and the impact of creating positive change. We are proud to celebrate the wide-ranging journeys of our team members, and we are reminded that by connecting individual strengths and experiences around a common set of goals and values, we are collectively stronger.

Who has inspired you and why?

“I believe the experiences of the women in my family have inspired me to strive for improvement every day. From both their positive and negative experiences, I have learned valuable lessons. I grew up in an environment where women were the breadwinners, starting with my grandmother, a dreamer with unmatched courage who decided in the 1930s to leave her hometown and start a new life in the city. My mother, despite not having a high level of education, instilled in my sister and me values such as responsibility, commitment, and solidarity, which I strive to apply daily.

Having women who have turned life's adversities into personal motivation to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate our capabilities has been crucial in my development. Their strength and resilience have shown me we have much to offer the world.”

- Janisse Ferrada | Construction Advisory Expert | Santiago, Chile

“Marie Curie has always inspired me, as the first person to win a Nobel Prize twice and the only person to win in two scientific fields. Her work in radioactivity and her determination to push forward in a field dominated by men remind me that persistence pays off. Despite many obstacles, she stayed committed to her work and made discoveries that changed the world. For example, her pioneering research laid the foundation for modern medical X-ray techniques. I was reminded of this recently when I fractured my ankle and only discovered the injury after having an X-ray. Reflecting on her legacy on International Women's Day, I am encouraged to keep challenging the norm and never fear stepping into unknown territory.”

- Lumi Ishikawa | Forensic Accounting & Financial Investigations Expert | London, United Kingdom

"I work with an incredibly inspiring team of women at J.S. Held who are well-versed in a broad range of specializations. Sharing expertise when presented with unique cases enriches our understanding of how comprehensive our combined knowledge is, allowing us to understand how to best support one another to exceed our own capabilities, and consequentially the expectations of our clients."

- Moira McKee | High Value Assets & Personal Property Appraisal Expert | Toronto, Canada

“One person who has profoundly inspired me is my mom. As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and single mom, she has shown incredible strength, resilience, and dedication. Despite the challenges of working abroad and being away from her family, she has always managed to provide for us and ensure we have a better future. Her sacrifices and hard work have taught me the value of perseverance and unconditional love. My mom’s ability to overcome obstacles and remain positive inspires me to face challenges with courage and determination. Her unwavering support and love are constant reminders of the strength and selflessness that define her.”

- Joyce Mollanida | Corporate Support | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

What are you doing to “activate the expert” in others?

“As a leader of a team of all women, I like to empower their strengths and challenge their perceived weaknesses. What people can accomplish is incredible when given the space to be vulnerable and transparent. I’ve found this approach produces a high-performing team that people regard as true subject matter experts.”

- Emily DeJong | Head of Total Rewards | Michigan, United States

“In managing and training younger professionals in the environmental consulting field, I hope to help instill genuine interest and expertise. We give entry-level positions the opportunity to work on all of our active projects, giving them greater experience at early stages in their career. They aren’t ever pigeonholed into one subject, instead they are consistently challenged with new projects. I hope to inspire younger professionals to gain as much knowledge as possible.”

- Leah M. DeEgidio | Environmental Liability Assessment, Risk Management & Remediation Expert | New Jersey, United States

"What I love most about teaching Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts is the dialogue with my students that extends beyond each session. Providing mentorship to individuals who both work in the appraisal industry or are considering exploring this fascinating realm offers me endless motivation for continuing education. I believe that informed opinions carry conviction, and this passion fosters the cross-pollination of knowledge crucial to meaningful collaboration."

- Moira McKee | High Value Assets & Personal Property Appraisal Expert | Toronto, Canada

“I foster growth by delegating tasks and projects that uncover hidden talents and refine and expand existing skills. By entrusting individuals with responsibilities, I encourage them to step out of their comfort zones and develop their expertise. Also, I empower decision-making by giving them the freedom to make mistakes, recognizing that learning from failure is a crucial part of growth. Ultimately, I aim to create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

- Vrinda Thakore | Business Intelligence and Fraud & Corporate Investigations Expert | Mumbai, India

What is a meaningful personal or professional triumph or challenge that stands out for you?

“At the beginning of my career, I had so many goals that I was always the youngest to achieve them. I was the youngest in the company I worked for, the youngest to complete an MBA while working, and the youngest to lead a department in a multinational corporation. Now, my goal is to make the day-to-day process count and serve as an example both in my family and at work. As a triumph, being where I want to be.”

- Isabel Cascales | Construction Claims & Disputes Expert | Madrid, Spain

“A triumph that stands out is my professional growth as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Occasionally, I look around the room and remember that I am the only woman at my level in our office. Starting as an entry-level Environmental Scientist right out of college and progressing to be the only woman in senior management is an accomplishment that I hope will inspire other young women in this field.”

- Leah M. DeEgidio | Environmental Liability Assessment, Risk Management & Remediation Expert | New Jersey, United States

“As a working mom of two incredible little boys, I have had tremendous mom guilt. I could always do better at creating boundaries, so my sons feel they have as much love and attention as possible. However, after a particularly challenging day recently, my boys expressed how proud they are of me and my accomplishments. I have had no personal triumph to date better than that acknowledgment from them.”

- Emily DeJong | Head of Total Rewards | Michigan, United States

What is an effort you are making to improve the industry or your community?

“I am dedicated to positively impacting the industry and my community. One significant effort I am making is to promote transparency and integrity in all legal and compliance processes. By ensuring that contracts are clear, fair, and compliant with all regulations, I help build trust between parties and foster a culture of accountability.

I always strive to use my knowledge to solve problems and to let others know that things can constantly be improved. By contributing with the resources each of us has, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community together. It fills my heart with hope to see how, through our collective efforts, we can create a better world for everyone.”

- María Paz Vidal Ballesteros | Contracts Management Specialist | Medellín, Colombia

“I strive to restore confidence in the impartiality of experts, which seems to be quite in doubt lately. I try to assist the tribunal with thorough analyses and data supporting my conclusions.”

- Isabel Cascales | Construction Claims & Disputes Expert | Madrid, Spain

“Since charity begins at home, I have taken it upon myself to lead by example, actively promoting the importance of sensitivity and consideration toward those around us. Humanity has advanced through collaboration, yet our community seems to be drifting away from the fundamental values of kindness and respect. By nurturing a culture of empathy and care, I hope to inspire a more compassionate and understanding environment where people uplift and support one another.”

- Vrinda Thakore | Business Intelligence and Fraud & Corporate Investigations Expert | Mumbai, India