Women’s History Month Colleague Spotlight: Tessa Casey

Our company is shaped by the contributions of so many talented women every day. During Women’s History Month, we’re partnering with our Empowered Women at Actalent employee resource group to highlight a few of our women colleagues and their career journeys. Today we hear from Tessa Casey , account manager. Read on to learn more about her story and the marker moments that have shaped her career.

Are there any women leaders who have inspired you in your career journey?

The one and only, Jennifer Neubauer ?? I first met Jen in college at Ohio University (Go Bobcats!) while serving on the leadership board of my sorority. Jen served as the vice president of alumni relations & executive director for the OHIO Alumni Association, and I had the privilege of working alongside her. Eventually, she returned to her alma mater to become the first woman president of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. It was only the second time a woman held such a position in the Big Ten. On three occasions, she was the first woman to hold a given position, and on three other occasions, she was the youngest to do so. She transformed programs and pioneered ideas; she laughed big and dreamed bigger; she entered rooms of strangers and coworkers and exited with friends and family.

Jen taught me that there were no limits, I could achieve anything I set my mind to, to always be my authentic self, and to find the beauty in everything I do. My Jen sadly passed away in April 2023 from a tenacious fight against cancer. She was an incredible mother, leader, colleague, and friend. I am so lucky to have had her in my life and she is a constant reminder to me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to.?

Have there been any marker moments or stories that have helped shape your career?

As a member of multiple minority groups, my journey has been paved with many unfortunate events, but they have all led me to where I am today. The moment I stopped allowing those events to affect my ability to show up every day as my true self is the marker moment of my career (and I owe a big part of that to Jen!). Being open and honest has allowed me to grow as an individual and advance in both my professional and personal paths. Learning to have the tough conversations, speak up for myself and those around me, and be open to giving and receiving feedback has been key to my success.

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm

How does someone show up as an ally for women in the workplace?

Becoming an ally for women is an essential step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Here are some effective ways to support women in the workplace and achieve a more gender-equal environment:

1. Take feedback and listen to women's perspectives - Be receptive to criticism and willing to change
2. Recognize your privilege - Men have historically had more advantages and opportunities than women including higher salaries and greater access to leadership positions and promotion opportunities
3. Speak up - A true ally speaks up when they witness discriminatory situations or events on behalf of others who cannot
4. Create inclusive environments - Support women’s rights, promote gender equality, and empower women as you would with any other friend and/or colleague. Just as any human being, when women feel valued and respected, they’re more likely to be productive, engaged, and achieve.