International Women's Day Staff Profiles
Bryanna – Director of Project Management
What issues do you think International Women’s Day should highlight?
For me, IWD has always been a day of celebration and comradery among other women – focusing on how far we have come. The industry I am part of is filled with incredibly talented women who have taught me so much throughout my career and I am so proud to be part of this. Over the years we have continued to push the boundaries on the salary pay gap, representation at senior levels and having a seat at the table which is seen in the many women now holding successful leadership positions in the field of science.
IWD is no longer only about breaking down glass ceilings, but also listening to all of the new female voices who have stepped onto the podium. The next step is to encourage all work places to empower female advocacy for their ideas and initiatives, and watch on as these take flight for the betterment of business growth, professional development and other future female leaders stepping forward excited to contribute.
As well as the usual challenges everyone faces, the last couple of years have thrown up an almost overwhelming amount of new external situations—what are some activities or mindsets that have helped you to sustain yourself during these times?
The word “resilience” has certainly been thrown around a lot over the last couple of years, but to thrive in these ever-changing environments we must first look after ourselves and what is within our realms of control. I frequently say to my team, “we can have it all, just not all at once”. This has helped us to reserve energy and focus for one goal at a time, and re-frame the external pressures of needing to personally grow, professionally achieve and business-build all at once!
Let’s not exhaust ourselves trying to be everything to everyone all the time, and instead find ways to achieve those marginal gains each and every day, that is far less overwhelming but can still be just as much empowering.
What is one thing you have done/are doing/would like to do to improve the future for the next generation of women in your part of the world?
Over the years I have learnt that leadership isn’t always about leading from the front, but leading from a place of authenticity too. I believe in leading by example and being fearless in the pursuit of paving a new path for emerging women leaders. This means being vulnerable in the tough moments and openly celebrating the small wins.
I am constantly choosing to represent all facets of being a driven professional but also a human finding her way in leadership. It may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it and to show this openly and honestly hopefully means the next generation are prepared for whatever learning challenges are thrown their way!
Riki – Clinical Trials Pharmacy Manager
What issues do you think International Women’s Day should highlight?
That all women are not the same, and that it is acceptable to be different. That Woman and men are not the same either and that does not make the one inferior to the other.
As well as the usual challenges everyone faces, the last couple of years have thrown up an almost overwhelming amount of new external situations—what are some activities or mindsets that have helped you to sustain yourself during these times?
I have learnt to be softer on myself the past few years. To forgive myself for not being perfect. I immigrated at the age of 40. I work in my second language every day. I acknowledge my shortcomings and celebrate the wins. I see every day as an opportunity to assist in drug research and development. Because of my time and energy, people might get access to drugs that they need or that could change their lives.
Our external environment might have a lot of flux, but this is still our only lives, and we should live it in full. I grew up 600km from the closest beach, I love walking on the beach as often as possible and still cannot believe how blessed I am to live so close to it. I spend a lot of time with family and friends over weekends and go to Church at least once every Sunday.
I invest in my own development, I have realised that the days are long, but the years go fast and if you do not actively invest in your growth and development you will stagnate or become mediocre. In my strive for excellence I do not let one single week pass without focussing on learning a new skill, reading a new article or completing a training on something.
I have an ice-cold cocktail every Friday afternoon.
What is one thing you have done/are doing/would like to do to improve the future for the next generation of women in your part of the world?
I live every day as an example. I am a scientist, pharmacist, mother, carer, daughter ,wife , sister, friend and child. I am not perfect, but I give it my best try, every single day. My favourite quote is: “Here’s to good women – may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”
Trish – Medical Operations Manager and Principal Investigator
What issues do you think International Women’s Day should highlight?
For me the purpose of this day is to uphold women's achievements, recognize challenges and focus greater attention on women's rights and gender equality across all cultures, races, and socioeconomic statuses as each one of us faces different struggles and are all important. Two important issues for me personally would be to highlight the continued challenge associated with the rising rates of maternal mortality - surprisingly here in the US as well as across the world.
According to the WHO, 830 women die every day from "preventable causes related to pregnancy." These statistics are even more staggering in developing countries and among women of color (Black and Hispanic women especially) in the United States which is completely unacceptable. Hand in hand with this challenge is also to raise the awareness of trauma against women especially in developing countries where they are still contending with significant risk associated with honor killings, acid burnings, physical mutilation, and child marriage.
I also feel strongly that we need to raise a generation of women who do not see themselves as vulnerable and weak but as strong, confident and capable trailblazers in this world.
As well as the usual challenges everyone faces, the last couple of years have thrown up an almost overwhelming amount of new external situations—what are some activities or mindsets that have helped you to sustain yourself during these times?
It has been extremely important for me to continue to serve others during these trying times. When we take the focus off ourselves and our current circumstances and serve others we learn a joy that is sustainable during tough times. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is based on what is 'happening" around us, joy is a peace and contentment we can have inside our hearts, regardless of our circumstances.
I love the quote, "The true measure of a person is how they treat someone who can do them absolutely no good." When we give of our time, talent and treasures to those around us, with no expectation of something in return, we cannot help but recognize purpose and contentment.
People have to understand that serving does not have to mean going to a third world country, it can simply mean doing something for the person who is right next to you at work, the grocery store, place of worship or in your own home. The mindset of gratitude and service is what sustains me daily.
What is one thing you have done/are doing/would like to do to improve the future for the next generation of women in your part of the world?
Women who have been victims of violence tend to lose their confidence and live in fear. I am an active volunteer and former board member for an organization named Cornerstone here in MN. This organization serves people who have been affected by various type of violence by providing many services and support.
I have worked in leading support groups, used networking to establish a financial endowment for safe housing and technology to allow for online education and employment searches. I offer career counselling and have also helped set up a clinic to ensure expectant mothers are receiving appropriate prenatal care.
I also continue to serve on global medical missions that support women's health through disease screening/prevention, education, and malnutrition clinics for expectant mothers.