August 26 is Women’s Equality Day!

Today, we’re remembering the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution – which granted women the right to vote – in 1920. We’re also celebrating the achievements of women’s rights activists and are reminded of the unique struggles women face in the pursuit of equality.

We asked members of our Women’s ERG to share when they feel empowered, who inspires them, and ways we can advocate for women:

I feel empowered when. . .

• Someone proactively reaches out to me for help, because they’ve seen me demonstrate knowledge and capability elsewhere.
• I am recognized for my talent and given new opportunities.
• I can be open and honest about challenges I’m dealing with. Feeling heard and being able to collaborate to bring change is very empowering.
• My voice is heard and contributions are valued. When I have the opportunity to lead a team or an initiative, I take pride in owning the creation or leading execution. I feel stifled and devalued when I’m micromanaged and not given the freedom to lead or when my work isn’t appreciated.
• I accomplish goals I’ve set for myself or when I’ve helped family or friends accomplish their goals.
• I am given the opportunity to develop and take on a new role or project while being supported by leadership.

We can advocate for women by. . .

• Asking them to participate in public forums, calling on them for their feedback and praising their accomplishments.
• Sharing our skills and accomplishments, as well as being open about our struggles or difficulties we face in our careers and personal lives.
• Encouraging women to ‘go for it’. Apply for that position, even though you don’t think you are 100% ready. Put the insecurities aside and take a leap of faith!
• Representing and supporting them in conversations, whether they are in the room or not.

A woman who inspires me is. . .

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, because she’s not afraid that she’s too young or lacks power to speak her mind in a male-dominated environment.
• My mentor. She encourages me to improve my skills, learn new things, gives me honest and helpful feedback, and the care she has for her work is reflected in her accomplishments.
• My grandmother. She didn’t have access to financial resources or know how to pursue higher education in her small town. She worked incredibly hard for her family and retired as a senior leader for a large clothing company. She always valued others’ contributions and treated people with respect no matter who they were or where they came from.
• Women who inspire me lead by example and work to encourage and develop those around them.