To celebrate Women’s History Month and the launch of CleanTerra Communications,  I asked several of my friends, peers, colleagues and team members to contribute their thoughts to our very first blog.  To the women that offered their POV for this blog, and to those that were willing to participate in our imagery posts, I want to extend my sincere thanks. It is a gift to be in the company of such brilliant, beautiful women. Their combined influence reaches deep into my life, spanning decades, and they all embody what my triathlon coach used to simply call “GO!”  I hope you’ll find their responses as impactful and wise as I did. Here are their thoughts:

Q: What does International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month mean to you?

For me, it is a reminder to continue celebrating women who inspire us, lifting up women who support us, and seeking out opportunities to inspire and support other women. It’s about building a community that recognizes we all have something to bring to the table – not in spite of, but because of our gender, race, or other identities.
~Annie Kuster, Co-Founder and Director of Business & Strategy, Nayaraq

This is a time to remember those that lead the way before us and remind us of our common bond as women. This remembrance alone crosses over boundaries that would seem to divide us.
~Amy Oliver, Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker

This month is a reminder of not just how far women have come, but also how far we will go. For me, it is when I remember and appreciate the sacrifices of women who have come before me and recommit to myself every year to keep fighting for (and with!) women and girls until we have gender equity all over the world.
~Sara Surani, Co-Founder and Director of Community Partnerships, Nayaraq

This month brings awareness to the fact that there are still many countries where women do not have the same rights as men and have very little freedom. I believe it is important to remember and appreciate all the freedoms and opportunities each individual has in the United States.
~Emily Barkocy, Assistant Account Executive, CleanTerra Communications

Q:  How do you challenge yourself, and/or others around you?

I challenge myself to always keep pushing towards the next step. Learn from others and take that knowledge and grow from it. I challenge myself and others to not make excuses, but rather to make opportunities. You need to put the work in to make it happen. I challenge for NO excuses in this life. What you put in is what you will get out. Everyone will have challenges, and everyone will grow differently, but there is no excuse to not be able to go and get what you want out of life.
~Emily Barkocy, Assistant Account Executive, CleanTerra Communications

I think it is important to ask questions.  Why are the three finalists for this job in town government all men? Did we actively recruit any women? Why did you think it was appropriate to assume the youngest woman in the room would take notes at the Board meeting?  We can ask questions without being confrontational – and that is where change will happen.
~Liora Bram, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing Services, MyHelp, Inc.

I challenge myself and those around me to approach every interaction from a place of humility and a desire to seek understanding. Especially as an American white woman working in international development, that means creating an environment of empathetic listening and space for perspectives that are sometimes drowned out. It’s important to not approach a problem as an outsider and assume that “I have it all figured out” (though admittedly, that’s challenging for me – I really like to “have it all figured out”). It’s what my dad calls being a “good global citizen”.
~Annie Kuster, Co-Founder and Director of Business & Strategy, Nayaraq

Q: What is the biggest piece of advice that you’d give a young female professional looking to advance their career in this industry? OR What was the best piece of advice you’ve been given and how did it help you?

The biggest piece of advice I’d give to young women is, “You’re not required to…” What I mean by that is that society expects women and girls to be peacemakers, be polite, and sometimes make themselves smaller.  It’s incredibly empowering to let young women know that they aren’t required to do those things. Ask for the raise. Make people rethink their assumptions.  Make sure you take credit for your own ideas and your own work. You are not required to defer to other people, stay in situations that don’t serve you well, or sacrifice your success to make someone else more comfortable.
~Liora Bram, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing Services, MyHelp, Inc.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten is “you don’t get what you don’t ask for.” When I was younger, I used to think that meant asking for work – for assignments that sounded interesting, or the internship you really wanted. As I’ve gotten older, I have realized that it also means to ask for help and support. We’re all humans here, and a little bit of vulnerability can go a long way into creating a stronger community (and better work environment in the long run)!
~Annie Kuster, Co-Founder and Director of Business & Strategy, Nayaraq

One of the best pieces of advice I have received is to believe in myself even when those around me do not—especially when I have an unconventional or creative idea that seems “crazy” to most. Even though “trust yourself” sounds cliche, it’s way easier said than done. It’s a constant practice! It’s sometimes difficult to trust yourself, but so empowering!
~Sara Surani, Co-Founder and Director of Community Partnerships, Nayaraq