International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration, recognizing women for their achievements without regard to divisions, and taking into account all intersections across demographics. IWD occurs each year on March 8. This year’s theme is Accelerate Action, specifically as it relates to gender equality.
According to IWD’s website, “At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.” So we asked our associates, how will you accelerate action to achieve gender equality? Below is a sampling of their responses.
Nathalie Carruthers, Chief Associate Success Officer (U.S.): To accelerate action in achieving gender equality, I will focus on mentorship by connecting women with experienced leaders in our organization, creating opportunities for guidance and professional growth. I will advocate for initiatives that enhance the visibility of women’s contributions.
I will continue to refine our recruitment processes to support gender equality, emphasizing diverse candidate slates, and allowing us to find and hire the best candidates. By measuring and sharing the progress of these initiatives, we can hold ourselves accountable and foster an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Patricia Harris, Chief Marketing Officer (U.S.): I am deeply committed to advancing gender equality in the workplace and am taking two impactful and immediately actionable steps that any leader can implement. To drive meaningful progress, I am investing in leadership development programs that provide women with the skills, mentorship and opportunities needed to advance into senior roles. Additionally, this year, I will conduct a comprehensive pay review to identify and address gender pay gaps, ensuring fair and equitable compensation both within departments and across equivalent roles in different departments where responsibilities align.
JR Fuller, Vice President, Sales (U.S.): I think it’s very important in the hiring and promotion process to open your mind, challenge your unconscious bias, and make a concerted effort to consider other aspects that a candidate can bring to the table not just their experience.
I had an opportunity several years ago to hire a deaf programmer for an open position and he turned out to be one of the best hires I ever made. I was fortunate to have experience in the deaf community, so we developed a program to teach some of his peers sign language, and also made some minor accommodations to better facilitate his integration into the team. It was wonderful to see him and his peers learning from each other and growing together. As a result, he became a strong, integral member of the team.
Michell Garzón, Vice President, Global Marketing (U.S.): To advance gender equality, I will make sure the women around me, both at work and in my personal life (especially my daughters), have the support and opportunities they deserve, whether that’s through mentoring or lending a helping hand. At home, my husband and I focus on sharing responsibilities equally between our triplets (two girls and one boy) and encourage open conversations about how we can all challenge stereotypes and create a more balanced environment for everyone. The photo in this blog’s header is of my daughters who are leaders of this change on and off the soccer fields.
Susie Gidseg, Senior Director, Social Media and Influencer Marketing (U.S.): As a leader, I have been incredibly passionate about encouraging women to identify and share their personal superpowers and unique strengths, and to be vocal about advocating for them.
I take pride in being a sponsor or mentor for numerous female leaders at various stages of their careers and advocating for them in important settings. Both men and women should embrace sponsorship and mentorship, offering the gift of time to help others succeed. I’ve seen firsthand how investing time and energy can significantly contribute to someone’s personal or career growth. I am personally grateful and indebted to both the men and women who went out of their way to support and champion me.
Additionally, let’s take the time to get to know our teams on a personal level. How many women might have remained in the workforce or advanced in their careers if they felt comfortable being open about accommodations or needs, rather than stepping back during tough times? By fostering an open and honest environment for clear communication, we can create opportunities for all associates to express their needs and continue to thrive.
Ellie Hislop, Sustainability Project Manager (U.S.): This International Women’s Day, I’m inspired to continue breaking down barriers and challenging outdated norms. One area where I am passionate about driving gender equality is in increasing accessibility and inclusivity for women and minorities in golf. The sport has long been perceived as elite, exclusive and intimidating—even for women who have been exposed to it from a young age. I want to help change that stigma.
Through my involvement with Fore the Ladies, a nonprofit dedicated to introducing more women to the game, I have seen firsthand the power of community and representation in making golf more welcoming. Whether through beginner-friendly events, mentorship or simply creating more opportunities for women to engage in the sport, it is important that golf becomes a more inclusive space for all. There are events taking place in major cities across the U.S., and I encourage all women remotely interested in learning how to golf, improving their game, and meeting other players to look them up!
Ann Marie Jonkman, Vice President, Industry Strategies (U.S.): In 2025, I am committed to empowering underserved individuals by providing dedicated mentorship and support within my local and online communities. Be the change you want to see, and act as a catalyst for others.
Swati Malik, Vice President, Cloud Services (India): For me, accelerating action involves creating safe spaces for both women and men, both at work and in other areas of life, where they can focus on what they care about. It means allowing them to be vulnerable and equipping them with the tools to harness their own power and drive acceptance to create a world that can accelerate and adapt to change. Gender equality can happen when actions stem both ways.
Andrea Morgan-Vandome, Chief Innovation Officer (U.S.): On International Women’s Day, let Serena Williams’ words fuel your strength and spirit: “Give your all no matter the obstacles, and let the success of every woman inspire the next. Raise each other up with courage, strength, kindness, and above all, humility.”
Sam Nohava, Vice President, Marketing (U.S.): I will actively sponsor early-career women by connecting them with key opportunities and decision-makers within our organization and industry. This will help them build valuable networks, gain insights into leadership roles, and access resources that are crucial for their professional growth and advancement. Through this effort, I hope to create a more inclusive workplace where women feel empowered to reach their full potential.
Shannon Platz, Corporate Vice President, Revenue Marketing (U.S.): I will accelerate action by supporting programs and organizations dedicated to increasing the number of women in STEM and entrepreneurial investments in women-owned businesses. Our collective focus will drive the goal of gender equality.
Bobby White, Senior Marketing Director, Demand Generation (UK): As the manager of a team with different demographics, genders and personalities, I’m excited to have the privilege to make sure I represent all voices from my team. I will continue to stay open minded to address any unconscious bias that I may have, understanding that I can always do more to help achieve gender parity both inside and outside of the workplace.
