5 MIN READ
MetroStar honored Women's Equality Day by hosting a virtual panel of inspiring women who are forging paths forward in the tech, education, and government industries.
Women's Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment. In August 1920, the amendment made it illegal to deny citizens the right to vote based on sex. However, millions of women of color were still prevented from voting for nearly five more decades until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The panel reflects on this and more throughout their hour-long discussion.
Meet the Panelists:
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Ginger Miller, President & CEO, Women Veterans Interactive Foundation, Advisory Board Member, Northwest Federal Credit Union, USO Board of Governors (Presidential Appointee)
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Susan Sharer, CEO, FedHealthIT
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Richa Batra, VP & General Manager Education Technology, Anthology Inc.
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Dr. Camille Jones, Assistant Division Chief for Enterprise Resources Services, U.S. Department of Commerce
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Sharon Harrington, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
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Elizabeth Ahrens, VP, Operations, MetroStar (Moderator)
Panel Questions
(9:50) According to a report conducted by Deloitte, Women @ Work 2022: A Global Outlook, more than 50 percent of women continue to feel an alarmingly high level of burnout and stress and believe their work-life balance is non-existent since the pandemic. What is your advice to employers who are looking to advocate change for their women workers? What is your advice to women workers in advocating for their own healthy work-life balance?
(20:18) Reflecting on your own leadership style and other leaders—both good and bad—who you have worked with or for over the years, what characteristics and attributes make someone a truly good leader? Can you share any personal experiences of good leadership in action? Have any of these experiences helped to make you the leader you are today?
(28:33) Women's Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th Amendment. On August 26, 1920, the amendment made it illegal to deny citizens the right to vote based on sex. However, millions of women of color were still prevented from voting for nearly five more decades until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As we acknowledge the historical and present-day inequities which exist for women, what actions can be taken to continue to level the playing field and increase the inclusion of women in leadership roles at all levels, including the C-Suite?
(38:44) In the 2022 State of Motherhood Survey, conducted by Motherly, several key findings emerged. Of note, 47 percent of mothers surveyed are the primary income earners in their households and also report being the primary support (or the “default parent”) for their families in terms of “invisible labor.” Additionally, the number one reason cited by working mothers for leaving their jobs was issues with childcare. Given that working mothers comprise a highly skilled segment of the workforce, how can employers better support, attract, and retain working mothers? What needs to change, and what have you seen that is working?
(49:07) In the federal IT space, mission imperatives and technology are continuously evolving. As such, embracing a mindset of continuous learning and educating yourself is key. What recommendations do you have for others, especially those just starting out in their careers, for making continuous learning a priority and a practice?
(1:00:00) Attendee Question: How do we make sure that DEI efforts are not just theater, but something that moves the needle forward for women (specifically women of color) in the workplace?
(1:02:00) Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook’s Meta, wrote Lean In, a novel, that sparked a movement which encourages women to act more like men and speak up without fear. However, in 2018, Michelle Obama stated, “That &#%! Doesn’t Work,” when discussing this concept. She further explained that it doesn’t work because women still struggle with equality at home and in their careers, and women of color, who navigate microaggressions in the workplace have their own unique struggles. What is your advice to women who want to have their voices heard?
About MetroStar
MetroStar, a leading digital IT company for the public sector, is dedicated to advancing women's careers in the workforce. Over the past two decades, MetroStar has committed to mentoring, advocating, and hiring more women in the industry as a part of our greater cultural values. Learn more about MetroStar's culture.
Explore more thought-leadership and initiatives by MetroStar’s women by listening to our podcast, Mock IT.
