In honor of International Women’s Day 2021, we wanted to feature some of the incredible women who work at Flywire. We decided to ask them a few questions related to their accomplishments as women, progress they’ve seen on gender equality, and what International Women’s Day means to them.
To follow you can find the questions and answers to a set of questions that we asked some of the women of Flywire to answer!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“Recognizing the achievements of outstanding women worldwide and inspiring other women, especially young women with ambitious goals and dreams.” -Victoria Napoli, Client Success Manager, Healthcare, Working from Boston
“Spreading awareness of the inequality and using this awareness to drive change. IWD this year is particularly important, I believe, as many of us are working from home and many women have almost reverted back to the 1950s role of constantly managing the household, cooking and caring for children whilst trying to have a career and feel they are failing on all levels. I hope this year that more than ever, it will provide the opportunity for women to reflect and recognise all their achievements, rather than continuing to feel their perceived failures.” -Grace Jackson, Learning & Development Coordinator, Working from London
“Is a reminder that there is still work to be done and also a moment to be thankful for everything that had happened before for me to be here.” -Sandra Flores, Solutions Consultant, Working remotely in the United States
“A day to celebrate women's accomplishments and success throughout history and support women in other parts of the world that are still fighting for their rights and voices to be heard.” -Sophia Jumatate, Cash Management and Treasury, Working from Charleston, South Carolina
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a woman?
“To have studied what I wanted and to now work in the technological world.” -MCarmen Ramirez Flores, QA Tester Engineer, Working from Valencia, Spain
“Raising my two children. It is my most challenging and most rewarding job!” -Sarah King, Director of Communications & Brand, Working from Boston
“Struggling to answer this question shows one huge issue many women face - recognising their achievements.” -Grace Jackson, Learning & Development Coordinator, Working from London
“Making it almost thirty years in high tech as an independent professional female in what formerly had primarily been a male-dominated industry.” -Tracy Courtemanche, Senior Director, Global Marketing in Education, Working from Boston
“Being true to myself, following my own path despite it not being traditional. Living all over the world and traveling to almost 100 countries alone.” -Kelly Hartman, Chief Wellness & Engagement Officer, Working from London
“Consistently supporting other women - I am a firm believer in supporting and celebrating other women and have made a point to make sure I do that no matter what circumstance I find myself in. It is easy to lose yourself in competition or just general cattiness and that is something I have wholeheartedly avoided most of my life and something I am proud of.” -Becky Garber, Executive Assistant & Experience Manager, Working from Boston
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
“It’s interesting, I've actually only ever had women as my managers. I thought that was really unique and probably not the same experience as most people in the workforce. I love having women leading the team I am on! It’s nice to be able to relate so easily to my manager in that way. It gives me hope that I will continue to see women in leadership roles as I progress throughout my career. Women can do anything!” -Samantha Mackowitz, Senior Comms and Social Media Specialist, Working from Boston
“A continued presence of women in leadership positions and the ongoing breaking of the glass ceiling barrier, changes in the attitude of the Indian men and the strong support that they provide their partners in raising families and also helping them excel at the workplace.” -Rimple Puri, Senior Relationship Manager, Working from India
“At home, I've worked hard to set boundaries with my husband so that he chips in with "traditionally female" household chores; at work, I'm really proud to see that Flywire has female executives and a female board member. You truly do have to see it to believe it.” -Sarah King, Director of Communications & Brand, Working from Boston
“I have seen enormous progress, regarding my personal experience I've seen how different my life is from my mom's and how my father has changed his mind regarding how capable women are (just because he has me as a daughter). That is so powerful to me. Additionally, in terms of work I feel it is getting better too. I see more women working close to me little by little and more men that admire other women too. That's energising, so positive and making the humanity evolving to a higher level.” -MCarmen, QA Tester Engineer, Working from Valencia, Spain
We asked our FlyMates to “share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you” and here’s what they had to say:
“Witnessing the inauguration of the first female Vice President of the United States!” -Victoria Napoli, Client Success Manager, Healthcare, Working from Boston
“Working moms during Covid! Working hard while taking care of their kids and also taking on the role of being their teachers! Really something to be proud of.” -Sophia Jumatate, Cash Management and Treasury, Working from Charleston, South Carolina
“Speaking to Sharon Butler, EVP of Global Education at Flywire, during my interview and hearing about her journey in Flywire.” -Rimple Puri, Senior Relationship Manager, Working from India
“So many moments inspire me, including all of the women's marches. On a personal level, my amazingly strong niece inspires me each and every day. I enjoyed watching her grow up playing hockey, at first as one of the only females on an all-male team. Today, I am proud that she stayed the course and was selected to play Division III collegiate hockey on WNE's first female hockey team.” -Tracy Courtemanche, Senior Director, Global Marketing in Education, Working from Boston
What’s your International Women’s Day message?
“Happy IWD to all women out there, we know you get up everyday to work harder, to take care of people around you and accomplish your goals. Women are smart, strong, beautiful and we are here to support each other. Let's keep on thriving and leading the paths for those that came before us and those whose journey is just getting started!” -Sandra Flores, Solutions Consultant, Working remotely in the United States
“In a global pandemic where there is increased pressure on your mental health, at home, at work, it can feel like we're failing but we're not, we're holding it all together, we show strength in numerous situations throughout the day. I hope that every day you take a moment to reflect, give yourself a big pat on the back and think about everything you have achieved that day.” -Grace Jackson, Learning & Development Coordinator, Working from London
"Happy Women’s Day! Every woman in our lives is incredible, strong and beautiful! Cherish every moment you have with her! To all women, you are more capable than you think. You are not alone and don't be afraid. Remember to be good to yourself!” -Vera Hay, People & Culture Associate, Working from Singapore
“Women - be courageous, be bold and be gentle - be the person you want to be and live the life you want. Don't be sucked into comparison alley.” -Germaine Broadbent, Senior Sales Manager, Education, Working from the United Kingdom
“Treat all human beings how you would like to be treated regardless of their gender.” -Becky Garber, Executive Assistant & Experience Manager, Working from Boston
“Celebrate yourself today because you are truly amazing and unique!” -Pang Thor, Implementation Manager in Healthcare, Working from Palo Alto, CA
"Be confident in your abilities and professionalism. Help other women to progress and advance in their career. Be proud as a woman, we have our own abilities and specialties. We don't need to force ourselves to work and be exactly the same as men. We are women with our own advantages and needs that should have equal opportunities." -Hadasa Vengrover, Full Stack Engineer, Israel
Why do you support women’s empowerment and gender equality?
“Because we are all humans, we are all capable of doing / working in countless areas, regardless of our gender.” -MCarmen, QA Tester Engineer, Working from Valencia, Spain
“Because as I get older, I see the need to ensure that this issue continues to be addressed. Equality helps everyone to experience more freedom of choice in their lives. I recognise we aren't there yet for equality and what we achieve in the developed world and advances we make, pulls along our sisters in situations that are far worse in developing countries / societies who have it a lot worse than us western women.” -Germaine Broadbent, Senior Sales Manager, Education, Working from the United Kingdom
“I want a better world for the children, and women's empowerment plays such a crucial part in this reform.” -Tracy Choo, P&C Director, Working from Singapore
“I support women's empowerment and gender equality because I grew up in a household of six boys in a patriarchal culture. I spoke up when I felt it was unfair. I sat at the "'mens only" table to show I am no different and should be treated equally. I want girls and women in my culture to know they can make a difference.” -Pang Thor, Implementation Manager in Healthcare, Working from Palo Alto, CA
How will you help forge a gender equal world?
"I am helping and mentoring students, graduates and current workers to establish their tech career. I give lectures about the tech career path 'obstacles and how to overcome them. Also, I of course recommend friends and other women for jobs at my company." -Hadasa Vengrover, Full Stack Engineer, Working from Israel
“Bringing up my daughters to be strong, capable and compassionate individuals who know that they are not bound by gender stereotypes. As aptly put by a Georgia mother, I will raise them to think they can breathe fire.” -Tracy Choo, P&C Director, Working from Singapore
“I want to show my daughter that she has every right and opportunity to achieve her dreams.” -Sarah King, Director of Communications & Brand, Working from Boston
“To teach gender equality to my child and future children.” -Pang Thor, Implementation Manager in Healthcare, Working from Palo Alto, CA
“Coaching, encouraging and developing women in helping them to have a greater voice, instilling self belief, to ask for what they want. Also to use my voice to speak up when I see things that are not equal - take action even if it's uncomfortable, in person, in writing and social media.” -Kelly Hartman, Chief Wellness & Engagement Officer, Working from London
Head over to our Instagram page, @InsideFlywire, where we’ll continue to feature the women of Flywire throughout Women’s History Month.