In celebration of Women’s History Month 2021, we interviewed some of the women of Hitachi Vantara Federal who work every day to shape the history of tomorrow. Here’s what they had to say about what it means to be a woman in their respective fields:
What does being a woman in IT Services and Support mean to you?
“As a Senior member of Hitachi Vantara Federal Support Organization, I have been privileged to be a part of a diverse team that has allowed me to be creative and to have a voice. They promote equality, respect, and encourage transparency while providing a safe work environment. I love the freedom of decision making with complete accountability.”
– Linda Jenson, Director of Customer Service & Support
“Being a woman on the Services and Support team means being present, dependable, and consistent. The beauty of services and support is that I get to collaborate and add value to different teams across the organization. I take pride in knowing my colleagues trust my expertise and feel supported.”
– Yllen Castellanos, Renewals Manager
What does being a woman in an administrative role mean to you?
“Being a successful woman in business administration means building others up while working together. Working on the team with Hitachi Vantara Federal has allowed me to do this as well as being built up from the Hitachi Vantara Federal Leadership.”
– Elizabeth Ford, FSO
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” – Maya Angelou
– Rahel Hake, Accounting Manager
“As a female leader in business, my super power is my resource*ability (Resourcefulness + Adaptability). These skills, in my opinion are the most critical. I exercise this daily in my personal life as a mother of five; I truly believe there is nothing you can throw at me that I cannot solution with my team. I encourage everywoman to identify your super power and capitalize on it!”
– Jenn Shelton, Director of Human Resources
“Being a woman in an administrative role, more specifically on the legal team, means being confident in your work and knowing you bring value to the team. It is also about ensuring you show up as you are, as opposed to who the industry expects or wants you to be.”
– Caroline Ward, Contracts Analyst
“Someone once told me whether you call me a secretary, an administrative assistant, an executive assistant, or so on we are truly a strategic business partner and have the ability to directly impact the business. I am honored to be a part of such a supportive organization where I know my opinion matters and I play a vital role in shaping the company culture as a whole.”
– Lauren Deasy, Executive Assistant
What does being a woman in marketing mean to you?
“Do not be afraid to make decisions. Do not be afraid to make mistakes.” – Carly Fiorina
– Lauren McCarty, Director of Partnerships & Marketing
“I’m very decisive, and I think that is one of my strengths as a leader, but I’m also very willing to see where things go or lead us. I don’t strive to be perfect, just to do the best in that moment. If a mistake or wrong decision is made, we will work to overcome it. That is what makes each day interesting and what makes my team so amazing. We all work together to achieve the most amazing outcomes.”
“I believe women in marketing add severe value to the brands they work for and offer a different perspective to a male dominated business world. I’m honored to be one and work among a group of individuals who encourage a fun work environment, but also get the job done.”
– Ashley Houston, Marketing Manager
“Being a woman in marketing to me means being able to be my unapologetic true and authentic self. Having a woman’s perspective allows me to bring new and fresh ideas to the table and challenge old norms. Having the opportunities to be creative in an ever changing market is what makes marketing exciting. So when you combine being a woman and a marketer, you get a force to be reckoned with.”
– Julie Nguyen, Marketing & Events Specialist
What does being a woman in sales mean to you?
“Showing up, as your true self, with your vision and the confidence knowing you’re helping your customers improve their missions. Working together as a team and to not let any one person’s opinion move you; listen, but be confident with grace.”
– Stephanie Heagen, Account Executive
“I’m proud to support a fantastic group of professionals that strive for excellence and success.”
– Aimee Quinn, Fulfillment & Client Support Manager
“As a woman in sales, my foundation is rooted from my service in the military which taught me to be resilient and brave . Two qualities that are essential to winning and to have the courage to show your clients an uncharted vision of the impossible.”
– Melissa Sanford, Principal Sales Consultant
What does being a woman in data science mean to you?
“Being a woman in Data Science means breaking the typical IT/Tech stereotype and breaking down the assumptions that are normally placed on women.”
– Lexi Vessels, Data Scientist
“Art to the science” data science for me is an onion with the layers of uncertainty to be peeled and cooked with the turmoil of ever-increasing curiosity to reach a better place and the ultimate-high of having a working solution. Akin to a puzzle with fitting pieces or an emerging knitting pattern – the line between hobby and work is increasingly getting fuzzier making the data journey seem more and more like the below poem excerpt from Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
– Dr. Pragyansmita Nayak, Chief Data Scientist
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
