Women's History Month – Part 2: Empowering Women and Shaping Future Generations
In the second part of our series, "Empowering Women and Shaping Future Generations," we delve deeper into the essence of Women's History Month.
Within the halls of Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), returning alumnae offer profound reflections that underscore the lasting impact of this month, both on a personal level and within our community. Through their narratives, we reaffirm the significance of empowering women and championing gender equality in our workplace. Their stories testify to A&M's steadfast dedication to fostering diversity and empowering women as they forge their paths forward.
How can we encourage young girls to pursue careers in non-traditional fields?
“Encouraging young women to explore non-traditional fields begins with education and awareness,” emphasized Breanna Price, an Associate with A&M's Disputes and Investigations (DI) practice in Dallas, Texas. She continued, “Initiatives such as career fairs inform and expose women to the endless possibilities, while mentorship programs can connect them to experienced professionals who provide guidance and inspiration. By promoting these opportunities, we can encourage young women to consider paths they might not have initially explored.” Amanda Huang, a Senior Associate with A&M’s Tax practice in San Francisco, California, added perspective, stating, “Across history, courageous women have ventured into non-traditional fields, becoming pioneers and achieving remarkable firsts (e.g., Amelia Earhart as the first female aviator). Despite likely encountering significant opposition, their persistence has etched their names in history. These instances underscore that women are equally capable as men, and by encouraging young females to pursue their interests regardless of gender stereotypes, we can work towards normalizing the presence of both genders in any field.”
Kylene Ingram, an Associate with A&M’s Global Transaction Advisory Group (TAG) in Boston, Massachusetts, stresses the importance of mentorship for young women. "Starting from grade school, teachers can create equitable experiences, including hands-on problem-solving activities to make subjects like math and science more captivating. High schools and colleges should host events highlighting careers in fields such as technology and finance, featuring successful women as role models. As women in non-traditional fields, it's vital for us to mentor and encourage young women to pursue their interests." Krista Kreider, a Senior Director with A&M’s Healthcare Industry Group (HIG) in Chicago, Illinois, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of providing exposure to diverse opportunities for young women. “I believe the crucial focus should be on encouraging young girls to pursue their passions without being constrained by traditional or non-traditional labels. Exposure is key. Every field thrives when individuals are genuinely curious and interested in them. However, young girls may not always have access to certain topics or areas simply because they're considered non-traditional. By providing exposure to diverse opportunities, we empower young women to explore and discover their own natural paths toward what truly engages them.”
How can early exposure and family support influence young women’s career aspirations and choices?
Reflecting on her journey, Jacinta Addo-Badu, an Associate with A&M’s TAG practice in Chicago, Illinois, emphasized the significant role her family played in shaping her career aspirations. "Exposure, encouragement and representation were three tools that my family employed, allowing me to feel comfortable pursuing a career in accounting/finance when the time came to explore career options," she noted. Her early experiences were pivotal, as she recalled accompanying her uncle to his accounting office, gaining invaluable insights into the profession. "From kindergarten to about the fifth grade, I remember going to work with my uncle in the mornings before school," she reminisced. These encounters demystified accounting and finance, revealing its people-focused nature beyond spreadsheets. Moreover, constant encouragement from family members, all working in business-related fields, instilled in Jacinta the belief that she could achieve beyond their accomplishments. "The older generation of family members never spared a moment to encourage all the children," she reflected. The presence of female role models within her family network further normalized women's success in business, inspiring Jacinta to pursue non-traditional careers without limitations. "Though I did not think much of it at the time, I saw a lot of female representation in accounting/finance and other business adjacent fields through my mom, my aunt and the women in their networks," she acknowledged. These experiences underscored the importance of early exposure and family support in empowering young individuals to make decisions free from societal constraints. "Encouraging young girls to pursue non-traditional careers starts from the moment they are born," Jacinta concluded, highlighting the significance of preparing them well and trusting in their potential to navigate their career paths.
How do you see Women's History Month influencing your approach to raising empowered daughters?
“This topic holds deep personal significance to me as a single parent to my one-year-old daughter,” said Ankita Balyan, a Senior Director for A&M’s Business Transformation Services group in New Delhi, India. “My sincere wish is for her to grow equipped with the tools of resilience, courage, empathy, ambition and strength, empowering her to fearlessly pursue her utopia and dreams in this world of boundless opportunities. For me, Women’s History Month becomes a dedicated time each year when I consciously strive to expose her to the stories of inspirational women across generations and from around the world. These stories serve as a wellspring of insights, guiding her in navigating challenges that may arise. While I hope she never encounters adversity, it would be remiss of me not to prepare her, and what better way than through the powerful examples of role models she can admire and learn from throughout her life.”
In what ways has learning about historical women during this month influenced your parenting values?
“As a mother of two young sons, my goal, not just during Women’s History Month, but every month, is to ensure they are aware of the remarkable advancements and accomplishments made possible by women,” shared Krista. “I aspire to raise boys who view women’s empowerment as beneficial for everyone, including men, and who take pride in and are drawn to strong women. While women can certainly support each other, meaningful progress toward equality requires men's allyship. I hope to instill in my sons the values of uplifting women and actively advocating for fair treatment in all aspects of their lives.”
Reflecting on societal progress, what positive changes have you seen in gender equality?
“I've noticed a positive shift in organizational mindset, recognizing the importance of shared caregiving and parenting responsibilities for men and women pursuing careers,” highlights Ankita. “This is reflected in the sincere efforts to enhance paternity leave, implement flexible programs to facilitate women's return to work post-maternity breaks and ensure equitable career opportunities regardless of the time taken off for maternity leave. At A&M India, I've witnessed these initiatives materialize, having personally navigated returning to the firm after my maternity break last year. While the journey posed challenges, I found unwavering support from my firm every step of the way.”
