To anyone familiar with Dimensional Innovations, it's no surprise that one of our many assets is our core of badass, brilliant, get-shit-done women. Not ones to be limited by "industry norms," "that's never been done before," or general doubts, the women on our team—spread across any and all departments—break the mold daily to create remarkable experiences.
For this year's International Women's Day, it was the perfect time for us to pause, listen, and elevate the voices of the women who, daily, make a huge impact on our team and partners. We asked some of those women the tough questions: Tell us about the times you were strong. Tell us the most valuable advice you’ve been given and what advice you’d like to pass on in-turn. You share so much of your talents with the company; we want to share your insights and elevate your voice.
And no surprise...the women of DI showed up with insights and words of wisdom. Check some of them out below!
Ashley Essman, Production Manager
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received from a mentor, coworker or family member around your career?
“Be the leader you wish you had!”
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
Never stop educating yourself. Be confident in your decisions, ask questions, set boundaries, and work hard. Understand your strengths, but also be aware of your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Elly Miles, Content Manager
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
Financial Discrimination - not compensated as much as a man even though my performance results and problem-solving strategies were more successful. Since this kept happening in this particular field, I switched gears and went back to school to learn about an entirely different field.
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
Always do what you say you're going to do to maintain credibility and respect. Lead by example. Lead with compassion. Be firm but fair. Never discriminate. Always collaborate.
Monica Roesner, Senior UX Designer
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
This is something I am particularly passionate about, being a member of our D+I Committee. Influenced by my own career growth, I really think it's imperative to get women and other diverse people in the room AND a part of the conversation. We make our best work when a diverse group is helping create it, and I want to make sure they are there, and able to contribute. That means adding extra people to meetings sometimes and asking questions directed towards people you think are having a hard time speaking up. Intentionally giving others the opportunity/space/time to contribute should be something we all strive for.
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
It's corny, but be yourself and be confident in it! In my case – show up to that interview/meeting with colored hair, tattoos, and piercings. You spend most of your life at work. Do you want to have a career where you can't be yourself most of the time? I sure don't. Know what you do well, bring it to the table, and build a reputation for standing strong in your knowledge, beliefs, and work; regardless of what others think sometimes. Good employers, and clients will value you for your contributions. Not how you look, or your personality quarks.
Alexis Cresswell, Metal Fabricator
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
Advice for young women. Find your voice and use it! You have the choice to set the bar high about what you will accept and what you won't. Standing by your values and requiring respect are traits that will help further break gender barriers.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received from a mentor, coworker or family member around your career?
The most valuable advice I got was from my Dad. He told me "no one's gonna pay your bills for you, learn a trade, it's takes you far. The only person you can rely on 100% is yourself."
Jessica Buritsch, Experience Coordinator
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
It is always easier to be your worst enemy rather than your own personal hero. Regardless of how society may perceive or treat you, be the better version of yourself that you deserve to be proud of.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
For us all to achieve equity amongst women, it is imperative that we continue to offer our sincere support and effort towards one another's goals. Whether those goals are based on personal, professional, or community driven interest; goals yes, can be accomplished through motivation, but have an even higher efficiency and success rate with the help of others. Never would I have achieved what I have so far, without the selfless guidance and understanding of the women around me.
Lauren Lee, Design Engineer III
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
There is a measurable gender gap in STEM fields. I won't consider any of my barriers "overcome" until the generations following me don't have to deal with them. We often encourage young women to overcome adversity instead of fixing the system that put those barriers in place.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Women can only "lift" each other when they are in leadership positions, which is why representation is so important. When unable to lift, I highly recommend boosting your peers from wherever you are in your career.
Michelle Fontes, Talent Manager
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It is essential to support and lift up other women. I believe that this question should be expanded to say, we should all uplift each other. Find ways to let your peers know that you appreciate working with them and that you are there to support them. A verbal thank you or acknowledgment of support goes a far way in letting others know that they matter.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received from a mentor, coworker or family member around your career?
Do what makes you happy, the rest will follow. Success isn't always about status or title but rather the fulfillment you get from the work you do and those that you impact.
Rachel Julo, Director of Strategy
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
Everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. My voice is no different. And that can be hard to do in a sea of louder voices. I distinctly remember a couple different times where I said an idea in a meeting but not loud enough for it to be heard to the larger group. However, in both instances, the coworker sitting next to me said my idea just as I had said it but a little louder and then got the credit. It took me a while to find my voice and have the confidence to ensure my voice was heard.
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
You are valuable. Your ideas and opinions matter. Find your voice and don’t be afraid to use it. And find mentors (beyond your supervisor) that you can count on to be honest and give you a different perspective. More tenured team members are willing and want to help you succeed.
Alex Connelly, Marketing Designer
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Very important! I think encouraging others and focusing on helping with the needs of the people around us should be one of our main goals in life. Here's what lifting up another women means to me: Listening to her, not just nodding along and really thinking about what I want to say. Identifying and relaying to her the strengths and values I see in her. Directing her towards bigger goals and aspirations than she might feel comfortable making for herself. Challenging her to be a woman of integrity, who moves toward her goals + helps others to do so, not just focuses on what she's lacking or not receiving from others.
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
Find purpose in your work greater than just looking to get something out of it for yourself. Serve people. Love people. Help others to become better and you will too!
Madison Hummel, Copywriter
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
People have a tendency to assume you're not as capable or even talented and career-oriented compared to male counterparts. Along with that misjudgement often comes the double standard of emotion -- when a woman takes initiative she can be seen as bossy, while her male cohort would be seen as a strong leader. How do I handle it? Hey, Alexa, play The Man by Taylor Swift.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Lifting each other up both inside and outside of the workplace is essential. Empowered women empower women.
A PLACE FOR ALL VOICES TO BE HEARD
DI depends on diversity of ideas, skills and perspectives to solve the world’s toughest creative challenges, encouraging and amplifying every voice so we can create remarkable experiences for all. This post is one of many initiatives to continue our dedication to Diversity + Inclusion.
