It's no surprise to anyone familiar with Dimensional Innovations 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 while creating remarkable experiences.
With it being International Women's Day and the kick-off to Women's History Month, it was the perfect time for us to pause, listen, and elevate the voices of the women who, daily, make a huge impact on Dimensional Innovations. Through a survey to our entire company, we asked 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!
Carole Hollman, Cultural Practice Director
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
Follow your heart, believe in yourself, and also take advantage of where life leads you — you might be surprised where you end up.
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
My own insecurities. Fear paralyzes. You need to look your fears right in the face and go forward anyway. There is a magic in courage. It doesn't mean you won't blunder or fail at times, and that's OK.
Ashley Elliott, Client Development Representative
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
I believe it's incredibly important to lift one another up. My mother taught me as early as I can remember to treat others the way I want to be treated. It's such a simple statement that so many people have heard yet not all abide by. Throughout life, many of us have encountered situations where others aren't kind, patient, or supportive and it can really negatively impact that moment or even have lasting negative effects. What a difference it makes if instead you are kind and supportive- even to people who aren't kind to you. It can turn someone's day completely around and make them feel important, loved, valued and empower them to act better. We never know what someone else is going through.
Kaitlyn Jerome, Senior Interactive Producer
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received from a mentor, coworker or family member around your career?
"Your first job doesn't have to be your last." It's ok to grow and change course and learn new things!
Ann Gaffigan, Director of Technology Operations
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
Being able to work with others is an important factor in your success; however, that doesn’t mean pleasing everyone all the time. Work on disagreeing while maintaining rapport.
Sara Deuel, Director of Project Management
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It's not just important, it's necessary for empowered women to support and advocate for other women. Women do such great work advocating for others but rarely advocate or stand up for themselves. Having a supportive network of women to talk to is critical and has really helped me get through personal and professional struggles. There is always more room for strong, supportive women at any table.
Daveron Kennedy, Account Manager
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
When women support women, all are lifted. This does not mean a smaller piece of the "pie" for me; it means more pie to go around.
Michele Vance, Chief Client Officer
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
Appreciate the journey we're each on, and treat one another with grace.
What advice do you want to share with young women thinking about their career?
Take ownership of your personal development. Be intentionally curious about your industry and about business in general. Don't be afraid to speak up and don't apologize for asking questions.
Morgan Stockton, Senior Designer
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received from a mentor, coworker or family member around your career?
The empathy that is so often filed as a "feminine" trait is not a weakness. Your ability to connect with other humans and share their experience is an asset.
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It is CRUCIAL that women lift each other up. The reality of the matter is that no one else will have this unique shared experience, or shared challenges, the way you do with other women. To me, lifting each other up can be everything from small things (behind every woman is a squad of women proofreading her email) to big things (advocating for progressive action for both yourself and others).
Courtney Craig, Digital Content Producer Manager
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
I think that many people, in general, believe women to be more soft spoken or easily spoken over. It took me a while to find my own voice in meetings and on teams. When I was interrupted or spoken-over, I would take it that I wasn't ready to have a place at the table. But that is wrong. Everyone has a place at the table.
Ashley Siebert, Associate Creative Director
How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
I think this question is flawed; putting the onus on women to lift each other up perpetuates the notion that women's ability to exist on an equal plane is their responsibility, rather than everyone's. I will say, with regard to women-helping-women, that women talk to each other, and if a company fails to promote, acknowledge, and support its female employees, word gets out. So it's in the best interest of any company vying for top talent to support its female workers.
May Mannant, Talent Manager
What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
The first thing that comes to mind is juggling career and parenting. I worked during my maternity leave with my second child and that was a big mistake. At the time, I thought that I needed to do that to not let the company down, but looking back, I was setting myself for failure both professionally and personally. I learned how to balance both worlds better and especially to not feel guilty about a few tings falling through the cracks when one world is occasionally more demanding than the other.
The other thing that I've noticed, and still notice, is the lack of eye contact with women in a male dominated conversation. I've many times sat at the same table with a lot to bring, but seemed non-existent in the conversation because men wouldn't make eye contact or engage me in the conversation. My way to respond to that is very simple: make STRONG eye contact with them and engage myself in the conversation!
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.
