Today is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme, #BalanceforBetter, really resonated with Affect’s management team. We’re three women who have worked together for more than five years and in that time, have supported each other through five maternity leaves and all of the subsequent triumphs and challenges that come with working motherhood. At the same time, we share a fierce commitment to our careers and the Affect team. We’ve laughed together, cried together and worked side by side supporting each other and our talented colleagues to deliver the best possible service to our clients.
Diversity and inclusion breed creativity – and at Affect, it’s critical to our core values and mission. We believe that women should be given equal opportunity and pay and although we’re a small agency, we believe in doing our part to level the playing field. In celebration of International Women’s Day, here are a few reflective thoughts from Affect’s SVPs:
Melissa Baratta: “Ensuring gender balance is not only the right thing to do – it makes good business sense. Data has shown that time and time again, boards, businesses and teams work better when both women and men are well represented, especially in leadership positions. I’m proud to work at Affect because I have never felt like there is a glass ceiling. If there is a goal I want to reach or an interest I want to pursue, I am encouraged to do so and supported in that effort. We are all unique individuals, but as a team, we are united in doing great work and in the belief that we should celebrate diversity and inclusion, and always be working to build a more gender balanced industry.”
Brittany Bevacqua: “Of all of the projects I’ve led in my career, some of the most rewarding have been those focused on female empowerment and leadership. In the male-dominated tech sector, it’s more important than ever to make sure female leaders are seen, heard and supported as they rise the ranks. I’m proud that PR has been a driver for amazing female executives to get profiled in tier 1 business publications, included on top leadership lists/rankings, invited to speak at conferences and earn board seats.”
Katie Creaser: “On International Women’s Day, I am celebrating the balancing act of being a woman – and letting go of preconceived notions and stereotypes. I am a dedicated, present mother and I am professionally ambitious. I am confident and I am emotional. I am empathetic and I am focused on the bottom line. Women shouldn’t have to sacrifice who they are in order to succeed – they should be supported and empowered to be themselves at work, without judgement. In my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by women and men that have lifted me up and made me feel like I can have it all. I hope to pay this forward to other women that enter the industry.”
