Throughout this month, we have the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the women in our lives, past and present. Each week this month, we’re spotlighting some of our Koddiyak women who inspire inclusion in their daily lives.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role model is my dad. I recently lost my dad on NYE 2023 and he meant the world to me. My dad immigrated to the US in 1976 from Iran to pursue education. He sacrificed and preserved so much to make a life for himself and for us. I admired him for so many things, but his positivity, support, stories, and laughs. I look up to my dad for so many reasons and I am so thankful for everything he taught me as a positive ray of light and a supportive pillar in my life.

What message would you give to young women entering your field about navigating and advocating for themselves in the workplace?

Every day is a new learning experience, so take things in strides. It’s okay to make mistakes, that’s just part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself when you are overwhelmed or feeling like you are stretched too thin, let someone know so they can support you, you don’t have to take it on all by yourself.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of? 

In this moment in life, one accomplishment I am most proud of would be finishing my MBA back in 2019 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. It wasn’t just the education but the fact I moved away from home to a brand new state, got to break out of my comfort zone, meet new people who are literally now family, coached high school soccer with amazing young women, and helped shape a part of who I am. Very thankful for that overall experience.

What does this year’s theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” mean to you? 

It means a lot to me. Celebrating women past and present who pushed boundaries to advocate for what is right is truly inspiring. Society does best when we work together and advocate and lift each other up.

 

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My mom is my biggest role model because of the way she was able to support us growing up and how she was able to battle and beat breast cancer with grace.

What message would you give to young women entering your field about navigating and advocating for themselves in the workplace?

Knowing your worth and believing in yourself. Confidence is important in the workplace as you need to believe in your abilities to achieve your goals. Never sell yourself short and always be your own biggest advocate!

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of? 

Earning my Masters of Business Analytics degree while working full-time and moving to a new state.

What does this year’s theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” mean to you? 

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My grandma had 11 kids, 6 of which include my mom and my aunts. These women in my family are and have always been my biggest role models. They have modeled strength, tenacity, resilience and independence as women, and they know how to use their voices when it really matters. Because of them, I know the value of relying on and trusting myself completely, I don’t allow myself to get knocked down for too long, and I know that my opinions matter. So much so that I got in-school suspension in 7th grade for advocating for the female dress code to be modified. Mom was secretly very proud of me for that one.

What message would you give to young women entering your field about navigating and advocating for themselves in the workplace?

I read a LinkedIn article years ago that said that men apply for a job when they meet 60% of the qualifications, versus women apply only if they meet 100% of them. One hundred percent!! This same article talked about the factors that lead to these differences, and it all really boiled down to confidence. It stated that women gain confidence in the workplace as they age. That spoke to me as someone who gained all my professional confidence after I proved to myself that I was 100%’ish. It’s really counterproductive, and we shouldn’t wait until we’re “perfect” to know we’re worthy of great roles, great companies, and great pay. So I would encourage young women to aim for confidence, not perfection, and you will inevitably unlock your own doors.

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of? 

Putting myself through college while working two jobs and having a lot of life things trying to knock me down throughout. It goes back to my learnings from my mom and aunts and grandma. It really taught me how to never count myself out because I can do really hard things.

What does this year’s theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” mean to you? 

I care about these topics a lot. It’s a reminder to keep fighting the good fight to help move the needle, no matter how incrementally. It also reminds me that as a woman raising all boys, I have a lot to teach and model to them on these topics just like my family has done for me. Progress takes time and intention and joined forces, and I am here for it!

 

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My biggest role models are the women in my life that knew what they wanted to do for their career, or pursued their greatest passion, especially in male dominated fields. My best friend Rebekka has wanted to be a television screenwriter for as long as I can remember, and she is now killing it in LA working on awesome projects and getting more and more opportunities to showcase her talents. Ever since she was little, my sister has been a talented artist. She is currently studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and is looking for apprenticeships abroad after she graduates.

What message would you give to young women entering your field about navigating and advocating for themselves in the workplace?

Don’t be afraid to be wrong. That was the hardest thing for me to get over as I’ve been moving up in my career, and I still find myself holding back in circumstances where I think I might look silly. If you are working with teammates to solve a problem or answer a tough question, it’s important to have your perspective and opinions be heard!

What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of? 

I started coaching a small women’s club soccer team 4 years ago, and 2 seasons ago they won the league championship. It was awesome to be a part of that experience with them, and see them grow on and off the field.

What does this year’s theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” mean to you? 

 

Thank you to all of the women everywhere who continue to lead and inspire inclusion! Check back next week for our second spotlight.