Every year during March, we celebrate Women’s History Month – with International Women’s Day kicking off on March 8. For the past four weeks, we’ve been highlighting some of the incredible women of Koddi. Their dynamic talents, sharp expertise, and extraordinary accomplishments inspire us every day. Read on to meet some of Koddi’s powerhouse ladies.

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
It is important because it reminds me of the trajectory of women to the present day – seriously, how cool are we girls? So unique and similar at the same time. :heart: I also like to read about inspiring/strong women. Some of my favorites are Anne Frank, Marie Curie, and Maria Quiteria.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My grandmother Mary. She had 2 big passions: music and language learning. She followed her dream and became a great pianist, nationally recognized, while teaching hundreds of music students in the Academy of Fine Arts. All of that while raising 8 kids during times where women (at least in BR) were not encouraged to have a career or study. Even after retirement, she kept pursuing her passions until the very end – being able to speak nearly 10 languages and overcoming obstacles such as movement restrictions due to a stroke. Whenever I think of her I feel inspired by her persistence and dedication, and also feel very grateful to have had such an amazing grandma.

What advice do you have for other women to encourage empowering other women?
I believe that small changes in our own behavior can go a long way to empower other women. Respect individualities, criticize less (better: don’t criticize at all) and compliment MUCH more.

What would you tell your younger self if you could turn back time?
I’d say, “Try to not compare yourself with other people; everyone has their own story and path.”

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
The same I’d give to my younger self. When I finished my degree for Fashion Design I felt very frustrated that I couldn’t find any jobs in the area. I decided then to change fields and went to college for Marketing. By the time I started an internship, I felt bad that there were people the same age as me in more senior roles. I remember thinking, “That could’ve been me if I had started in this field earlier.” Talking to a manager about this, he explained that we all have our own paths and that it doesn’t make sense to compare ourselves to others. I wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t made all the (bad and good) decisions.

What is your favorite escape?
Karate. It strengthens the body while clearing the mind.

 

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
International Women’s Day is important to me because it shines a necessary and needed light on all the incredible accomplishments made by women. Growing up I was grateful for female leaders that I could look up to and aspire to be.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model is my mom. She has always led by example and encouraged me to feel empowered as a woman. I’ve watched her overcome many obstacles in life and do it with grace and perseverance. Having her support, as well as that of many other female role models in my life, has helped shape who I am today, which I am very grateful for.

What advice do you have for other women to encourage empowering other women?
Make sure to celebrate each other’s successes and lift those around you up whenever you have the opportunity!

What would you tell your younger self if you could turn back time?
Everything is temporary and in the end everything always works out, try to enjoy the ride! Also, wear sunscreen.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
My favorite piece of advice is very cliché, everything happens for a reason! Have faith that in the end things will work out the way they are supposed to and only worry about the things that you can control.

What is your favorite escape?
My favorite escape would have to be running. I have my first post-COVID race on May 1st, which I can’t wait for.

 

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
Celebrating the efforts of women worldwide is important to me because it’s a time to express gratitude and respect for all those women who paved the way for us to be here, working, voting, and having a voice. Their strength, courage, and love continue to transform the world and make it a better place for generations to come.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
One of my biggest role models is a professor I had in college. They taught me a different perspective of life, and I admire their positivity, lifestyle, and energy.

What advice do you have for other women to encourage empowering other women?
Be approachable, let others know that they can come to you for advice, and spread positivity.

What would you tell your younger self if you could turn back time?
I wish I could tell my younger self to value experiences over things, be more curious, explore more, and take action on my life goals.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
The best piece of advice I received was to continue my studies in US.

What is your favorite escape?
Playing volleyball and walking on the beach.

 

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements, reflect on women’s struggles, and remind each of us that we can do better. It shines a spotlight on the accomplishments and stories of women, which inspire more women and girls across the world to chase their dreams.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My role model is Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the former associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She is diligent, a visionary, and fearless. She led an extraordinary life and helped her family get through tough moments. She brought equality, social justice, and freedom. She empowered the world with women’s intellect, determination, and strength.

What advice do you have for other women to encourage empowering other women?
The world gets better when people understand each other and support each other. I would encourage women to share their feelings, touching moments, obstacles, and successful stories. We need to make sure that women are on a level playing field, their voices are being heard and their unique perspectives are being recognized and appreciated. I would advocate for women’s networking groups that offer opportunities and promote successes of women in workforce, especially in the technology industry.

What would you tell your younger self if you could turn back time?
Do what you are passionate about and be passionate about what do you. When you do what you love, your life will be much more fulfilling.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
Never underestimate what you can do in five years and plan early. You will be amazed by how much you could achieve.

What is your favorite escape?
Grindelwald, Switzerland

 

Why is International Women’s Day important to you?
Women have often been left out of traditional narratives of greatness. International Women’s Day and [Women’s History] Month allow us all reflection upon the greats of the past and present.

Who is your biggest role model and why?
My grandmother, who is my namesake, who was by everyone’s account the smartest person they’d ever met – a true mathematical genius and scientist. She was a spiritual and loving woman who did everything from classified work as a mathematician for the US government in the 1970s and acing college entry exams to intuitively knitting intricate sweaters without a pattern.

What advice do you have for other women to encourage empowering other women?
To listen to and empathize with one another, and not just the women who think, or look, or talk like we do. There is great solidarity in being open and receptive to other narratives and experiences of womanhood.

What would you tell your younger self if you could turn back time?
To trust my intuition and gut.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
“You can’t lower your standards to let the world meet them.”

What is your favorite escape?
Going to the grocery store or farmers’ market. If afforded the time, I could inspect vegetables, read ingredient labels, and wander the aisles for hours.

 

As our celebration of Women’s History Month reaches its end, we’d like to thank each and every one of the amazing women of Koddi for everything they do. Your dedication to the team, incredible contributions of talent, and inspiring achievements help make Koddi the special place it is. Together we go far!