At KLS Financial Services, we are so fortunate to have an amazing and strong group of women. We asked our female team what today means to them and here are some eye-opening and empowering responses.
Jessica Smith, Director of Human Resources
International Women’s day is another day to celebrate our differences as a people. Gender diversity is important because comparing different opinions can only make us better and we make more informed decisions. However today means a few things: that the world is recognizing women in a positive and meaningful way, but also that we still have some work to do.
Being a young professional in the workplace, I’ve seen my share of male ego and not feeling like my voice matters in a board room full of men. As women we can’t get intimidated by this and must make our presence known. The more we push ourselves, the farther we go toward real gender equality!
Sharlene Scott, Senior Revenue Analyst
A woman who knows that she matters also knows that she has the power to make it known that what she says and does, whether it be at home or in the work place, is very substantial.
In my job, one of my greatest attributes is being a great listener; whether I agree or disagree with the other party, my point gets across usually ending with the conversation resulting in my favor. A great listener is one of the most powerful tools that not only women can have in their tool belt, but the whole human race.
International Women’s Day defines strength and courage in what we have achieved to get where we are today and in the words of my mentor, my mom, “We’ve come a long baby.”
Senior Training and Revenue Specialist
Kim Stone, Managing Director
International Woman’s Day to me encompasses the celebration of women across many cultures. The exultation of the successes that women have accomplished over many years to enable “us” to be recognized and acknowledged for being both smart and strong while also intertwined with femininity. I started my professional career following in the footsteps of a woman who had paved the way (my mother) as a woman in the military. She overcame many gender specific roles and taught me that hard work and determination were not just male traits. Later, I spent my senior year as an international student studying politics of the English parliament, when Margaret Thatcher was the first woman Prime Minister of England.
- “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” –Margaret Thatcher
Now as a mother of two strong, independent, brilliant, kind and personable daughters; they are my biggest mark on this world. I know I have created two individuals that will continue to be a part of the change. The change that humankind is our true celebration. Non-gender, with no-bias!