International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day of recognition celebrated every year on March 8. The day acknowledges the important role of women in history and in society, raising awareness about discrimination and most importantly advocating for gender equality.

This year, the IWD global campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity. Today, it’s important to reflect on the progress that has been made, while spotlighting the ongoing fight for women’s rights and efforts for impactful change for the future of women around the world.

Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama once said, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s the power of using your voice.”

That’s why we wanted to hear from the women who lead PAN, at all levels of our organization, about what IWD means to them.

On International Women’s Day

“International Women’s Day for me, especially this year, is about reflecting on where we’ve come as well as looking toward the future. I recently returned from maternity leave with my daughter Anna, who’s named after my grandmothers. I’ve been thinking a lot about far we’ve come since their generation in terms of equity and about my role in empowering the next generation of female leaders to create an even better future for my children’s generation. #EmbraceEquity”

 Ariel Novak, Vice President, Maine

“IWD for me is about continuing to uplift and support ALL women. It’s about remembering and honoring all the women who helped advance the women’s movement throughout ‘herstory,’ from Susan B. Anthony to Fannie Lou Hamer to the female CEOs, entrepreneurs and scientists/technologists still shattering glass ceilings today. It’s about supporting females from all walks of life, whether they are activists, full-time moms, young girls learning to code, or VPs of the United States. It’s about continuing to challenge the corporate and political systems we live in every day that favor our male counterparts. It’s about speaking up when we’ve been spoken over, looked over, or left behind. It’s about challenging the patriarchal status quo and always ensuring we have a seat at the table and a voice in the meeting.”

Marki Conway, Vice President, Boston

International Women’s Day celebrates the role of women in history and in society, raising awareness about discrimination and most importantly advocating for gender equality.

“International Women’s Day for me provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. As a woman in business, this day also reminds me of the importance of mentoring and empowering young girls to become future leaders. By actively supporting and nurturing young girls, we can provide them with the tools and skills necessary to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to society. 

It’s a day to celebrate our achievements, honor the progress we’ve made, and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal opportunities for all women in the workplace. I am so fortunate to get to work with strong women role models every day!”

Zareen Fidlon, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Virtual

“International Women’s Day for me is about celebrating victories and achievements while loudly and boldly continuing to demand equality. Our work is far from done, but I’m proud to stand alongside women past and present continuing to fight this importance battle. #EmbraceEquity” 

 Ashley Waters, Vice President, Virtual

“International Women’s Day for me is about honoring the many contributions to society that women have made throughout history and continue to make each day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the strong female figures in your life and consider what work – as a society – must be done to achieve greater gender equality and provide an even better world for the next generation of female trailblazers.”

Angelica English, Senior Account Supervisor, Boston

“International Women’s Day for me is about expressing gratitude for all the women in my life (past and present) who have inspired me, both professionally and personally, to dig a little deeper and measure up to my full potential. I don’t take this guidance lightly and try to pay it forward whenever I can to women in my life as a way of saying thank you. We lose the home game when we’re not all on the same team.”

Abbey Clark, Senior Media Manager, Boston

“International Women’s Day for me is a reminder that there’s no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish in our life. Walk with your head up high, embrace the beauties of life, and make every day count. #Latina #SiSePuede” 

Thania Menjivar, AAE, Virtual – Texas

“International Women’s Day to me is about honoring the women in my life who have uplifted and supported me throughout my career and life. I also like to take this day as a chance to reflect on how I can be more inclusive in my day-to-day life and empower all women, as well as acknowledge the history and intersectionality that has shaped and elevated the Feminist movement. #EmbraceEquity”

 Emma Nugent, AAE, Virtual

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