Seats at the table: Local women leaders reflect on International Women’s Day

Celebrating women’s evolution, dreams, success

By MacKenzie Brower
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International Women’s Day on March 8 is set to recognize women’s achievements and empowerment in developed and developing countries over the course of the last century as they have progressed toward a more inclusive and equitable world.

But, according to local leaders, the inclusion of women in all aspects of life is an everyday conversation and action to continue overcoming systemic barriers.

The Daily Independent asked influential women leaders across the Valley what they would like to see celebrated on International Women’s Day and received a diverse array of responses from women in varying industries.

Many pointed out the unique perspective women bring to homes, workplaces and community spaces. They said the inclusion of more women, especially in the workplace, is inspired by collaboration over competition, mentorship and fellowship with each other. And that work-life balance is more important than ever as women’s roles have evolved, and they balance both the roles of primary caregiver and breadwinner.

A movement is born

Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the 20th century in North America and across Europe, according to the UN website.

In the United States, the day was first designated in honor of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York. But the first milestone in the U.S. was in 1848 when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott congregated a few hundred people at their nation’s first women’s rights convention in New York and wrote a declaration of rights.

The fact Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 is linked to the women’s movements during the Russian Revolution in 1917 and protesting of World War I in 1913.

Phoenix’s powerful women leaders

We asked various local women leaders about their thoughts on the inclusion of women locally and globally. Here’s what they had to say. Responses have been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Pei-yu (Sharon) Chen

Arizona State University Red Avenue Foundation professor and chair of the Department of Information Systems

“When I started my career as an assistant professor teaching an MBA course, a senior female faculty mentor, whom I admired a lot, prepped me that as a woman in the field of information systems and technology, students tend to discount what we say compared to the same words from male faculty. She advised me that I should try to use data and evidence and quote others to overcome that challenge. Now as I progress in my career, I’ve tried to help my female colleagues and remind my male colleagues to be mindful of the challenges we may face that they don’t. For example, during COVID, many male faculty found their productivity increase but female faculty with kids struggled, including myself, due to daycare and school closure.

“I can see the difference (in women’s roles) between now and more than 20 years ago when I first started my career. I am hopeful for a better world where inclusivity and equity are default and natural, rather than something to fight for.”

Rachel Sacco

Experience Scottsdale CEO

“Early on in my career, women were only just beginning to feel that magnetic pull of the boardroom table — and to know it was not just our right but our responsibility to have a seat at the table. I believe women are hardwired for leadership roles because of our innate talents. Women are natural connectors, communicators and collaborators; we are so good at bringing disparate conversations together. I was one of the few women to hold a C-level title early on in my career, but that is no longer the case today, and I believe that is something to celebrate.

“Experience Scottsdale’s six current vice presidents are all women who bring extensive knowledge and expertise to their individual departments. They are strong leaders who have become mentors for their team members.”

Carrie Masters

St. Joseph the Worker CEO

“I think of all the remarkable women trailblazers before me. It’s a great reminder of the strength, power and courage it took to get here, but it also serves as a reminder of the work still to be done to address systemic barriers and discrimination that women encounter.

“There is power in uplifting, encouraging, mentoring and empowering the women around us of all ages. Personally, being part of a women-only CEO roundtable has enriched my professional growth. I’ve been fortunate to mentor numerous young women in their careers, witnessing some of them successfully launch their own businesses.

“Women have fought for and achieved significant advancements in so many sectors, bringing empathy, compassion and most importantly, a diverse perspective to the table.

Kathleen Duffy

President and CEO of Duffy Group and past co-chair of The Phoenix Conversation for 50/50 Women on Boards

“In 1991, Duffy Group was among the first in the nation to innovate and lead a fully remote workforce. Today, companies of all sizes are realizing the benefits of work-life balance and that what your team accomplishes is more important than the location of their office.

“For me, inclusion comes from community-building — creating special interest groups for women leaders to spend time together and share diverse perspectives as leaders, primary caregivers and breadwinners.

“Women are role models and mentors to the next generation of leaders, governors, senators and political leaders who are driving meaningful change, and artists, writers and filmmakers who are building the social fabric of our communities. They are also thoughtful, generous individuals who use their gifts to improve life for those around them.”

Leslie Meyers

Salt River Project associate general manager and chief water executive

“I know what inspired me early in my career and that was to dream big, set goals and imagine myself in leadership roles. As a young engineer in the late 1980s, there weren’t a lot of leaders that I could identify with. The best way that I know to inspire the next generation of women in STEM fields and future leaders is to make myself available as a mentor and to celebrate the gift of diversity and inclusion.

“The roles of women in society have changed exponentially in my lifetime and I expect that the speed of change will be even greater in the future. I had classes in high school and especially in college where I was the only female. When I was young, my mother was a stay-at-home mom as was expected. When I had children, she encouraged my return to the workplace so I could define what was best for myself and my family instead of society.”

Robin Villareal

Gila River Hotels & Casinos chief information officer

“We acknowledge and honor our Native elder women, our Mothers who contributed to the preservation of our cultures, our heritage, teaching our youth like storytelling, nurturing our children. The women in my life have paved a path for us; they have pushed me to get out of my comfort zone by challenging me, encouraging me and supporting me unequivocally.

“Embracing change is the way we grow. Businesses have changed their strategy on leadership. Most male colleagues that I have worked with were raised by Mothers who were trailblazers in their respective leadership roles.”

Stephanie Watson

Terros Health chief people and culture officer

“International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate obstacles we have overcome, the choices we are able to make, and the freedom to express ourselves and inspire all those who will become strong women in the future.

“We need to eliminate the concept of women being in competition with each other. We excel by collaborating with and supporting each other.

“Women are changing the world through community leadership, advocating for and improving the lives of people who are underserved. As political leaders, we are driving equality. As corporate executives, we are enabling companies to provide employment opportunities that feed and house families. As homemakers, we create environments that help children develop into future leaders.

Sonya Engle

Sonora Quest Laboratories chief operating officer

“I would like to see the importance of service to others for growth, perspective and lasting friendships celebrated on International Women’s Day.

“In February, I went on a retreat started by a female global worker to unite women. She understood the challenge of working long hours with limited resources thousands of miles from home and sought to create a space for connection, rest, encouragement and support for 53 other female global leaders with the same experience. I saw the importance of sharing training, education and business experiences firsthand and its ability to inspire female leaders in their homes, workplaces and communities.”

Joanne Mizell

Banner | Aetna chief operating officer

“I would like to celebrate that women today have choices that our mothers and grandmothers did not have. The stigma and labels that I grew up with are almost completely gone.

“Smart women around the world are continuing to gain a voice and be heard in a way that is respected, rather than resented. We are fortunate in the U.S. that our evolution started decades ago whereas some other countries are more slowly adapting and facing growing pains associated with changing roles. Hopefully, those women can look to women in the U.S. for encouragement."

Christine Bracamonte Wiggs

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona vice president of community & health advancement

“The increased representation of women in the workplace means that a diverse array of women’s voices are being heard, seen and integrated into the cultural fabric of more organizations, adding a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. These are additive components that contribute in meaningful ways to an organization’s productivity and innovation.”

Lisa Riley

Wells Fargo regional bank executive for Northern Arizona

“As a result of amazing women trailblazers across our country and the world, girls today see women hold much more diverse roles in fields that were previously male-dominated such as business executives, referees, coaches, commentators for male sports, and careers in STEM and politics. As a result, young girls today see more opportunities and therefore are empowered to be what they want to be …. their dreams are boundless.”

Shelly Thome

Western Maricopa Education Center director of exceptional student services

“There is a phrase that I love that says, “We should all strive to be the one that fixes someone else’s crown, without telling the world it was crooked.” For me, that is being the person that fights, encourages and advocates for other women that are not in the room. We are not natural competitors against each other, but need to include, celebrate, encourage and support one another. If we focus on the competitive side, on opportunities we miss because someone else got it, we are not including or celebrating anyone.

“The changing landscape has opened doors to professions that were previously not seen as possible or as “womanly.” Now, it almost feels like the sky is the limit. With my background as a therapist, I know that when people find their passion or purpose and are able to pursue it, they are a much happier person.

“It is my hope we continue the advocacy as an everyday action so our daughters and their daughters don’t even have to think about a day that is marked on the calendar that says, ‘Let’s celebrate what’s going on.’”

Christine Labelle

Small business owner, Paradise Valley Town Council member

“Many of today’s youth don’t realize that until the mid-1970s, a women could not access a line of credit independently without a man to cosign her application. A culture that supports work-life balance (such as family leave) and stays open to new ideas and communications styles benefits all of society.

“Cattiness and unhealthy competitiveness lay a foundation for the normalizing and stereotyping of women as non-cooperative with each other. Leading by example and not criticizing other women for their personal choices, appearance or status is a good start.

“My hope is that the evolving role of women in American society can translate into increased awareness and support for our sisters globally. Many women in the world today have few rights and little autonomy, and quite frankly many are severely oppressed and abused by societal structures that should be lost to history.

Julie Pace

PSGM Law cofounding partner and Paradise Valley Town Council member

“Let’s celebrate the camaraderie, intelligence, collaboration and perseverance of women as they excel in all walks of life and build community, which strengthens society. I am excited and congratulate Caitlin Clark on becoming the NCAA Division One Leading Scorer for both men’s and women’s basketball last weekend. And Taylor Swift is an inspiring leader and role model for everyone, excelling in talent, entrepreneurial genius and authenticity.”

Jordan Rose

Rose Law Group founder and president

“My dream is that this is the last year we celebrate ‘Women’s Day’ because we all realize that there is no distinction between men and women when it comes to the impact they can have on society, thus rendering the holiday irrelevant.”

Susan Wissink

Fennemore attorney

“I’d like to celebrate the growth of women in law. At Fennemore, we have an initiative called “She Rise.” My goal is to have similar percentages of women nonequity and equity partners as we do incoming women attorneys.

“The culture of mentorship is a powerful cycle of empowerment that amplifies women’s voices. In the workplace, women’s increasing participation and leadership have driven innovation and a more collaborative culture. Women’s contributions are indispensable to our collective progress.

Ann Torrez

Arizona Dispensaries Association executive director

“The cannabis industry continues to expand in Arizona, across the country and the world. With this, women must be part of the commercial enterprises and opportunities it provides. We are brave, inventive and strong. Without our leadership, the industry cannot possibly reach its true potential.

“I am cautiously optimistic that in the not-so-distant future we will not need to focus on inclusion of women because women will be fully integrated into society as equals.”

Teniqua Broughton

VerveSimone Consulting CEO

“Whether it’s within the family, in traditional roles or breaking new ground in nontraditional ways, women carry a significant load. International Women’s Day is a reminder of how much we value the presence and efforts of women in all the roles we occupy.

“I founded VerveSimone to see the fruits of my labor in creating a space where equity and inclusion are at the forefront. It’s vital to me that underrepresented and underserved voices are not just heard but actively included. Throughout my life, I’ve often found myself as the sole advocate for inclusivity, being the only employee of color. For me, this isn’t just about a month or checking a box, it’s a natural extension of the work I do every single day.

“It’s disheartening for me to see laws being overturned like Roe v. Wade. It feels like a step backward. Women from different backgrounds bring unique perspectives that enrich the decision-making processes. It’s necessary that these decisions are made by us, not dictated by someone else. Despite the challenges, I believe women are naturally inclined toward inclusivity.”

Kristine Short

Atlasta Catering CEO

“We must understand and honor our past to understand the progress, the regression and the future.

“Our generation of women in college, Generation Z, continues to inspire me with their open hearts for all those who identify as women and their understanding of intersectionality.

“Women taking leadership roles, being recognized for their worth and sharing their experiences, creates equity, parity and hope for our younger generations of women so that they won’t have to be the first.

Paula Pedene

PRSA Military Task Force chair, Honoring America’s Veterans executive director

“I’d like to celebrate the fact that women have quickly made advances in the military. When I joined in 1978, we were a small number and today we are nearly 15% of the military. It’s not to say that it was easy. There were restrictions when it came to marriages and pregnancies. Women who married fellow sailors, didn’t always get stationed together. You had chauvinistic males that were in charge for a long time and wanted to keep it. But women were able to overcome those challenges and become senior leaders.

“I think the hardest challenge for women is being able to juggle the responsibility of raising children and having high profile jobs. There’s always sacrifices to make and the choices are difficult.”

Angelica Prescod

Motivational speaker and legacy coach in Scottsdale

“Women public figures and behind the scenes leaders, who have been impacting the lives of those around them in an extraordinary way, should be featured and appreciated during this moment.

“We know the path that we had to forge that generates that inspiration, and we make sure to teach and share with others the lessons we’ve learned from this ongoing experience.

“Amazing dreams become actionable dreams because of the changing roles of women around the world. Innovative conversations now leave the world of verbal banter and imagination and become tangible innovation that changes the lives of many for the better in our homes, workplaces and community spaces.

Rosa Inchausti

Tempe city manager

"Women have so much to offer. The changing roles of women around the world has led to greater equality, financial freedom and prosperity for them, their families and for the community. It’s created a healthier workforce and economy.

"Young girls now have role models to look up to so they can understand there are no limits to what women can accomplish and no boundaries for what they might choose to do in their lives."

MacKenzie Brower can be reached at mbrower@iniusa.org. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

MacKenzie Brower
Lead News Reporter | Town of Paradise Valley mbrower@iniusa.org MacKenzie Brower has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northern Arizona University and specializes in visual storytelling. She was previously the director of photography and Editor-in-Chief of The Lumberjack at NAU, breaking news intern for The Arizona Republic and column writer for FlagLive! MacKenzie studied abroad in Prague at the beginning of 2021, where she practiced landscape and portrait photography. She is passionate about protecting the world’s environment and human rights and hopes to inform social change through reporting. You can find her portfolio at mackenziebrower.photoshelter.com.