MOTHER'S DAY
by Megan Belcher
Mother's Day was founded in the 1900s by Anna Jarvis to honor her late mother who had organized various women's groups to promote good health and friendship. The intention was to acknowledge the sacrifices that mothers make for their children; the tradition continues today in countries throughout the world. For some, Mother's Day is a joyous occasion replete with cards, flowers, and gifts. For others, the holiday is fraught with uncomfortable emotions.
Some women struggle with getting pregnant, have endured miscarriages, or choose not to have children in a culture that places high value and expectations on traditional gender norms. Others experience grief and pain around the death of their mothers, complicated relationships, or estrangement. Mother's Day embodies a beautiful sentiment and is a special day for many families - it also offers the opportunity to be mindful of the myriad experiences in other's lives, and to offer our fellow women empathy and kindness.
FROM PLANT ZERO TO GARDEN HERO
Welcome to Veronica's Vibrant Garden Guide!
By Veronica Compo
Today, we're diving into WIN N. America Veronica Compo's top 5 gardening tips that are sure to make your garden thrive and your gardening journey a blast.
Let's dig in:
1. Dive into deliciousness by planting what tickles your taste buds! Love lettuce? Plant it! Not a fan of eggplant? Skip it!
2. Time-travel like a gardening wizard: Nail those frost dates for a garden fiesta. And remember, USDA hardiness zones is for your perennial pals!
3. Give your plants room to breathe! They'll fill out their space, no matter how bare it seems at first.
4. Rise and shine with early watering—keep those leaves dry for a disease-free garden groove.
5. Start small, dream big! Skip the epic dramas (Veronica's first garden was 200sq ft) and kick off your gardening adventure with a cozy grow bag, raised bed, or planter box.
BEATING IMPOSTER SYNDROME: A PLACE AT THE TABLE
By Alicia Pringle
Many (many) years ago, I sat at a big mahogany conference table across from my former boss at the time. “I didn’t think you’d make it,” he said, with a certainty that hung in the air. He didn’t think my introverted, petite, quiet self would make it as a Director while pitted against an outgoing, confident male colleague. But I ultimately claimed my seat at the table.
Those misguided words, tinged with a sort of pride, fuel my drive to this day. My goal isn't just to succeed, but to ensure no one else hears those words, no matter the gender they identify with. We are fortunate to work in a progressive environment at Newfold focused on supporting each other and celebrating differences, yet imposter syndrome still reigns as a systemic workforce issue that hits women especially hard.
Eighteen years in the professional world have not only shaped my career but also sharpened my resolve against a familiar foe: imposter syndrome. I’ve often found myself questioning my place in rooms of leadership and subject matter expertise. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not just about overcoming those inner doubts. It’s about transforming the environments they exist in.
I’m not here to preach the worn-out mantra of "just believe in yourself." We need to do more than just cheer from the sidelines. Real empowerment comes from actionable, collective efforts that change the game for all women. At Women In Newfold, we don’t just talk about change; we make it happen. We need to pull out chairs at the table and invite women in.
Those misguided words, tinged with a sort of pride, fuel my drive to this day. My goal isn't just to succeed, but to ensure no one else hears those words, no matter the gender they identify with. We are fortunate to work in a progressive environment at Newfold focused on supporting each other and celebrating differences, yet imposter syndrome still reigns as a systemic workforce issue that hits women especially hard.
Eighteen years in the professional world have not only shaped my career but also sharpened my resolve against a familiar foe: imposter syndrome. I’ve often found myself questioning my place in rooms of leadership and subject matter expertise. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not just about overcoming those inner doubts. It’s about transforming the environments they exist in.
I’m not here to preach the worn-out mantra of "just believe in yourself." We need to do more than just cheer from the sidelines. Real empowerment comes from actionable, collective efforts that change the game for all women. At Women In Newfold, we don’t just talk about change; we make it happen. We need to pull out chairs at the table and invite women in.
It's Not Just in Our Heads
- Sure, we need to bolster our own confidence. But imposter syndrome isn't just about women needing to "fix" themselves. It's about a system that too often underestimates our potential and creates barriers solely based on gender.
- Let's get specific:
- The "Brilliance" Bias: Studies show that women are less likely to be seen as "brilliant," impacting hiring, funding, and even who gets to speak up in meetings.
- The Proving Ground: We often feel pressure to work twice as hard to prove ourselves worthy of the same recognition as our male colleagues.
- The Confidence Catch-22: We're told to be assertive, but risk being labeled "difficult" when we do. It's a double-bind that undermines our authority.
do the Inner Work
- Track Your Triumphs: Keep a sheet filled with positive feedback, wins, and moments you felt truly capable. Refer to this when doubts creep in. Also makes performance self-evaluations a cinch.
- Name Your Imposter Syndrome: Executive Coach Barbara Roche's trick: give it a name. Mine's after a childhood bully, a reminder it has no power now. Acknowledge those doubtful thoughts, name them, then dismiss them.
- Reframe Negativity: "I don't have enough experience" becomes "I'm excited to learn and grow in this role."
- Seek Allies: Find mentors and sponsors who genuinely champion you and provide honest feedback, guiding you to grow and boosting your confidence.
take Collective Action:
- The Power of Amplification: Notice when a fellow woman's idea is downplayed? Call attention to it. "I want to build on what [name] just proposed..."
- Intentional Introductions: Play matchmaker for talented women in your network. Expand circles of opportunity and visibility. Is she standing on the sidelines? Invite her into the conversation.
- Public Praise: Don't just privately congratulate a coworker, share her success publicly. Normalize celebrating women's achievements.
- Inclusive Meetings: Ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Encourage quieter voices to share insights and ideas and reaffirm their contributions are valid.
- Constructive Feedback: Offer feedback that encourages growth. Highlight strengths as vigorously as we suggest improvements. This balanced approach helps build resilience and readiness for leadership roles.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have male allies who’ve not only supported but actively advocated for my growth. Their support is a powerful reminder that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t solely a women’s battle; it’s a broader workforce challenge.
Defined by Potential
We all have days where the imposter voice gets loud. What if we refused to let it drown out our potential? What if we consistently told each other we're smart and unstoppable?
As we move forward, let’s not just fill seats at the table – let’s build more tables. More opportunities, more community, and more mentorship for women. Here’s to making imposter syndrome a relic of the past and crafting a future of confidence and collective strength.
As we move forward, let’s not just fill seats at the table – let’s build more tables. More opportunities, more community, and more mentorship for women. Here’s to making imposter syndrome a relic of the past and crafting a future of confidence and collective strength.
GULABI GANG: THE ‘PINK LADIES’ OF INDIA By SITARA NAIR
For women in India, topics like empowerment and feminism were challenging to adapt to. They are still being educated, especially in rural parts of the country. Conditioned to age-old customs that often are breeding grounds of patriarchy, the female gender fell victim to their treacherous grasps. It required tremendous courage for selective groups of women, sometimes individuals, to rise above the upbringing bestowed upon them. We will now look at the story of a phenomenal woman who started a revolution against crimes against women and is the founder of the Gulabi Gang (Gulabi: the color of rose in Hindi, India’s national language).
Sampat Pal Devi was a simple woman living in a village in the Northern part of India before the incident that changed the direction of her life. She once witnessed a man mercilessly beating his wife in her village of Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was so brutal; she felt the need to interfere and requested him to stop. This region is one of the poorest districts in the country. It is marked by a deeply patriarchal culture, rigid caste divisions, female illiteracy, domestic violence, child labor, child marriages, and dowry demands. If you think the man stopped his heinous action at the request of a woman, you are yet to be aware of the power struggle and the gender dynamics in the interiors of India. The man ended up abusing Sampat, too. In cultures that inhabit structures that expect tolerance from one side only, usually, women who are suppressed and expected to be silent bearers of reactions like the one Sampat received, it won’t come as a surprise if she would accept hers and the other woman’s fate. However, our Gulabi lady had a surprise in store. The next day, she returned with a bamboo stick and five women. She ended up thrashing the man, thus making him and everyone in the village aware of Newton’s age-old law of Action & Reaction: “For every action (force) in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” A law a large population of women in India had been made to forget for decades.
The news of the thrashing spread across the village, thus bringing in more and more women who requested her interventions in similar issues they were facing. More and more women also felt the urge to join her in these interventions. In 2006, Sampat Pal Devi decided on a uniform for the group, and a name was chosen: Gulabi Gang, for the pink-colored saris the group of women wore, signifying sisterhood, womanhood, and strength. This brave group of women then started keeping track of all community activities and would not shy away from raising their voices at malpractices and injustices. They had to deal with many more experiences over the years where they had to turn to their lathis (wooden sticks) to resolve issues that they couldn’t resolve amicably through words, as women having a voice of their own was still an unacceptable concept locally.
Sampat Pal Devi was a simple woman living in a village in the Northern part of India before the incident that changed the direction of her life. She once witnessed a man mercilessly beating his wife in her village of Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was so brutal; she felt the need to interfere and requested him to stop. This region is one of the poorest districts in the country. It is marked by a deeply patriarchal culture, rigid caste divisions, female illiteracy, domestic violence, child labor, child marriages, and dowry demands. If you think the man stopped his heinous action at the request of a woman, you are yet to be aware of the power struggle and the gender dynamics in the interiors of India. The man ended up abusing Sampat, too. In cultures that inhabit structures that expect tolerance from one side only, usually, women who are suppressed and expected to be silent bearers of reactions like the one Sampat received, it won’t come as a surprise if she would accept hers and the other woman’s fate. However, our Gulabi lady had a surprise in store. The next day, she returned with a bamboo stick and five women. She ended up thrashing the man, thus making him and everyone in the village aware of Newton’s age-old law of Action & Reaction: “For every action (force) in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” A law a large population of women in India had been made to forget for decades.
The news of the thrashing spread across the village, thus bringing in more and more women who requested her interventions in similar issues they were facing. More and more women also felt the urge to join her in these interventions. In 2006, Sampat Pal Devi decided on a uniform for the group, and a name was chosen: Gulabi Gang, for the pink-colored saris the group of women wore, signifying sisterhood, womanhood, and strength. This brave group of women then started keeping track of all community activities and would not shy away from raising their voices at malpractices and injustices. They had to deal with many more experiences over the years where they had to turn to their lathis (wooden sticks) to resolve issues that they couldn’t resolve amicably through words, as women having a voice of their own was still an unacceptable concept locally.
Today, these bright-pink sari-clad, bamboo stick-carrying women are tens of thousands from different districts across Uttar Pradesh. This organized women’s movement now partners with other organizations and tech companies to tackle issues like female illiteracy, child marriage, poverty, etc. They also provide cost-effective wedding services within local communities and sell handicraft products from women creators. Gulabi Gang’s list of awards includes the Godfrey Phillips Bravery Awards, Nari Shakti Samman 2010, The Kelvinator 11th GR8! Women Awards and more.
Gulabi Gang is carrying forward the legacy of its mission with the same vitality: Support and train women to enhance their basic skills to become economically secure and develop the confidence to protect themselves from abuse through sustainable livelihood options. They also reinforce their vision: Protect the powerless from abuse and fight corruption to ensure the basic rights of the poor in rural areas and discourage traditions like child marriages. We wish these fantastic ladies all the resources and support they would require to keep the torches of this brave movement lighted. For more information on the movement, check out their website: https://gulabigang.in/index.php.
Here is to hoping for a world free of gender-based prejudices, injustices, and inequality!
Gulabi Gang is carrying forward the legacy of its mission with the same vitality: Support and train women to enhance their basic skills to become economically secure and develop the confidence to protect themselves from abuse through sustainable livelihood options. They also reinforce their vision: Protect the powerless from abuse and fight corruption to ensure the basic rights of the poor in rural areas and discourage traditions like child marriages. We wish these fantastic ladies all the resources and support they would require to keep the torches of this brave movement lighted. For more information on the movement, check out their website: https://gulabigang.in/index.php.
Here is to hoping for a world free of gender-based prejudices, injustices, and inequality!
In the bustling world of design and digital media, forging a path can be both challenging and invigorating. For Anna Hlinska, Art Director at Newfold and based in Ukraine, her journey reflects a blend of creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting her fellow women colleagues. Lauren Robinson sat down with Anna to delve into her professional journey, experiences, and her role in Newfold.
Lauren Robinson: Anna, could you share a bit about how you started at Newfold and what your role entails now?
Anna Hlinska: Absolutely! I joined Newfold nearly six years ago as a junior designer in Katerina Chernyavskaya’s team. Before Newfold, Katerina and I worked together at an advertising agency, so when she was looking to expand her team, I reached out to her. Over the years, I've taken on roles like art director for various brands, and recently, I've been managing some video content for Web.com. It's a role that keeps expanding and evolving.
Lauren Robinson: Anna, could you share a bit about how you started at Newfold and what your role entails now?
Anna Hlinska: Absolutely! I joined Newfold nearly six years ago as a junior designer in Katerina Chernyavskaya’s team. Before Newfold, Katerina and I worked together at an advertising agency, so when she was looking to expand her team, I reached out to her. Over the years, I've taken on roles like art director for various brands, and recently, I've been managing some video content for Web.com. It's a role that keeps expanding and evolving.
LR: That sounds like quite a journey! Transitioning to work with the U.S. team must have been a significant change. What was that experience like for you?
AH: It was quite a shock initially, especially when Katerina left to lead another brand. However, as we started working more closely with the U.S. team, it felt like we were just continuing the great work we’d always done, but on a bigger scale. It's been an interesting transition, especially considering the roots of Dreamscape as a smaller company in Australia and Ukraine.
LR: Speaking of global collaboration, you’re also involved with the WIN newsletter. How has being part of this group influenced your experience at Newfold?
AH: Joining the WIN group was inspired by my passion for the mission of empowering women, which I carried over from my time with the APAC brands team. While I've faced challenges in contributing as much as I’d like due to my busy schedule and being a new mom, I’m eager to contribute more, especially to the newsletter. The group helps bring our global team closer together, making the distance seem smaller.
LR: That’s wonderful to hear. Newfold has many women in leadership roles. How does this impact your work environment?
AH: It's incredibly motivating! It's somewhat rare to see women hold major leadership positions in such a large company. It makes me proud, not just as a professional but also as a mother and a wife, to be part of an environment that supports and advances women.
AH: It was quite a shock initially, especially when Katerina left to lead another brand. However, as we started working more closely with the U.S. team, it felt like we were just continuing the great work we’d always done, but on a bigger scale. It's been an interesting transition, especially considering the roots of Dreamscape as a smaller company in Australia and Ukraine.
LR: Speaking of global collaboration, you’re also involved with the WIN newsletter. How has being part of this group influenced your experience at Newfold?
AH: Joining the WIN group was inspired by my passion for the mission of empowering women, which I carried over from my time with the APAC brands team. While I've faced challenges in contributing as much as I’d like due to my busy schedule and being a new mom, I’m eager to contribute more, especially to the newsletter. The group helps bring our global team closer together, making the distance seem smaller.
LR: That’s wonderful to hear. Newfold has many women in leadership roles. How does this impact your work environment?
AH: It's incredibly motivating! It's somewhat rare to see women hold major leadership positions in such a large company. It makes me proud, not just as a professional but also as a mother and a wife, to be part of an environment that supports and advances women.
LR: Let’s touch on something a bit lighter. Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
AH: I love traveling, although it's been tough lately due to the situation in Ukraine. My husband and I also enjoy board games; we’ve got quite a collection! And I love cooking and watching visually rich TV shows to unwind.
LR: It's great to see how you balance work with personal passions and family. Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our WIN community?
AH: Just that, despite the challenges, it's essential to find time for ourselves and our interests. It's also vital to keep the lines of communication open, not just about work but about our lives. It helps us stay connected as a team and supports our well-being.
Anna's journey at Newfold is a testament to the power of growth, mentorship, and community in the tech industry. Her dedication to her craft and her role in fostering a supportive environment for women showcases the essence of what the WIN group stands for. As we continue to navigate the complexities of a global workspace, stories like Anna’s remind us of the strength found in unity and mutual support.
AH: I love traveling, although it's been tough lately due to the situation in Ukraine. My husband and I also enjoy board games; we’ve got quite a collection! And I love cooking and watching visually rich TV shows to unwind.
LR: It's great to see how you balance work with personal passions and family. Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our WIN community?
AH: Just that, despite the challenges, it's essential to find time for ourselves and our interests. It's also vital to keep the lines of communication open, not just about work but about our lives. It helps us stay connected as a team and supports our well-being.
Anna's journey at Newfold is a testament to the power of growth, mentorship, and community in the tech industry. Her dedication to her craft and her role in fostering a supportive environment for women showcases the essence of what the WIN group stands for. As we continue to navigate the complexities of a global workspace, stories like Anna’s remind us of the strength found in unity and mutual support.
WIN LATAM HAPPENINGS by victoria nunes
February Kick-Off
WIN LATAM held a happy hour for all WIN members to relax, connect, and share our thoughts and experiences on a variety of topics.
WIN LATAM held a happy hour for all WIN members to relax, connect, and share our thoughts and experiences on a variety of topics.
March Live Event
WIN LATAM was joined by Tamara Côrrea on a discussion through “A journey to become a company associate.” As founder of HARMO, a marketing platform designed to help SMBs with local SEO, Tamara shared insights from her early career through co-founding HARMO.
WIN LATAM was joined by Tamara Côrrea on a discussion through “A journey to become a company associate.” As founder of HARMO, a marketing platform designed to help SMBs with local SEO, Tamara shared insights from her early career through co-founding HARMO.
Mar: WIN LATAM Gifts Women's Day Gifts to Members!
WIN LATAM surprised their members with a pretty jewelry box for International Women’s Day!
Mar: Launched another edition of the WIN LATAM newsletter!
May: Mother's Day Round Table
Jun: LATAM Newsletter Edition
Jul: Live Talk - External Guest TBD
Jun: LATAM Newsletter Edition
Jul: Live Talk - External Guest TBD
WIN APAC Happenings by jack balansag
RECOGNIZING RINALYN TUPAS - A RISING STAR IN WIN APAC
We are delighted to put the spotlight on one of our incredible team members, Rinalyn Tupas, for her unwavering support and invaluable contributions to WIN APAC initiatives. Rina has been a cornerstone of our efforts, consistently offering her unique perspective and innovative ideas to drive our group forward.
WIN N. America Happenings by Alicia Pringle
Christie Coster and Heidi Naylor Lead the Charge at Provo Data Center
We’re celebrating Newfold North American team members Christie Coster and Heidi Naylor who both earned promotions and are now responsible for running one of our most critical data centers (Provo). Go Christie and Heidi! 💪
SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS: CHRISTINA CLOHECY, TOP CFO & WIN ADVOCATE
We're thrilled to celebrate Christina Clohecy, Newfold Digital's CFO, for her recognition as one of the Top 25 CFOs in Jacksonville, FL. A strong champion of Women In Newfold (WIN), Christina's leadership and business acumen drive Newfold forward. Her achievement highlights her expertise and dedication to creating an inclusive environment where women empower each other. This recognition serves as a testament to Christina's excellence and inspires all of us in WIN to aim high in our careers.
Nikki Guillette Wins fiCFO Rising Star Award
Congratulations to Nikki Guillette, Director of Corporate Accounting at Newfold Digital, for receiving the Florida Institute of CFO’s fiCFO Rising Star award at the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium. This prestigious award celebrates Nikki's excellence and leadership in finance and showcases the significant role women play in shaping our industry. Well done, Nikki! We are so proud of you!
WIN India happenings by Sitara Nair
WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL: PAINTING WORKSHOP BY WIN INDIA
Keeping the Global Theme for year 2024: Inspire Inclusion in mind, and to honor the occasion of Women’s Day, WIN India organized an Amazing Painting Workshop on the 8th of March 2024. This Workshop was designed to provide a space for relaxation, creativity, and self-expression.
FREE-STYLE DANCING EVENT WITH WIN INDIA!
- An interactive dance session that celebrates the rich diversity of music and free dance styles was held for WIN India members on the 24th of April 2024. Here's a glimpse of what ensued:
- Warm-up: Getting ready with a lively start to the session.
- Cultural Experience: Enjoying different styles of music and dance.
- Energetic Grooves: Dancing to upbeat and vibrant tunes.
- Iconic Hits: Moving to popular songs from various genres.
- Grand Finale: Concluding with a high-energy track feeling empowered.
WIN Europe happenings by Florie van Hummel
WIN Europe Meet-up on March 19, 2024: An insightful workshop on “Bloody Beautiful, the Power of Hormones”
Anneke Valk, a passionate biologist, hosted a successful workshop on understanding the menstrual cycle with 28 enthusiastic participants. The event was lively, interactive, and saw active participation from attendees, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Below are some key takeaways from the workshop:
- Understanding the biology of the menstrual cycle is crucial, despite societal taboos.
- The menstrual cycle is a vital function that impacts various aspects of a person's life, including mood and behavior.
- Viewing the different phases of the menstrual cycle as seasons offers a holistic understanding of the body's natural rhythm and energy fluctuations. Embracing this approach allows individuals to plan better, for example, by adapting one's schedule, work, or tasks to match the energy fluctuations. In the long term, this will also lead to enhanced well-being and productivity in the workplace, as well as improved overall health.
- Embracing the menstrual cycle allows individuals to be present and comprehend the context of their experiences.
Additionally, we have included the presentation file and insightful video material. We encourage all WIN members to share the resources to contribute to the spread of knowledge gained during the event.
Upcoming Holidays
May 1 - Labor Day (Location: Philippines)
May 4 – Star Wars Day (May the "Fourth" be with you)
May 12 – Mother’s Day (Global; UK celebrates in Mar)
May 20 -- Victoria Day/Patriot Day (Location: Canada)
May 25 – National Day (Location: Argentina)
May 26 – Buddha’s Birthday (Religion: Buddhism)
May 27 - Memorial Day (Location: United States)
June 12 - Independence Day (Location: Philippines)
June 16 – Father’s Day
June 19 - Juneteenth (United States)
June 21 – Summer Solstice
June 24 -- Saint-Jean-Bapriste Day (Location: Canada)
July 1 – Canada Day (Location: Canada)
July 4 - Independence Day (Location: United States)
July 14 - Bastille Day (Location: France)
July 7 - Muharram (Religion: Muslim)
Created by Tracy Deffenbaugh
What's On the Winpod?
Women’s college basketball continued to gain popularity this year and we are here for it! In this edition’s WINPod, Duke Women’s Basketball Coach Kara Lawson reminds us of how important honest feedback is to the growth and development of our Team Members.
Curated by Kate Hearity
the Hard Stop.
Curated by Kate Hearity