Spin Spotlight: Meet the Women’s Network
Each year, Women’s History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital roles and contributions of women in history. Today, on March 8th, Women’s History Month converges with International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is Choose to Challenge: “A challenged world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change.” (source).
At Spin, we choose to challenge the misconception that micromobility is an industry for men, and the gender biases that come along with being a woman in the workplace. We’re honored to introduce the Employee Network Group leading the charge: The Women’s Network.
The Women’s Network, open to any Spin employee who identifies as a woman, was created to champion women in the workplace, cultivate an inclusive environment to support the advancement of skills and leadership, share the stories of women at Spin, educate employees about women in the workforce, and design programming that aligns with our company values and mission.
The network consists of over 100 members, as well as a Steering Committee and Advisory Council who shape the strategic vision of the network and plan events and programming for the network and company as a whole. This month, we’re celebrating by giving the members a platform to share their stories.
Meet the Women’s Network Steering Committee and Advisory Council
Top row: Ellie, Meg, Claudia. Bottom row: Sejal, Breanna, Victoria
Why did you decide to take on a committee role within the Women’s Network?
“I am a staunch feminist and wanted the opportunity to help amplify female voices within our company and shape an even more inclusive culture at Spin.” — Ellie W., Operations Compliance Coordinator
“I took on this role because I’m passionate about helping women advance professionally. Being Latinx, I experienced the challenges of that and I want to advocate and empower women to pursue a fulfilling career and help provide the resources and tools needed.” — Claudia A., Corporate Recruiter
“I wanted to have an active role in providing a space for women to network, focus on career development and address workplace and career-related challenges and strategies for overcoming them.” — Victoria P., Recruiting Lead
What topics and conversations are most important for the members and company as a whole?
“Ensuring we have inclusive policies, mentorship, resources for how women grow into leadership opportunities within the company, and breaking down barriers and discussing how women have broken through the glass ceiling.” — Breanna B., Senior Public Policy Manager
“Career and professional development, networking and sponsorship, equal pay and negotiation, and race and gender bias.” — Victoria P., Recruiting Lead
“Supporting and building strong Women today for a better tomorrow” — Sejal S., Senior QA Manager
If you could bring any woman on as a panelist for the Women’s Network, who would it be and why?
“I would love to bring in women in leadership, especially CTOs.” — Meg T., Lead Data Scientist
“Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. She has been a champion of women’s rights for her country and a trailblazing politician. In 2018 she became the first world leader to take maternity leave while in office and just last month she announced that all schools would provide free period products to students to help combat the global period poverty crisis.” — Ellie W., Operations Compliance Coordinator
“Melinda Gates; for her notable contributions to the Women’s and Girls’ rights globally, enabling them to lead happy, healthy, productive lives. Melinda Gates continues to aspire me as a global leader giving voice to the females’ issues and solving the tough challenges such as education, poverty and sanitation.” — Sejal S., Senior QA Manager
Meet the Women’s Network Members
Shannon, Jamie, Asa, Elke
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Women’s Network?
“Being able to get to know my female colleagues, mostly also to get inspired by their stories of how they got to where they are now.” — Elke S., Executive Assistant to COO
“I love having a space to talk with other women about things we don’t often discuss at work — from managing impostor syndrome to asking for a raise — and knowing that others have similar questions, thoughts, or fears.” — Jamie G., Senior Marketing Lead
“It’s a large group, with a diverse skill set and world views. I trust it’s a place I can go to for honest feedback and support.” — Meg T., Lead Data Scientist
“I love creating connections through meaningful conversations, and having a sense of community with the events, tools, and resources in the Women’s Network. — Claudia A., Corporate Recruiter
Share a woman in history who inspires you and why:
“A woman who inspires me is Jane Jacobs! Growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, I spent a lot of time in the car, in traffic. It wasn’t until I moved to Washington D.C. that I realized how much joy I got from walking, cycling, and using public transit to get around. Her love of cities, and her vision of human-scaled mixed-use neighborhoods with lots of different people sharing the street, is one that still rings true today.” — Shannon D., Senior Community Partnerships Manager
“Gladys Ingle. She could change a tire on an airplane in mid air. Mic Drop.” — Asa S., Engineering Technician
“Ruby Bridges. At 6 years old, she had the courage to single-handedly integrate an all-white school. To have that type of tenacity and bravery at such a young age, leaves me no room for excuses.” — Breanna B., Senior Public Policy Manager
“Rosa Parks inspires me the most. The mother of the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks, believed in human rights and fought for it. Her motivating quote, ‘You must never be fearful of what you are doing when it is right’ which she lived by, setting herself as a role model for the generations to come.” — Sejal S., Senior QA Manager
What is one tip or lesson you would share with your childhood self?
“It’s okay to make mistakes. Charge it all to experience and don’t be so hard on yourself.” — Elke S., Executive Assistant to COO
“Don’t get too focused on ‘just one career’, and instead follow whatever path is created by the sum of all the decisions leading up to it. Also, drink more water.” — Meg T., Lead Data Scientist
“You are worthy. Keep going. Be you.” — Breanna B., Senior Public Policy Manager
“Trust yourself and your instincts. In both professional and personal settings.” — Jamie G., Senior Marketing Lead
“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” — Sejal S., Senior QA Manager
We look forward to celebrating, honoring, and learning about more incredible women in history and at Spin all month long. Check back as we feature individual members from the Women’s Network and highlight the power of women in micromobility.
