Why did you apply to be a part of the new leadership of AWE?
I applied to be an AWE leader because I have benefitted so much from being a part of AWE and I want to help other members have a similar experience. AWE serves as an amazing support system for all the women here and is something very special to ALKU. We have built a great foundation of support through AWE, but I know the sky is the limit for this ERG!
How do you support women in your community or at ALKU, or both?
Within ALKU I aim to be as approachable as possible so women can feel comfortable coming to me and know they will be supported. Those who know me well know that I am most satisfied when I am helping others. Whether it’s being a listening ear, an advice giver, a joke teller, or someone’s cheerleader, I always try my best to build up those around me.
What is a new idea or initiative that you plan to bring to AWE?
Something I would love to start doing in AWE is hosting an annual AWE awards ceremony. To continue building each other up, I think it would be great to have an AWE ceremony where we could highlight some of our members’ biggest accomplishments throughout the year.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and highlight all that we have accomplished as women. Each of us all have our own achievements and successes that deserve to be recognized and together, we as women, have overcome so much and this is the day to celebrate that. While we should aim to constantly build each other up, this day serves as a good reminder that when we do so we are unstoppable.
Who is an ALKrew role model of yours that inspires you?
From my very first day as an intern in the summer of 2018 to this very day, Carolynn Armstrong has always been someone I look up to that continuously inspires me. Carolynn is the only female recruiter in the 100k Club, holds the company record for highest recruiting spread, and was the first recruiter in the newest Recruiting Development Manager role. Not to mention she has already closed a deal in every Pharma division in just one month in her new role! Through her hard work and success, Carolynn has truly paved her way in a male dominated industry and should be an inspiration to us all.
Favorite quote said by a woman of influence or a woman in history?
“Spend less time tearing yourself apart, worrying if you’re good enough. You are good enough.” – Reese Witherspoon. I mean could you imagine what a terrible movie Legally Blonde would’ve been if Elle Woods was too busy worrying if she was good enough?!
Best advice you could give to a woman starting at ALKU?
Be confident in who you are! Confidence is all about highlighting your strengths, but also about knowing and developing your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you have something to contribute and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you are unsure. If you have made it this far then you are already a lady boss, so OWN it!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Anything and everything reality TV! My first car was a 1999 Dodge Minivan that had a “Honk if you Keep Up With The Kardashians” bumper sticker… But to be honest, I am way more of a Real Housewives fan. The New Jersey franchise is definitely my favorite, but Beverly Hills takes a close second.