Since beginning my career, I have often found myself as the only woman in the room. It’s a feeling that women in many industries know all too well.
This feeling has shaped me as a leader and influenced many of the ways I’ve chosen to give back throughout my career. It’s also one of the reasons I’m so honored to serve as executive sponsor of Moment Connection. This year is especially exciting as we celebrate the group’s tenth anniversary.
Throughout my career, I have been drawn to initiatives that support and develop women in their personal and professional lives. One experience that was especially meaningful was helping to launch and then lead the Urban Land Institute’s Women’s Leadership Initiative in New York, where I had the opportunity to support women as they advanced in their careers and leadership journeys. Over the years, I’ve learned from women in the generation above me, who were very much the only women at their respective tables, that were so enthusiastic and eager to help and lead the next generation.
The opportunities I’ve had throughout my career were made possible by people who invested their time, shared their experiences, and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that pushed me professionally. Those relationships reminded me that I belonged, even when I was navigating unfamiliar territory.
That is why spaces like Moment Connection matter — spaces where employees can bring their full and authentic selves to work each day to learn from one another, rely on one another, grow with one another.
While serving on JE Dunn’s Board of Directors before starting my current role, I participated in Moment Connection’s Operations Leadership Summit, which gave me the opportunity to spend time with women across the company and hear their stories. In fact, it’s a big reason why I’m here today. Seeing a company invest in creating opportunities for women to connect, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships spoke volumes about JE Dunn’s culture.
At different stages of our careers and lives, we all face challenges, uncertainty, and moments when we wonder whether others have experienced the same things we are navigating. Moment Connection, and our other ERGs, provide the opportunity to connect with someone who understands your perspective. It can build confidence, create new opportunities, and remind us that support is available.
As I look toward the future of Moment Connection, my hope is that we continue building on that foundation. I want women across JE Dunn to feel that this is a place where they belong, where they can bring their authentic selves to work, and where they have opportunities to build long and fulfilling careers.
A quote that has stayed with me throughout my career is, “Be who you needed when you were younger.” I think that idea aligns closely with the spirit of Moment Connection. Each of us has the opportunity to encourage, mentor, and advocate for others in ways that can have a lasting impact.
As Moment Connection celebrates this milestone anniversary, I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed to its success during the last decade. The relationships formed and opportunities created have strengthened our people and our culture.
I’m excited to see what the next 10 years bring!
