March Member Spotlights 

What woman has inspired you and why?

My grandmother, who recognized that even though she and her husband were proud German citizens – my grandfather had fought in the German army in WW1 – that as Jews they had to leave. She got herself, my father, who was a child, and her husband out in 1938, just before it was too late for other family members. I cannot image how difficult that must have been.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

I believe that we need individuals of many backgrounds, sexes, races, and viewpoints to have a realistic business and world view. Women are an essential part of that mix.

What’s the most notable change in how women have been represented in the IP enforcement space in the last 5 years?

I’m not sure I have seen much of a change throughout my career, which is well over five years.  Women have been well represented from brands and law firms, which is terrific.  However, my experience in working with law enforcement is that women are very underrepresented at all levels and agencies.

What is your role in your company/organization?

Trademark clearance and prosecution (US); part of anticounterfeiting group with focus on law enforcement product training and point of contact for product identification; corporate responsibilities include legal department budgeting and expense analysis, software adoption, etc.

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

As the co-chair of the DWT Women’s Affinity Group, I had the chance this week to host a meeting to kick off Women’s History Month.  Over one hundred women attorneys across all level attended (virtually) and I felt such a groundswell of support and connection between us.  We are truly there for one another.  My DWT sisters have my back. 

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

My mom.  Even though she was a pre-civil rights era housewife, she told me and my two sisters that we could be whatever we wanted to be.  My belief in myself was instilled at a very early age by her belief in me.  I will be forever grateful. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self not to try to mold myself into something that other people expect me to me.  Authenticity is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.  You can and will succeed and find personal and professional fulfillment on your own terms. 

What is your role in your company/organization?

I am a former federal prosecutor and assistant general counsel in the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, and I also lead Davis Wright Tremaine’s nationally-recognized cybercrime enforcement and brand protection practice.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Most organizations do not have issues recruiting women; it is retaining and promoting them that tends to be the problem. The research is very clear that diversity of thought consistently leads to better results for the organization. Women (and underrepresented groups) help to provide another point of view to issues and problems. We need experienced women to be that voice and have a seat at the table with senior executives and officials. Additionally, we need experienced women to inspire the next generation of women and to demonstrate that women can be successful and heard in important roles.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

The first partner for whom I worked after my clerkship is a woman and I absolutely credit her in starting me on my journey. Helen Davis Chaitman threw me into difficult situations and gave me a ton of responsibility as a new attorney. When she hired me, I was a rather sheltered and shy attorney. Within months of hiring me, Helen had me sitting in depositions with senior (all male) partners at the top law firms in New York. She did this so that I could see how to take a deposition (and how not to), to learn from the best that New York had to offer, and to see different styles of lawyering. I learned more about being a lawyer from that experience than I ever would have had I gone through a more traditional law firm route. The experience also gave me more confidence to be able to handle uncomfortable situations, whether in a conference room or in the subway. Helen forced me to grow up fast and to have a thicker skin, both of which helped me develop into the attorney I have become 25 years later.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self two things: 1) don’t worry about everything; and 2) embrace change.

On the first one, some amount of worrying can cause people to be prepared for different scenarios occurring. However, worrying about everything, especially those things outside of your control, is simply a colossal waste of time and energy. Learning what to worry about and how much to worry is something that comes with experience. Over time I’ve learned that, more often than not, everything works out – maybe not exactly how you planned, but that’s usually okay. Having confidence that there are solutions to problems and knowing and trusting that there’s a team to share the problem with you and help you get to a solution are keys to reducing the level of one’s worry.

On the second piece of advice, I wish I had learned to embrace change sooner. I still don’t like change, primarily because I associate change with uncertainty, but I’ve come to understand that change also provides opportunities. The best skill that one can develop is learning how to adjust your thought processes and interactions with people and organizations to reflect the change that likely is coming whether you like it or not. Resisting or worrying about change, especially change outside of your control, only leads to unhappiness and is not a recipe for long term success.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I report to the Chief Legal Officer and am responsible for managing 95 attorneys and professionals in the U.S., Europe, Israel, India, Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand who have responsibility over supporting the company’s commercial transactions and day-to-day business, product development, product regulatory and privacy, marketing, public relations, intellectual property, and intellectual property licensing.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Women, and diversity overall, bring a different perspective to the table that adds to the overall success of any organization.  The experiences of women broaden the overall perspective of a company and enhance its ability to be successful.  That success is both internal, maximizing the value of the company structure and the contributions of its employees, and external, allowing the company to understand and connect with its clients or customers more fully.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

My advice is to be confident in your skills and experience.  Women tend to undersell their abilities and not take on new challenges until they have all the skills already in their tool box.  IP is an area that is always encountering new issues, new rules, new mediums, so my advice is to jump right in and be part of figuring out the answers to new challenges.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

I see challenges as opportunities.  Transitioning to an in-house position after six years as a general litigator with an interest in IP was my first challenge.  That in-house role had me managing a global trademark portfolio with an active enforcement and anti-counterfeiting program and developing a network of colleagues around the world.  Then transitioning back to private practice was my next challenge.  Leading a growing trademark group pushed me to utilize my skills that were previously focused on consumers goods to now support a wide range of clients from health care to manufacturing, construction, fashion, sports and more.  I can’t wait to see what challenges and opportunities are around the corner.

What is your role in your company/organization?

Partner and Leader of the Trademark Services Practice

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”  I could not agree more.  When women are represented in leadership roles in equal proportion to their male counterparts the conversation will shift to competence, strength, and values. This leadership culture shift will foster a more honest connection to the community being served, inspiring confidence in the next generation of women leaders.  

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

“Empowered women empower women”.  I love that quote, and I have certainly benefited from its truth. My mentor, my champion, and my close personal friend embodies that quote. She is a power-house partner, a busy wife and mother, and an active community member, and yet she is the first to extend a hand, boost my confidence, provide sage advice, or simply give me a big, warm girlfriend hug (pre-covid), and she always genuinely shares in the joy of my success.  

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be confident in who you are and bet on yourself!  Also, I would tell her that resilience, an even-temper and a healthy dose of humour, go a long way in managing life’s inevitable challenges.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I am a partner/lawyer engaged broadly in brand protection and specifically in anti-counterfeit enforcement litigation.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

We need more women in leadership – both in senior management and board positions – because increasing diversity at the top is simply good for business. Women bring fresh perspectives into the room and lead with decisiveness, clarity, and empathy. Covid-19 has highlighted the need for more of such leadership, which correlates directly to improved corporate performance.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

Being underestimated is the biggest challenge that I have had to overcome. I don’t think this challenge is necessarily unique to me or to IP. But it has shaped my ambition as a woman working in IP in a corporate environment, particularly when it comes to enforcement.

Being underestimated used to infuriate me. Today it fuels me. I once saw a sign that said, “Underestimate me. It’ll be fun.” Those words struck a deep chord.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

There are many women who have influenced me, and I’m grateful to all of them. But the funny thing is that most of those women have no idea of the impact they have had on me, or that they had an impact at all. You see, I learned from them by actively observing their actions. And I incorporated what I learned into my own approach to decision making and problem solving. Active observing is a practice I have come to rely on and honed, especially in the last few years. It helps to shape my approach to virtually everything.

What is your role in your company/organization?

Since 2009, I’ve led the Global Brand Protection function at Colgate-Palmolive Company. My role includes developing strategies and managing various programs that are designed to prevent counterfeit and substandard products from reaching consumers, holding producers and distributors of those products responsible for their criminal actions, and advancing responsible counterfeit product disposal practices.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Who people are and how they identify shapes points of view in wonderful, unique ways. The diversity in those points of view is critical and even fundamental for effective problem solving and equal and fair progress.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

My closest friend, Andrea. She is the embodiment of strength and confidence in herself and her actions precisely because she is a woman, not despite it. She’s been the unwavering support and cheerleader in my corner through life’s challenges and victories, both personally and professionally and is a reminder of how powerful supporting the women in your life can be.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t smush your feet into uncomfortable shoes. You’re not here because you’ve mastered smiling through blisters and walking in 4-inch heels – you’re here because you deserve to be.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I manage and execute our company’s brand protection and enforcement program from mapping overseas criminal networks and revising global enforcement strategies to day to day DMCA notices.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

I am convinced that many women secretly wear capes. There is no single path that a woman must follow. It is okay to create your own and succeed while balancing your career, your family, and still finding time for self-care (or at least trying to!) (Of course, it is also important to ensure there is diversity of perspective in the room). Women, particularly, young women (and men) need to see these examples!

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

Be passionate about the work, not just the industry. Don’t question your seat at the table – own it. Be creative, challenge the status quo. And, don’t assume that because it has always been done that way, that it must stay that way.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I am not sure if this is advice I would give my former self or if I would just give myself it today! Be kind to yourself. Work hard, love what you do, but (try to) remember – prioritizing yourself is not a weakness, giving 100% instead of 150% is not a failure.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I lead global team in connection with all brand protection efforts around the world. I am also involved with developing and implementing policies relating to mitigations of reputational risk, design, content, marketing, model well-being and sustainability. I also am the sponsor of the Women Empowered Employee Resource Group.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Everything is about balance. There are things we experience and learn only as women that no one else can ever fully, truly understand, much as we cannot understand completely what it’s like to be men. We all need perspectives different from our own to be successful, and having more women in leadership brings one more important perspective to the forefront. It is well past time that the view of leadership is all the same.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

There have been so many! Women who helped me when uncertainty crept in, women who championed for me in my various roles, and women who challenged me to perform at my best and look at things from a different perspective. Peers, managers, direct reports, industry colleagues, and friends have all helped me get where I am today and I hope to do the same for others. There is so much to gain by creating and contributing to an ecosystem of women who are supported and celebrated and there is plenty of success to go around.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say: “Speak your truth. Say the things to colleagues and leaders that you are afraid to because others are thinking it and are afraid to say it too. Giving issues voice gives others courage; silence changes nothing. Hold yourself and others accountable, no matter the title after your name or theirs. Stick to who you are and what you know is right even when it’s scary and hard, but especially when it’s scariest and hardest. When you pick your battles, fight them with integrity and grace. And finally, be grateful to all the women who have paved the way for you thus far and continue moving it forward.”

What is your role in your company/organization?

I currently oversee all of OpSec’s 3rd party, non-commercial partnerships with online platforms, law enforcement, government and industry groups in the brand protection and security space.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Should the gender label of female leadership be removed or praised? It is a rhetorical question. Gender has long been a challenge in career development for many women, I personally encountered it, however I came to realize that acknowledging the status quo is one of the first steps to resolve the problem. I’m determined to admit any perceived weakness or shortcoming and adapt my approach accordingly. I focused on areas where females often outperformed their male counterparts. In the absence of so-called” standard answers” around such issues when I was new to the industry, I had to explore options by myself. In contrast to many male leaders, empathy, patience, and tenacity are common qualities of female leaders, which help one’s team to enhance identity, reduce conflicts and strengthen cohesion. In short, women can be as effective in leadership roles as men and ability should be the defining factor not gender. Positive change is in the air but the trend must continue.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

The dimensions of career planning for professional women are becoming more and more abundant. After so many years of self-development and growth, I believe in that what guides the career choice, is our original goals, but what determines the height of the career is commitment and effort. Only when women combine their strengths with the right industry that they love, it can produce the effect of 1 + 1 > 2. I consider brand protection to be a discipline well suited for aspiring female leaders and if you have a sincere interest in protecting IPR, follow your instincts.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

As we see, it was a very masculine industry in IP protection. In the past, most of the individuals engaged in investigation, law enforcement coordination and case management were males with legal and law enforcement backgrounds. Women were often seen as being weak and needing special care when conducting on-site investigation and enforcement actions. They were frequently deployed in administrative and support roles. To me, the biggest challenge is how to overcome the gender bias, and to gain the peer respect by professional ability and intellect. I feel I have overcome these barriers and that I bring value to the company, to the clients I serve and to the industry.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I am the Vice President of Sinofaith IP Group since 2013, responsible for the overall IPR protection business operation.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

We benefit from living in a fair society, where the best people for positions are in those positions. To do this we need to remove artificial barriers like gender. As we get more women in leadership, it should also loosen up traditional gender roles, which I believe benefits us all.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

By stroke of fortune, my boss for many years had a personal leadership style that was true to her and she managed to balance her personal and work lives in a way that suited her. She was generous in her training and support of me, and provided a great role model. She was and remains a big support.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Maybe, don’t work quite so hard!

What is your role in your company/organization?

I cover all legal needs of the business, including a healthy dose of brand protection work.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Considering that around one half of the human race is women, it is a matter of course that we need more women in leadership. Further, because only women can give birth to children, I think that women’s insights about how the world should exist in the future for our children are vital. Further, women often bring a different set of skills to leadership that is often more inclusive and empathetic.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

I think that IP/brand protection work requires one to pay more attention to “subtle” (trivial?) things than other types of legal work (e.g., subtle differences between authentic and counterfeit goods). It is even more so in the Internet era where we must carefully monitor the activities of infringers/counterfeiters that constantly change in the virtual world. In this sense, I believe that generally women excel at dealing with minutiae to a greater extent than men do. I realize I may be reinforcing stereotypes here!

Further, working with famous brands requires a great deal of soft skills—something that I also think women are particularly adept at. Our clients are rightfully proud of their brands. It is important that we, as attorneys, get along well with the IP decision-makers at the brand and understand the brand’s image and goals. This is not accomplished without a great deal of personal interaction. Women who wish to pursue a career in IP/brand protection should bear these issues in mind.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

It is always a challenge for women lawyers to develop new clients because, generally, potential clients still tend to prefer male lawyers to women lawyers. (The reasons for this prejudice are a topic for another day.) Further, because I basically represent world-famous fashion brand owners located outside of Japan, it is not easy to reach out to potential clients, given the time difference, physical distance, etc. I have vigorously assisted my clients in their implementing brand protection projects in Japan for more than 25 years and by doing so, my clients have recommended me to other potential clients. I have also attended IACC conferences since 2000 because it has helped me maintain relationships with existing clients and develop new ones.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I am one of the partners of our firm and oversee the brand protection services.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

More women in leadership is needed to show we can develop a top career. Something that I always see in legal practice (e.g. law firms), is that young women have an excellent career path and it seems that they will get to the top easily, but most of the times, when they are middle-aged (e.g. decide to have kids), the number of women starts to decrease. We may see more women associates in a law firm, but more male partners. We still need to work on that! The more, the better.

What’s the most notable change in how women have been represented in the IP enforcement space in the last 5 years?

Now, we see more qualified women in the IP enforcement area in leadership positions. We may find more women pursuing a brand protection career with success. When I started in IP work, 24 years ago, there was no Peruvian doing brand protection, I may say that I was one of the first lawyers that actively started working in this area. Through the years I gained the respect of brand owners and law enforcement officials. I remember that when I started attending IACC meetings, I was one of the few LATAM women lawyers attending the events, years after participating as a speaker/panelist.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

As a woman working in IP/brand protection, I may say to other women that it is important to take the challenge of working hard, doing everything with no limits, as we can do everything. Sometimes, it has been thought that a woman conducting investigations against the bad guys, organizing raids/seizures with law enforcement, and litigating in court against aggressive lawyers it is difficult or not possible, but that it is not true. We can do trustful and serious work, as other professionals. We need to trust in ourselves.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I am managing partner at BARLAW – Barrera & Asociados, law firm I founded almost ten years ago in Lima, Peru. I work directly with clients in preparing strategies to protect and defend IP rights in Peru and in LATAM, working on a daily basis with my team of lawyers, paralegals and investigators to obtain the best results in brand protection in my country.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Women have undeniable skills that make us extremely productive, time efficient and professional. We know how to handle multiple issues at the same time. As we are mothers, by nature, we are always looking forward to take care of every aspect, which makes us be on every detail, whether it is personal life matters or professional ones. This is a crucial virtue for a leader, that needs to not only be productive, but to be able to contemplate multiple scenarios. Our empathy is also a vital skill, which makes us be leaders which understand the situation of the others.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

To never underestimate where you can go, and to know that your limits are the ones you put in front of yourself. It is a tough business, and there will be many times when people will try to bring you down for several reasons. You need to trust yourself and your goals.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

As a professional woman working in IP, I learned that the world has challenges for every professional to face, but unfortunately in the fight against counterfeiting women are sometimes in disadvantage compared to men, because they are stronger by nature. They are going to be a lot of stones in the way, some bigger than others, more treacherous, more threatening, and bad moments that women will have to cope with, but we must combat them and move forward.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I am the Senior Partner of Cervieri Monsuárez

Why do we need more women in leadership?

It’s really important to have more women in leadership because it sets the tone for equality in business. That’s a given. Furthermore, having more female business leaders, shows aspirational young women that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

Yes, my former boss at RB (Reckitt Benckiser), Claire Wood. RB was my first big Corporate role in Brand Protection, and Claire’s expert knowledge, coaching and mentoring around IP, helped shape me into a confident and knowledgeable IP expert. Claire encouraged me to think for myself when it came to problem-solving but in particularly challenging times she was always there with guidance.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The first thing I would tell myself is to trust my own judgement and back the decisions that I make. It’s always been important for me to act with integrity with all that I do and as a young, ambitious person, I would remind myself of that. Looking back now, I would also reassure myself that there are no limits to my career progression.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements around the world and use them as an inspiration to continue to strive to the next level, whether at home or at work.

What woman has inspired you and why?

It wasn’t until I was a young adult when I learned that it was my mom who had the idea to immigrate from the Philippines to the U.S. She had two toddler daughters and was already a doctor, but she wanted a practice in the U.S. Like most immigrants, she and my dad arrived with hardly anything and she had to start her career almost from scratch. I remember her grueling residency years, and that she always worked more hours than my dad. Now that I’m also a working mother, I fully appreciate how hard that must have been and how strong she was/is to have achieved so much for herself and her family.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to take more risks and ask questions, even if you don’t think they’re “good” questions.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I work with the IACC President and Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic direction as well as manage its overall operations. I also oversee the IACC’s communications and membership functions, along with its educational and networking programs with the goal of enhancing our members’ experience in the IACC and promoting the organization’s unique expertise in IP enforcement.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the extraordinary women in history and in your own life. For years, women everywhere have been breaking down barriers and standing up for their beliefs no matter the backlash. It’s those women who have paved the way for generations to come. It’s not just about equality in business but breaking down the stigma that women are too emotional to lead and that they can’t handle high pressure situations.

What woman has inspired you and why?

There have been so many women that have inspired me over the years and continue to do so. Women are resilient in so many ways. I’ve seen women overcome barriers in very male dominated industries with grace and integrity, earning the respect of everyone around them. I’ve seen parents deal with a chronically sick child but can still lift up their entire family, while working, cooking, cleaning and doing to many things to count. Following their dreams, I’ve seen friends start their own business and become extremely successful. Friends, family, colleagues and teachers, inspire me every day to be strong, kind, hardworking and patient.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

Several! I am extremely fortunate to have a mother who always encourages me to pursue anything I put my mind to and has also been my biggest supporter. Growing up, my mother (and late grandmother) were the strongest women I had ever known and have been great role models for me. They helped shape the woman I am today.

I am also very blessed to have a wonderful group of girlfriends who not only support each other but lift each other up. I think it if you surround yourself with strong, passionate, and caring individuals, you are on the path to success.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be comfortable with who you are and don’t worry so much about what others think, as you can’t please everyone. I am a much more confident and outspoken woman now than I was in my early twenties. Being a “people pleaser” by nature, which I think is a positive attribute, I have had to learn that there is a limit and that sometimes spreading yourself too thin, doesn’t do anyone any good.

What is your role in your company/organization?

As the Membership Director, I handle anything and everything to do with IACC membership and recruitment. I also manage all our webinars/virtual events, assist with conferences and marketing communication.

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

Kamala Harris becoming the first female vice president in 2020 was truly a phenomenal moment in American history. It brought a tear to my eye when I saw her on TV waving to the crowd on the day she was elected. There simply had never been a female vice president (or female president) in the last 45 administrations. So, the fact that Kamala Harris, against all odds, made it to the second highest office is not a miracle but the accumulative result of generations of women fighting for gender equality. She is a reminder that we should all dare to dream and not be held back by what our ancestors think is possible.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

I think it is for a very simple reason. We can all benefit from a wider spectrum of perspectives from individuals who have different life experiences than men do. When we decide to exclude one group of people from conversations, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to hear different voices as well as to learn and grow. To stay competitive in an increasingly diverse economy, companies simply cannot afford to overlook female talent.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

Do not underestimate your ability to adapt and to learn new things. As with anything, do your best and always strive for excellence. Brand protection is no different. Instead of worrying about how we’re perceived by others, we should make sure we do our absolute best and constantly seek to learn from successful female leaders in the industry who have broken the glass ceiling and laid the groundwork for future generations of women to go even farther than they ever have.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t be held back by limiting beliefs of how women should act like or can only do. It’s only when we let go of the mental burden that we put on ourselves will we be able to unleash our full potential. Sometimes we may have the tendency to lean into stereotypes and let them define us. But we can all do our part to break down these preconceived notions of women by striving to be our authentic self in the workplace and demonstrating the value of women leadership in our respective roles.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I manage a team of three and two IP enforcement programs developed in collaboration with the Alibaba Group and Amazon. My primary role is to provide rights-holders with the knowledge and resources to enforce IP effectively in the online space and to foster partnerships between rights-holders and e-commerce platforms. A big part of my job is to identify the enforcement challenges faced by rights-holders and develop scalable solutions with e-commerce platforms. I serve as a bridge between rights-holders and online marketplaces, translating enforcement issues into actionable steps that bring us closer to the goal of creating a healthier and cleaner business environment.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Since childhood I associated this day with bouquets of flowers, pleasant surprises and compliments. Growing up in the USSR, and after its collapse – in Belarus, I remember March 8th as a national holiday, celebrating all women. A holiday, that began 100 years ago as a day of women’s struggle for equality with men, seemed to lose its true meaning and became a day of just celebrating any women. I believe that the history and the original purpose of celebrating this day shouldn’t be forgotten. This is an important day to remember the struggle of rights, to remember the success women have achieved throughout history and to recognize those who achieved it nowadays.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

I do not believe that we necessarily need more women in leadership; I believe we need more ambitious and capable individuals in leadership positions, and if such person happens to be a woman – she should not face any additional obstacles or challenges because of gender. Diversity in leadership helps to create more balanced perspective for decision making in the organization, which leads to greater success.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

I believe that I am here today because of my Mom. Thousands of miles away from my homeland, raising my own family, building my career, volunteering at the local organization, – I wouldn’t be able to have and balance it all without the influence and inspiration of my Mom throughout my life. A hardworking and dedicated woman, who always does her best, my mom taught me to value education, work, and motivated me to be self-sufficient and independent. Her constant support encouraged me to chase my dreams and become the best person I possibly can.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to always try to do something supportive and solidary for other women, if there arises such an opportunity. I have encountered a lot of support from other women throughout my life; women who encouraged me to be my very best and helped me to succeed. But not every girl is that fortunate. I would advise myself not to underestimate the power women have to lift other women up by letting them know that they do not need to face the challenges alone and not to miss out on opportunities.

What is your role in your company/organization?

My role is to monitor financial activities of IACC, oversee accounting processes, review reports, provide support for financial initiatives, to ensure efficiency and innovation.

What woman has inspired you and why? 

I am in constant awe of IACC Chairperson Dawn Atlas. Dawn is the picture of warmth and grace. When you speak with her, you feel both honored to be in her presence and entirely at ease. She’s also an incredible parent and goes the extra mile for her children at every opportunity.

But Dawn is also a warrior! A brilliant, forceful advocate that boldly pursues her objectives and is fiercely protective of our community.  She strikes a balance the likes of which you’d expect to see in fiction, but I’m lucky enough to see in action day-to-day.  It’s extremely inspiring.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Multiple perspectives, women’s or otherwise, are essential to the effective leadership of any organization. A diversity of approaches is similarly key to ensuring the continued evolution and prosperity of our industry as a whole. Without a variety of contributions, we stagnate but when we operate to the benefit of our entire community, everyone wins. 

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

If there’s one tip or tactic that will lead all women towards greater success (or protect them from inequitable treatment) in any industry, I haven’t found it. What I will encourage, however, is for all women professionals to make an effort to support one another. It’s a cliché that bears repeating – the advancement of professional women depends on the support of other professional women. Perhaps not directly, but certainly as whole. We’ve got enough against us without stooping to all of those defensive behaviors that simply perpetuate the stereotypes and obstacles the world puts in front of us.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with fighting for your own success. I strongly encourage it! But let’s all be mindful of opportunities to lift each other up along the way.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

Yes – Susan Scafidi.

Susan Scafidi created Fordham’s Fashion Law Institute.  At a time when fashion was seen by our very serious profession as a relatively frivolous pursuit, she broke the mold, followed her passions, and built an entire legal field. 

Reading about the Institute made me realize that I could serve all of the industries I care for through the law.  I applied to one school that fall, and the rest is history.

Susan introduced me to intellectual property law and four years later, thanks to a serendipitously timed encounter, she introduced me to the IACC. She is without question the reason that I am here today.

What is your role in your company/organization?

I oversee the legal and strategic framework for our organization and our collaborative initiatives in particular.