To honor Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we asked some of our remarkable female leaders to reflect on their journeys that led them to where they are today and give advice to the next generation of female professionals.

Hear more from the women who lead CTA and CES:

Who do you admire most and why? Alternatively, who have been your role models? What do you admire about them?

Jean Foster, SVP, Marketing & Communications, CTA:

• “My role model was my mother. She had to leave school at 14 to work. But she valued education and pushed me to continue my education as she knew it would open more doors than she could even imagine.”

Jennifer Taylor, VP, U.S. Jobs, Policy & Industry Affairs, CTA:

• “Ruth Bader Ginsburg – she has enabled women to have a voice and seat at the table. Most of all, she listens and befriends those with opposing viewpoints – which is hard to do.”

Cindy Stevens, Sr. Dir., Publications, CTA:

• “I admire my parents: my father owned a small business for 25+ years and taught me the value of hard work; my mother, the glue of the family, also worked and inspires me daily.”

Kinsey Fabrizio, Sr. Director, Member Engagement, CTA:

• “I have several role models and I’m honored to work with many of them at CTA. The female executives leading our organization are strategic, brilliant and fun! From my boss, Ellen Savage, to my mentor, Glenda MacMullin, I’m surrounded by inspiring women who work hard and lift up other women around them!”

Izzy Santa, Director, Strategic Communications, CTA:

• “In 2005, I was fortunate enough to have met Helen Thomas. I was in awe of her story, tenacity, and passion. Afterward, I immediately read her book Front Row at the White House. Her life story of shattering expectations in the journalism industry and politics inspired me always to ask the question, why?”

Tiffany Moore, SVP, Political and Industry Affairs, CTA:

• "My mother. Fierce determination. My mom was an original innovator. She had a vision for me that was unknown to her. The best innovators have that same vision and build the impossible."

Riya Anandwala, Director, Industry Communications, CTA:

• "My mother inspired me to be a strong, independent woman, follow my dreams, have an opinion and not be afraid to share it. And from my father I learned to be brave and have a sense of humor."

Alicia McGrail, Director, Membership Development, CTA:

• "I admire Michelle Obama. She’s accomplished so much and is an excellent example of dignity, grace and authentic kindness. As First Lady, she was never just 'the wife of' … she pushed plenty of causes forward on her own and colored outside of those lines."

What is the driving force behind everything you do? What keeps you motivated and driven on an everyday basis?

Glenda MacMullin, COO & CFO, CTA:

• “My driving force is community/ connection. I am motivated to make a better life for my family and colleagues - trying to always do the right thing - meeting deadlines - leading and developing a team - leading by example.”

Ellen Savage, VP, Member Programs, CTA:

• “I’m motivated to set an example for my children that anything worth doing is worth doing well.”

Nicole Vidovich, Dir. Of Marketing, Strategic Partnerships and Events, CTA:

• “Being a role model for my daughter which means working hard for what you want, being authentic in everything I do, and approaching everything with intellect and heart.”

Kinsey Fabrizio, Sr. Director, Member Engagement, CTA:

• “I’m fortunate to have a career that combines the things I love – health and well-being and consumer technology. Working for an industry that is empowering consumers to live their healthiest lives with technology is what motivates me daily! I love learning when a wearable has saved a life, or VR therapy has replaced an opioid prescription, or a tele-health program is delivering care to a third world country."

Tiffany Moore, SVP, Political and Industry Affairs, CTA:

• "The belief that technology and innovation change lives for the better."
• "A drive to do it better than the day before."

Irica Cheeks, Director, Membership Marketing, CTA:

• "I am motivated by people, passion and success. I believe that we are all connected to serve a greater purpose and if we are intentional about our collective goals – greatness happens!"

What are some words of wisdom you would share with your 15-year-old self?

Jean Foster, SVP, Marketing & Communications, CTA:

• “Be brave, open and take every opportunity you are given. Even if it scares you, good things can and will happen.”

Glenda MacMullin, COO & CFO, CTA:

• “Family first always - don't be so hard on yourself - take the advice offered from those that have traveled your path - never leave anything on the table - every action defines your character - believe in yourself - you can do this!”

Ellen Savage, VP, Member Programs, CTA:

• “Don’t be so afraid of failure; you’ll learn more from stumbles than successes. Also, perms are rarely a good idea.”

Jennifer Taylor, VP, U.S. Jobs, Policy & Industry Affairs, CTA:

• “Scan the newspaper every day and read three great books every year! And sing out loud and let your voice be heard today and tomorrow.”

Karen Chupka, Executive VP, CES, CTA:

• “Take care of yourself - you only get one you.”

Nicole Vidovich, Dir. Of Marketing, Strategic Partnerships and Events, CTA:

• “Challenges and failure are part of learning, and you will be pushed to grow beyond your imagination.”

Cindy Stevens, Sr. Dir., Publications, CTA:

• “Study hard, travel the world and don’t forget to enjoy the small moments of beauty every day.”

Izzy Santa, Director, Strategic Communications, CTA:

• “My words of wisdom – Develop a firm handshake; you never know whom you will meet and impress.”

Tiffany Moore, SVP, Political and Industry Affairs, CTA:

• "You don't have to have it all figured out. Work your plan and be prepared to take advantage of opportunity. If opportunity doesn't come, create your own."

Riya Anandwala, Director, Industry Communications, CTA:

• My words of wisdom – spend more time with family, it’s more important than you think.

Alicia McGrail, Director, Membership Development, CTA:

• "I work with a lot of talented people, both inside the organization and outside of it. Be curious about the people you meet and really listen to them, and you’ll always learn something new."

Irica Cheeks, Director, Membership Marketing, CTA:

• "My words of wisdom – don’t give up; life is what you put in it. It’s a mixed bag of hard work, determination, disappointment and sheer luck."

Jamie Boone, Sr. Director, Government Affairs, CTA:

• "There aren’t always right and wrong answers, or one right or wrong way to do something. Don’t let the fear of being wrong stop you from moving forward and taking risks. Do things that push you outside of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to fail, it’s the only way you will learn and grow."

Rachel Horn, Director, Thought Leadership, CTA:

• "​Be a trailblazer! Own your style, your voice, your views. And at the same time, be respectful of and learn from others’ styles, voices, views. That’s how you grow."