As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we want to take a moment to thank all of the incredible women on the Foundation Source team for their unique talents, hard work and dedication. We recently talked to seven women on our leadership team about what it’s like to be a woman in business, what inspires them, and what advice they have for the next generation of female leaders.
Estee Shor, Chief Operating Officer
“This company is led by several strong and inspiring women. I am in awe of their skills and contributions. With women in leadership roles, Foundation Source benefits from diversity of perspective and approach. Also, I hope that every single young lady and young man in this company know that, when it comes to their careers at Foundation Source, with talent and hard work there is so much opportunity.”
How can women support other women in their organizations?
“Women can celebrate and promote differences (of all types) in the workplace. We all bring value to the table in unique ways. Also, women still bear a greater share of child- and family-care responsibilities. Displaying understanding and compassion and creating flexibility to make room for the other important roles in our lives ensures happiness and satisfaction at work.”
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
“Work hard, speak up, and don’t stop!”
Erin Harrigan, Head of Corporate Finance
“I started at Foundation Source in October of 2015, after spending eight years at my previous company. I really enjoy what I do – the best part of my role is getting involved in so many varied projects, from individual client-related discussions to corporate-level strategic projects.”
Have you had any female role models that have inspired you throughout your career?
“I had a fantastic female manager while working as a summer college intern at United Technologies Corporation. She was a confident leader, provided great feedback to all who worked with her, and encouraged me to pursue a role in the firm’s financial leadership program, which was where I started my career.”
Gillian Howell, Head of Client Advisory Solutions
“To earn a seat at the table you need to work hard and be determined and tenacious. Always look out for and take time to mentor and coach the aspiring next level of women leaders.”
What does it mean to you to be a female in a leadership role?
“It’s a responsibility to share our experiences with emerging female leaders – our history of overcoming obstacles to get to where we are, to be a role model, to inspire others to succeed and to show it’s possible.”
Have you had any female role models that have inspired you throughout your career?
“Yes, I’ve been lucky enough to have several inspirational women leaders influence my career. I learned so much from all of them and they were my inspiration to put in the work and the grit to get me to the next levels in my career.”
Elizabeth Wong, National Director of Philanthropic Advisory Services
“I started working at Foundation Source in 2014. The best part of my job is partnering with clients and seeing how Philanthropic Advisory Services helps strengthen and improve their philanthropic experience and that of the communities they support.”
How do you think Foundation Source benefits from having women in leadership?
“Every organization benefits from a combination of skills and perspectives in their employees and leaders. A diversity of experiences among leaders necessarily strengthens the company by enabling it to reach a wider audience, to better understand the marketplace, and to attract a varied employee base.”
Hannah Shaw Grove, Chief Marketing Officer
“Focus on collaboration instead of competition. Remember that every organization needs a range of perspectives and contributors to thrive and, ultimately, we all complement each other to create a better, stronger environment.”
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
“There isn’t one path to success. Be open to new experiences and take advantage of every opportunity to work on projects that push you outside your comfort zone.”
Mary Ann Stover, Chief Revenue Officer
“I started at Foundation Source in its early days, about 16 years ago, because of its mission to help change the world through philanthropy. It’s the reason I’m still here. There is nothing better than waking up every day and thinking about how we will empower philanthropists to make a difference.”
What does it mean to you to be a female in a leadership role?
“I was a biology major in college because a high school teacher said girls couldn’t be scientists, and I wanted to prove him wrong. I did. But I also learned along the way that he wasn’t alone in his views about women’s roles. So, I became intentional. I only pursued opportunities where women had strong voices and significant leadership roles and where inclusion was a core value. Foundation Source has been one of those professional homes. I find it rewarding and validating to be CRO and part of a leadership team that is 60% women. I get to stay true to who I am while helping to create a path for those who will come next.”
Angela Becchetti, National Director of Financial Operations
“I started working at Foundation Source in 2005. My favorite part of the job is the generosity of our clients, which continues to amaze me. Knowing that Foundation Source is there to help facilitate and support their causes is very rewarding.”
What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
“Surround yourself with smart, hardworking women from various businesses. You will be surprised at how much you will learn and grow just from being around them.”
Join Our Team!
Want to work alongside these incredible and talented women? If working for a company that is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion is important to you, check out our careers page to learn more about our current openings.
