Words Of Wisdom: Celebrating International Women’s Day

FS: When did you start working at Foundation Source and what is your favorite part of your job?
Varrichio: I started working at Foundation Source in 2013 as a Legal Associate. My favorite part of my job is being a problem solver. I really enjoy when someone comes to me (either a colleague or one of our clients) and I’m able to use my knowledge to help reach a positive outcome.

FS: What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
Varrichio: Forget the word ‘should.’ Make decisions that work for you and your priorities and then unapologetically pursue the goals that matter to you.

What is your favorite book, podcast or product from women creators?
Varrichio:The History Chicks Podcast

FS: What does it mean to you to be a female in a leadership role?
Donahue: As a mother of two daughters, it is very important to me for them to see a woman in a leadership position. For organizations (businesses, non-profits, academic institutions) to thrive, they must have the benefit of a variety of voices in leadership.

FS: What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
Donahue: Do not underestimate yourself. We tend to be our own harshest critics. You don’t need to have all of the skills or information at the beginning of a job or a task. At a certain point, it is your ability to learn and contribute that matters. Rather than searching for a perfect fit in an opportunity, take an opportunity, and make it fit for you.

FS: What is your favorite book, podcast or product from women creators?
Donahue: The book Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

FS: Have you had any female role models that have inspired you throughout your career?
Goodman: I have been very lucky to work for, and alongside, a group of extraordinary women, both past and present. I’ve often looked to this bench of incredible role models throughout my career for inspiration, motivation and guidance.

FS: What does it mean to you to be a female in a leadership role?
Goodman: As someone that has benefited from strong women above me, I consider the responsibility of being a female in a leadership role as an opportunity to pay it forward after I’ve been mentored with care and generosity.

FS: What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
Goodman: Find your voice. It will empower you to learn and grow in your career. And also make sure to listen. There’s knowledge to be gained all around you. Believe in your potential and know your worth. Look to your female coworkers for inspiration and collaboration. A lot can be accomplished when you take risks and work to thrive together, shoulder to shoulder, instead of against each other.

FS: When did you start working at Foundation Source and what is your favorite part of your job? 
Lee: I started working at Foundation Source in August of 2006. The favorite part of my job is helping people help people.

FS:  Have you had any female role models that have inspired you throughout your career?
Lee: Ina Anderson. She is a Minister and she is also my mentor. She was the first black Fire Lieutenant for the City of Bridgeport.

FS: How can women support other women in their organizations?
Lee: The best way to show support would be to teach them what you know and guide them in a direction that would help them to do well. I believe that each one should teach one.

FS: How can women support other women in their organizations?
Owczarski: Every person has the opportunity to be a leader and positively influence another person, regardless of a formal work title. Lead with empathy and inclusivity. We are often juggling a lot of hats and priorities in the workplace and it’s just as important for you to know when you need support and ask for it as it is to tune into others’ needs and ask how you can help them.

FS: What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
Owczarski: Seek mentors and build trusting and strong relationships with people that not only support you, but also challenge you to expand your mind and skills. Stay curious and be a constant learner. Embrace feedback as an opportunity to grow and learn. Also, remember to prepare and share: Take ownership of your career by preparing a vision board and set your goals annually. Expand your opportunity network by talking about your career aspirations with your manager, colleagues, mentors and friends on a regular basis. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca

FS: What is your favorite book, podcast or product from women creators?
Owczarski: I have been listening to the podcast We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle. They discuss and offer practical advice from women’s perspectives on how to overcome challenges like imposter syndrome, dealing with difficult people or situations through showcasing inspiring women who have successfully navigated issues like this in the workplace and beyond.

FS: When did you start working at Foundation Source and what is your favorite part of your job?
Bruckman-Gorak: I started working at Foundation Source 17 years ago as a legal intern during law school when the company was only 6 years old and have had the privilege of watching it blossom into the amazing organization it is today. My favorite part of my job is helping clients and others understand the legal issues at hand regarding a particular foundation. It’s so rewarding to be able to translate complex technical rules in a simplified way that benefits our partners.

FS: How can women support other women in their organizations?
Bruckman-Gorak: Women in leadership positions should embrace the opportunity to help other women succeed in their careers. I think that women in senior roles should be on the lookout for those in more junior positions who are having trouble asserting themselves or moving up in the workplace and offer advice based on their own experience. Oftentimes, in any context, it helps to hear advice from someone who’s been there.

FS: What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?
Bruckman-Gorak: Speak up. Advocate for yourself. Even if you’re terrified, say it anyway. The more you do it, the less terrifying it is. I know too many women who didn’t have the confidence to stand up for themselves—both personally and professionally—until their 30s or even 40s. My hope is that the next generation will make it a priority to acquire that confidence sooner than later.

FS: How do you think Foundation Source benefits from having women in leadership?
Jacobsen: When I came to Foundation Source, I was delighted that there were so many women in leadership roles. I had not had that experience before. My observation is that there is more effective emotional self-awareness and empathy that many women in leadership roles bring to the table. I think this enhances communication, morale, and teamwork.

FS: How can women support other women in their organizations?
Jacobsen: Mentoring. If a woman has a future opportunity she is working towards, or is placed in a new leadership role, the guidance of another female leader would be very helpful. Women in leadership roles also need to be aware of how woman in the organization perceive they are being treated and to guide the organization towards continued equity in pay and advancement.

FS: What is your favorite book, podcast or product from women creators?
Jacobsen: The book Becoming by Michele Obama.