Paradigm for Parity® Announces 2023 Women on the Rise Nominees
In honor of Women’s Equality Day, Paradigm for Parity® annually recognizes Women on the Rise in our Coalition companies, who are breaking barriers in corporate leadership and showing the value of gender parity, including racial equity in the workforce. In keeping with our dedication to addressing systemic gender and racial gaps and working toward transforming corporate culture so all can thrive, it is critical that Paradigm for Parity® be a part of celebrating these women for their powerful accomplishments.
As we recognize this year’s Women on the Rise, Paradigm for Parity® elevates the examples of these “unsung heroes,” as Paradigm for Parity® CEO Sandra Quince calls them. “They not only excel in their day jobs,” Sandra says, “but also, by example, promote diversity and inclusion and support a culture where all employees can show up, bring their authentic selves, and thrive.”
We’re proud to announce the Paradigm for Parity 2023 Women on the Rise. To learn more about this program and to read full bios for each awardee visit https://paradigm4parity.org/wotr-2023/.
Evaliz Albaladejo, Regional Director of Talent Acquisition, Trinity Health of New England
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I am humbled, filled with gratitude, and feel incredibly empowered! Being recognized as a Woman on the Rise pushes me to keep striving for my goals and leading by example for young female professionals and emerging leaders. Hard work and dedication will yield results in anything that you do!”
Rina Arline, Managing Director, Program Director, Bank of America Breakthrough Lab
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“As women look to navigate and accelerate their career progression, an effective sponsor can be a game changer by providing access, advocacy, and visibility to a network of enterprise-wide senior leaders.”
Janine Carey, Chief Compliance Officer and VP of Legal, Regulatory & Compliance, Athene Life
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Sponsors represent a voice, a foot in the door and a seat at the table for women in the workplace. This form of advocacy is particularly important for women in spaces where hard work and success may not be readily or naturally received, recognized and rewarded. Sponsors can help to amplify female accomplishments by utilizing existing platforms to specifically prioritize and promote the advancement of women in the workplace.”
Nola Cartmill, Chief Diversity Officer, Holmes Murphy
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“It is important that women have sponsors, in addition to mentors, because while mentors can provide great advice and be a sounding board on how women navigate the workplace, they are not always in the positions to influence the trajectory of a woman’s career. A sponsor, however, can influence how others’ see the sponsored woman and ensure that her name is said and heard in the rooms that matter.”
Courtney Dornell, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Otis
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Sponsors are a necessity in the workplace especially for women. A sponsor is someone who has influence, who can open doors and advocate for you when you aren’t in the room or at the table. In my career I have had many sponsors, both men and women — some I’ve known about and others I may never know who are behind the many opened doors and opportunities presented to me. If you find yourself in a position to be a sponsor for someone it is your responsibility to do this because someone was one for you.”
Laine Gandy, Director, The Adecco Group US Foundation
What is the best part of being in the Paradigm for Parity coalition?
“I am honored to be an active member of a community who believes in uplifting others and planting seeds of trees whose shade we will not sit under. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have leaders, mentors and sponsors who have helped me get to where I am today, and who continue to encourage and stretch me to be able to reach my career aspirations. In P4P, I have the opportunity to make connections with other women leaders and pay it forward.”
Amy Hu, Group Head, Legal — Operations, Newmont
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I was 11 when my family immigrated to Canada from Taiwan and going to school not speaking a word of English and being visibly ‘other’ challenged me to rise above — that’s what this recognition means to me, it’s deeply humbling to be recognized amongst a group of women who are determined to persevere and rise and leave a system better than they found it.”
Neha Jain Joshi, Growth and Strategy Lead, Accenture Security
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“The right sponsor makes the difference between a talented person performing well and decision makers positioning her for amazing career opportunities.”
W. Yodit Kagombe, Technology Executive, Bank of America
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Representation is critical! There are many industries where women aren’t typically seen in the highest leadership positions. Having a sponsor that sees your potential and can advocate for you when you’re not in the room makes a big difference in creating opportunities for expansion and advancement.”
Anita Kelkelian, Managing Director, The Hartford
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I’m incredibly grateful for this nomination and genuinely appreciative of our leadership team for their support and recognition.”
Joyce McDanel, Vice President, Human Resources and Education, UnityPoint Health
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Women need to support women in the workplace. As much progress as we’ve made, there is still a lack of parity for women — especially women of color — in executive leadership. A dedicated sponsor not only sees and believes in talented individuals, but they also use their credibility and influence to move the talent forward.”
Lisia Malcolm, Territory Manager Level II — GTA West, Dentsply Sirona
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“Being recognized as a Woman on the Rise fills me with both humility and joy. I feel empowered to reach my highest potential while inspiring others to do the same. I am grateful that Dentsply Sirona is part of the Paradigm for Parity Coalition and believe that together we are making a difference.”
Stephani Manning, President, Innovative Captive Strategies, Inc
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I’m fortunate to work for a company that celebrates, recognizes and elevates women, so to be honored as a Women on the Rise makes me feel humbled, grateful and inspired for the future for younger women.”
Magnolia Ochoa, Commercial Director, Mexico & Central America, Otis
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I could not be happier to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise. Otis is globally committed to fostering an inclusive culture and ensuring an equitable work environment, and I am proud to represent our company’s efforts to provide equal opportunities for everyone to grow and contribute. I am hopeful that this recognition will inspire many of my female colleagues to keep developing, especially in Latin America.”
Paula Parnagian, Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Eversource Energy
What is the best part of being a part of Paradigm for Parity?
“We so appreciate being part of the P4P coalition, a wonderful support partner in our efforts to elevate and empower all women in our organization to grow, thrive and become all that they can be!”
Deidra Parrish Williams, Leader of Global Corporate Social Responsibility, Trane Technologies
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Supporting women makes sense in every way. It helps women feel seen, respected, and safe in the knowledge that the tremendous investments they make of their time, talent, and loyalty will afford them commensurate opportunities for belonging, compensation, and advancement, creating a healthy environment for women to innovate, take risks and fully develop. More broadly, when we support women, who remain by and large, the nucleus of the family unit, their professional experiences have the ability to impact the stability of their families; to model to young girls what’s possible for them; and contribute to creating healthier, more sustainable communities.”
Chanel Parson, Director, Building and Transportation Electrification, Southern California Edison
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Everyone benefits from the support of others. Workplace sponsors allow an individual to be seen, heard, or considered for new opportunities differently than they would on their own. In addition to receiving sponsorship, being a sponsor for others helps great talent rise.”
Kyra Patterson, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Avangrid
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Sponsors in the workplace can create opportunities for employees that would otherwise be inaccessible. They can be crucial to opening doors to top executive roles, networking opportunities or access to resources. I have always believed that the essence of a great leadership is influence, not authority. And to me, nothing is more important than using my influence to be an advocate and make room at the table for other women.”
Adriana Poveda, Digital Account Supervisor, TwelveNote
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I’m passionate about cultural trends & sponsoring junior colleagues, and this is an incredible honor that not only carries my name, but also the names of all of my colleagues and friends who have helped me get to where I am. It shows the industry that we Latinas are hard workers, hustlers, smart and above all, kind. Though we might not be many in the space yet, I hope that when a Latinx person who is just beginning their career in PR & marketing sees my name and face, they will know that they too can succeed here.”
Georgianna Rhoda, Director of Recruiting, Hunter International
Why are sponsors important for women in the workplace?
“Sponsorship is a critical element to leadership and growth for women within an organization. We need to continue to recognize emerging leaders and think daily about ways in which we can give them a seat at the table and opportunities to challenge themselves and grow. As a great leader I know says, ‘Carry as you climb!’”
Camryn Santos, Strategy Lead, Internet-of-Things Innovation Lab, The Hartford
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I am honored to be recognized as a “Women on the Rise” by an organization that is committed to empowering women and celebrating their success. Being recognized for this award highlights my continued commitment to embracing innovation, advocating for equity, and inspiring those around me. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride to be in the company of such an impressive group of women.”
Britt Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Strategy, Trane Technologies
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“As an African-American woman in corporate America I feel very passionate about ensuring diverse representation in the work environment. Creating a workplace culture where diverse employees feel supported, celebrated, set up for success and can bring their authentic selves to work is an important element of why I dedicate time to this area at Trane and beyond. I am honored to be recognized for this work by Paradigm of Parity coalition, and it further motivates me to continue to my efforts on breaking barriers in corporate leadership.”
Camila Souza, Director of DEI, Avangrid
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“I am moved and humbled by the Woman on the Rise recognition. It is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of many passionate inclusion champions with whom I have had the honor to work. This award also reinforces the necessity and urgency of our DEI work, and I am inspired to continue striving to make a lasting impact. DEI work is a journey that demands continuous learning, unlearning, and growth. It’s hard work, so it feels good to be seen. Even during turbulent times, I am optimistic that there is the power of unity in our efforts to create a more equal society.”
Amina Weiland, Resource Coordinator, Center for Healthy Aging, Hartford HealthCare
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a Woman on the Rise?
“Recognizing and affirming my values gives me the strength to educate others, promote cultural awareness, and advocate for social justice.”
