Celebrating International Women's Day
Updated: Jun 15, 2022
We asked the women of C Street to reflect on the current moment, our mission to advance DEI in Corporate America, and the women who have made an impact on their lives:
“We can’t overlook the fact that companies led by women are more profitable. Studies have shown that increasing diversity in leadership drives innovation and increases profitability by nearly 15 percent, while reducing risk exposure. Yet, not enough progress has been made in appointing women to CEO roles and boards of directors. Here at C Street, women are represented at all levels and are empowered to thrive because we acknowledge these facts.” - Lisa Hernández Gioia, Head of Communications & Public Affairs
“As a beneficiary of Wellesley College – a historically all women’s institution - and the daughter of a single mother who worked tirelessly to support her children, working at C Street - a female-majority, multicultural company - is empowering for me. The challenge is for Corporate America to acknowledge women as the future too.”
– Anicia Gillespie, Associate, Strategy
“While research is showing gains in the advancement of women in the workplace, there is still work to be done. At C Street, women hold positions at every level of the organization and our voices are valued and amplified. I am proud to be a part of company that is working to accelerate systemic change and expand opportunities for professional women.”
- Jen Whitbeck, Head of Finance & Operations
“The presence of two women behind President Biden during the State of the Union address on March 1, demonstrated a measure of progress in the ongoing quest for gender and racial equality in the U.S. This moment was exciting, inspiring, and powerful, however, I am still waiting to see the moment when a women is elected as president. I am hopeful, that the same progress is being made in the corporate world, but there is still so much work to be done.”
– Lily Adami, Intern, Business Development
“My mother, Dr. Doretha Pressey is by far the most influential person in my life. She was brilliant and beautiful, fearless, and strong and she loved with her whole entire heart. Her love of education took her from her small rural hometown of Denmark, SC to Springfield, MA where she served as one of the youngest assistant principals in the city’s history, and to Morgan State University where she was a beloved and sought-after Professor of Education. Although she left us far too soon her legacy continues to inspire so many people - especially those of us who knew and loved her.”
– Bre Pressey, Executive Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
“For me, my mom has always been one of my biggest role models. She’s someone who unapologetically wears her heart on her sleeve and gives everything her all. Growing up, she was always working, but still always made time for me and my brother and made sure we were happy. Every day she challenges me to learn beyond my comfort zone. I admire how she always advocated for marginalized groups, whether it was at her job at the City Bar or the YWCA, and continues to advocate for everyone now as the Commissioner for Human Rights. I am so proud to call her my mom.”
– Allegra Acevedo, Intern, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
“Throughout my career I have had the privilege to work with many strong and inspirational women. In my prior roles, I had several managers that helped shape who I am as a professional and taught me how to be a great mentor and role model to the next generation. I am similarly fortunate to work with incredible women at C Street who are all committed to empowering women.”
– Ali Krukowski, Vice President, Business Development
“My mother has been an incredible role model to me throughout my life. When I was young, I thought my Mother was the smartest person alive (I still think she might be, and I think my Dad would agree). She was, and is, one of the most confident people I know, who not only is sure of what she knows, but is also sure in what she does not know; her honesty and sureness of herself have been two qualities that I deeply admire and try to embody myself. As a first-generation Black woman, the combination of her tenacity, persistence, and creativity in how to define and find success while being incredibly selfless and kind to others along the way boggles my mind. To me, she is the role model of all role models, and I aspire to be more like her every day.”
- Jojo Adler, Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion