The power of advocacy and representation

Advocacy is often framed as a grand gesture, but in practice, it is built through daily, intentional actions. Creating space for diverse voices ensures that the products we build reflect the world they serve. When women advocate for one another, they improve, and even future-proof, company culture.

"Advocacy is really nothing fancy," says Therry Willis, an account manager at Duda. "It is a matter of truly wanting to have everyone represented at the table and doing what you can to create positive change. For me, it is encouraging and celebrating the success of other women and offering to listen when I can hear that a teammate is having a tough day".

This perspective shifts the focus from competition to abundance. In an industry that can sometimes feel like a zero-sum game, Willis argues that there is always room for more talent. "The more you give, the higher the long-term return. For me personally, it means operating from a place of abundance instead of competition. There is room at the table. And if there isn't, let's build a bigger table".

Redefining value beyond the job description

For many women in tech, the path to leadership involves learning when to lean in and when to push back.

Emily McEvoy highlights the importance of setting boundaries to maintain professional focus. "I feel like women sometimes are given things that are outside of their job description just because they're a woman," McEvoy says. "That is an opportunity to raise your voice and push back—to not be taken advantage of. Know your value and know your worth and show it to other people".

By establishing these boundaries, professionals can dedicate their energy to the tasks that drive real impact for their clients and their companies. This clarity of purpose allows for more significant contributions to the business's overall success.

Amplifying the quiet experts

In many corporate environments, the loudest voice in the room often receives the most recognition. However, business stability is frequently maintained by those who work steadily and reliably behind the scenes. A key component of the "Give to Gain" philosophy is ensuring these unsung heroes receive the credit they deserve.

Marianne Sheldon emphasizes the need to recognize all types of contributors. "I aim to give credit and recognition as often as possible and when it's appropriate," Sheldon says. "It is great to highlight the big wins and the extraordinary accomplishments. However, it is just as important to recognize those people who provide that stability to a business through that steady, reliable effort. Those unsung hero types are not always the loudest people in the room, but they play such a critical role in business success and shaping business culture".

When leaders intentionally amplify quieter experts, they gain better outcomes and a more inclusive environment. This approach fosters trust, which is a more durable asset than any single performance metric.

Knowledge sharing as a catalyst for trust

Information is only valuable when it is accessible. When colleagues share their knowledge, they build the trust necessary for teams to make smarter decisions more quickly.

Joyce Santos views knowledge sharing as a core part of her role. "Knowledge is power, but sharing it is where the real value lies," Santos says. "To me, give to gain is translating complex data into clear insights to my colleagues. When I give them clarity, I gain their trust and we all make smarter decisions".

This transparency reduces friction within teams and allows businesses to move faster. It also empowers others to grow their own expertise, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.

Overcoming the perfectionism trap

The pressure to be perfect often prevents professionals from speaking up or taking risks. This is particularly true for women who may feel they need to be completely certain before contributing to a discussion. Breaking this cycle is essential for fostering true collaboration.

Rebecca ORork reflects on how her perspective has evolved throughout her career. "Early in my career, I felt like I had to be 100% sure before speaking up. I didn't want to slow things down or ask something obvious," ORork notes. "But I've learned that if I'm wondering about something, I'm probably not the only one. And when I ask it, it doesn't disrupt the room. It strengthens it. That's when better solutions surface and collaboration really happens".

Lana Schissel also touches on the burden of perfectionism and the immense amount of labor women have historically contributed to the corporate world. "Perfectionism really allows women to pick up the slack," Schissel says. "I think women should take more credit for how these companies look in the present day".

Building the ecosystem for the next generation

The work being done today at Duda, and across the digital landscape, creates the environment the next generation of leaders will inherit. For many of the women we spoke with, this mission is personal.

"As a mom raising a daughter, I think a lot about the ecosystem my daughter will inherit," says Willis. "Every time we help someone grow, normalize ambition, or challenge bias, we're helping our future leaders gain".

Schissel echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of agency and self-care. "The most powerful antidote that we have to that world and ushering in a new one is one in which women have agency over their careers, over their wallets, over their families, and over their bodies," she says. "As long as we take care of ourselves and each other, we will have doors that open that do not limit us".

Moving forward together

International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress requires consistent, daily effort. By choosing to give—whether through mentorship, clarity, or advocacy—we all gain a more resilient and innovative industry.

The lessons shared by the women at Duda provide a roadmap for any professional looking to make a meaningful impact:

• Establish your value: Recognize your worth and set boundaries that allow you to focus on high-impact work.
• Share your expertise: Use your knowledge to provide clarity for your team and build trust.
• Amplify others: Look for the quiet experts and ensure their contributions are recognized.
• Speak up: Do not wait until you’re 100% certain to contribute; your questions often lead to better solutions.
  

As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering a culture where support and inclusion are the foundation of everything we build. Together, we will keep moving forward.