How We #BreakTheBias | International Women’s Day 2022
As part of Women’s History Month, we are excited to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2022. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias, focusing on “a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.” We asked a few CDW coworkers across the globe how they #BreakTheBias.
a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Nadene Higgs
I will try to break the bias by speaking up if I see anyone being treated unfairly and will encourage all coworkers to be themselves. I will try to create an atmosphere and a culture where everyone has a voice.
Pradeep Anbudaiyan
As a leader, I will create an environment of respect and opportunity that enables women to reach their potential.
Amanda Desourdis
I don’t hold myself back. If I see something that I think is wrong – especially when it comes to unfair treatment or biases – I step up, lean in and have a voice.
Adam Diallo
I break the bias by being a positive change agent in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I break stereotypes by showing up with authenticity in every interaction and empowering and inspiring those around me to do the same.
Pari Elavia
Accountability. We all need to hold ourselves and each other accountable for biased behaviors or perceptions. Sometimes biases can sit in the blind spot of our brains and without even realizing it, it may influence how we/others perceive things. Accountability can be powerful in breaking the bias, however, to do that effectively a culture of open discussion and expression needs to exist where dialogue about important and impactful topics like bias is encouraged. Talking about it not only creates a solid platform for us to learn from each other but also generates an environment of trust, candidness, and sincerity, three attributes that are so important when holding someone accountable.
Cassie Floersch
To break the bias, I will continue to look to first understand bias and where it exists - unconscious bias is a term that has resonated with me.
Mobenna Iqbal-Ahmad
Break the bias to me is a diverse world, where difference is valued and accepted. Where decisions and discussions are free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. I do this by listening and learning, engaging in conversations, challenging the status quo, being the change I want to see at work, at home and in communities I’m a part of. But it takes more than a few voices, we all have to be the voice to drive change. Lead by facts not feelings and every one of us can break through the bias.
Tammy Irwin
I break the bias by providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all coworkers. I ensure that our coworkers feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day. Being an intentional leader that creates an inclusive environment where coworkers of all backgrounds feel respected and valued, can contribute their talent and viewpoints, and are given equal access to meaningful opportunity is the key to success! Help break the bias by accepting and appreciating others that are different from ourselves.
Rachel Jin
I believe the best way to break bias is to embrace diversity. Make sure to always look within oneself because it’s not uncommon to have unconscious bias.
Heather Kirwin
I will break the bias by using data to inform my decisions.
Pat Kohl
I will continue to promote women’s equality in technology. We need to expose technology to girls earlier in their education journey. As a father of an athletic daughter who has seen the gap firsthand, I will continue to fight for women’s equality in sports. I will slow down and ask for help to ensure I am not assuming things. I will celebrate individuals who are breaking barriers.
Sian Laurie
I actively try to break the bias every day, recognising it when it occurs and making a conscious effort to correct behaviours through inclusive language, diverse thought, and an equitable approach. I believe in creating a sense of belonging for all, empowering others, and celebrating their strength, character, capabilities, and opportunities, regardless of gender.
Isaac Ling
I break the bias by first personally acknowledging that bias exists and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure we address our blind spots.
Lynn Little
I am breaking the bias by increasing my awareness of biases, embracing diversity, and engaging with different people and different ideas.
Cecelia Myers
Part of breaking biases is the process of normalization. Being open as a female leader is hard, as there’s an instinct to keep bias-inducing circumstances under wraps. What if someone thinks that these things make me less reliable as a team member and it holds me back? I encountered a trifecta of this – new motherhood, a new job, and a cancer diagnosis – when I started at CDW. Since then, I’ve been more open about my challenges, using my role as a leader to make space for the normalization of circumstances that may induce bias.
Heidi Nisker
I will help break the bias by encouraging all team members to contribute and foster diverse thinking.
Luz Perez
By always challenging the status quo.
Jessica Poulter
I pledge to always confront gender bias, challenge both myself and the status quo to help empower women so we can play our part in shaping a more inclusive future.
Alhagie Puye
To break gender bias, it is important to first create a culture where diversity is embraced, celebrated, and rewarded. As a leader, I have an obligation to make sure that we have a psychologically safe environment that allows everyone to comfortably bring their ideas and thoughts forward irrespective of their gender. Any form of bias isn’t tolerated. We are all winners when all voices are heard and valued. We all have an active role in squashing gender biases.
Virginie Robert
I am a solo mom. I was told around 38 that it was almost too late for me to have a child and decided to go ahead and have a child by myself since I was still single. I now have an adorable 3-year-old little girl.
Lise Rutherford
I am breaking the bias everyday by teaching my two daughters that equality, diversity and being inclusive is very important. As girls and women, we are making the difference and we can achieve anything.
Karin Skapski
I break the bias by demonstrating that women can thrive in technical roles.
Miko Tabamo
In my opinion, to break the bias we need to keep having the sometimes uncomfortable conversations of inequality existing in the workplace for all of us to do better and be informed. Diverse knowledge, perspectives and experiences inspire better ideas and make for a much more efficient team. We need to be open to disrupting the status quo.
Gregg Terris
As an ally, I am always reviewing our Subject Matter Expert (SME) lists I am given and panels we are gathering to look for diversity. Too often leaders choose coworkers who “look like them” for these assignments and we need to ensure that panels and SME lists are as diverse as the audience we are looking to reach and represent.
LaTonyia Wade
I am an African American female working in a predominately male industry. It is very common for me to be in a room or on a WebEx where I am the only black and very few if any females present. Early in my career, I bought into the bias. I used to diminish and minimize the presence of my femineity by wearing dark colors or conservative straight hair styles and not speaking up. Today, I wear what I want without a second thought of who will be in the room. And, last year I wore braids and alternative hairstyles that would allow me to accomplish my fitness goals. I am committed to showing up as my authentic self and encourage other women to do the same.
Akilah Willery
The biggest contribution I can make to breaking the bias is what I call “holding the door open.” When I find myself breaking through into a space where diverse representation is lacking, I make sure to hold the door open for other women and women of color to come through after me. The more diverse voices included at the table means the planning and solutions provided will be much richer.
– CDW Team
As part of Women’s History Month, we are excited to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2022. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias, focusing on “a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.” We asked a few CDW coworkers across the globe how they #BreakTheBias.
a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Nadene Higgs
I will try to break the bias by speaking up if I see anyone being treated unfairly and will encourage all coworkers to be themselves. I will try to create an atmosphere and a culture where everyone has a voice.
Pradeep Anbudaiyan
As a leader, I will create an environment of respect and opportunity that enables women to reach their potential.
Amanda Desourdis
I don’t hold myself back. If I see something that I think is wrong – especially when it comes to unfair treatment or biases – I step up, lean in and have a voice.
Adam Diallo
I break the bias by being a positive change agent in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I break stereotypes by showing up with authenticity in every interaction and empowering and inspiring those around me to do the same.
Pari Elavia
Accountability. We all need to hold ourselves and each other accountable for biased behaviors or perceptions. Sometimes biases can sit in the blind spot of our brains and without even realizing it, it may influence how we/others perceive things. Accountability can be powerful in breaking the bias, however, to do that effectively a culture of open discussion and expression needs to exist where dialogue about important and impactful topics like bias is encouraged. Talking about it not only creates a solid platform for us to learn from each other but also generates an environment of trust, candidness, and sincerity, three attributes that are so important when holding someone accountable.
Cassie Floersch
To break the bias, I will continue to look to first understand bias and where it exists - unconscious bias is a term that has resonated with me.
Mobenna Iqbal-Ahmad
Break the bias to me is a diverse world, where difference is valued and accepted. Where decisions and discussions are free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. I do this by listening and learning, engaging in conversations, challenging the status quo, being the change I want to see at work, at home and in communities I’m a part of. But it takes more than a few voices, we all have to be the voice to drive change. Lead by facts not feelings and every one of us can break through the bias.
Tammy Irwin
I break the bias by providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all coworkers. I ensure that our coworkers feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day. Being an intentional leader that creates an inclusive environment where coworkers of all backgrounds feel respected and valued, can contribute their talent and viewpoints, and are given equal access to meaningful opportunity is the key to success! Help break the bias by accepting and appreciating others that are different from ourselves.
Rachel Jin
I believe the best way to break bias is to embrace diversity. Make sure to always look within oneself because it’s not uncommon to have unconscious bias.
Heather Kirwin
I will break the bias by using data to inform my decisions.
Pat Kohl
I will continue to promote women’s equality in technology. We need to expose technology to girls earlier in their education journey. As a father of an athletic daughter who has seen the gap firsthand, I will continue to fight for women’s equality in sports. I will slow down and ask for help to ensure I am not assuming things. I will celebrate individuals who are breaking barriers.
Sian Laurie
I actively try to break the bias every day, recognising it when it occurs and making a conscious effort to correct behaviours through inclusive language, diverse thought, and an equitable approach. I believe in creating a sense of belonging for all, empowering others, and celebrating their strength, character, capabilities, and opportunities, regardless of gender.
Isaac Ling
I break the bias by first personally acknowledging that bias exists and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure we address our blind spots.
Lynn Little
I am breaking the bias by increasing my awareness of biases, embracing diversity, and engaging with different people and different ideas.
Cecelia Myers
Part of breaking biases is the process of normalization. Being open as a female leader is hard, as there’s an instinct to keep bias-inducing circumstances under wraps. What if someone thinks that these things make me less reliable as a team member and it holds me back? I encountered a trifecta of this – new motherhood, a new job, and a cancer diagnosis – when I started at CDW. Since then, I’ve been more open about my challenges, using my role as a leader to make space for the normalization of circumstances that may induce bias.
Heidi Nisker
I will help break the bias by encouraging all team members to contribute and foster diverse thinking.
Luz Perez
By always challenging the status quo.
Jessica Poulter
I pledge to always confront gender bias, challenge both myself and the status quo to help empower women so we can play our part in shaping a more inclusive future.
Alhagie Puye
To break gender bias, it is important to first create a culture where diversity is embraced, celebrated, and rewarded. As a leader, I have an obligation to make sure that we have a psychologically safe environment that allows everyone to comfortably bring their ideas and thoughts forward irrespective of their gender. Any form of bias isn’t tolerated. We are all winners when all voices are heard and valued. We all have an active role in squashing gender biases.
Virginie Robert
I am a solo mom. I was told around 38 that it was almost too late for me to have a child and decided to go ahead and have a child by myself since I was still single. I now have an adorable 3-year-old little girl.
Lise Rutherford
I am breaking the bias everyday by teaching my two daughters that equality, diversity and being inclusive is very important. As girls and women, we are making the difference and we can achieve anything.
Karin Skapski
I break the bias by demonstrating that women can thrive in technical roles.
Miko Tabamo
In my opinion, to break the bias we need to keep having the sometimes uncomfortable conversations of inequality existing in the workplace for all of us to do better and be informed. Diverse knowledge, perspectives and experiences inspire better ideas and make for a much more efficient team. We need to be open to disrupting the status quo.
Gregg Terris
As an ally, I am always reviewing our Subject Matter Expert (SME) lists I am given and panels we are gathering to look for diversity. Too often leaders choose coworkers who “look like them” for these assignments and we need to ensure that panels and SME lists are as diverse as the audience we are looking to reach and represent.
LaTonyia Wade
I am an African American female working in a predominately male industry. It is very common for me to be in a room or on a WebEx where I am the only black and very few if any females present. Early in my career, I bought into the bias. I used to diminish and minimize the presence of my femineity by wearing dark colors or conservative straight hair styles and not speaking up. Today, I wear what I want without a second thought of who will be in the room. And, last year I wore braids and alternative hairstyles that would allow me to accomplish my fitness goals. I am committed to showing up as my authentic self and encourage other women to do the same.
Akilah Willery
The biggest contribution I can make to breaking the bias is what I call “holding the door open.” When I find myself breaking through into a space where diverse representation is lacking, I make sure to hold the door open for other women and women of color to come through after me. The more diverse voices included at the table means the planning and solutions provided will be much richer.
– CDW Team
