International Women's Day 2021
CDW is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021 as part of Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is #ChoosetoChallenge, focusing on how we will forge a gender equal world, celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. We asked a few CDW coworkers how they #ChoosetoChallenge and what they learned about themselves during the global pandemic.
JULIA
(she/her)
Business Transformation Programme Manager UK & International – CDW UK
Share a personal interest or hobby.
In my spare time I am a keen baker - self-taught by the help of resources found on the web and by no means a professional but I do enjoy making new creations for friends and family. Less so the endless mess I seem to make in the process though.
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
Working from home during the pandemic has meant that I have learnt an awful lot about the technologies and techniques available to us electronically that have replaced the face-to-face meetings and workshops I was so used to. For those meetings before that were classed as " must be on-site" we've learnt that actually they can still be as engaging and as informative as before - just with the use of some innovative ideas and technology.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
Technology these days drives the world and we as women need to start owning and sharing the message that we too can deliver IT - that we get IT! There is a huge world of exciting innovation and technology out there waiting for us - we need to open up the industry for those women to see what it’s really about and see what changes they too can be part of but importantly dismiss the myth that technology is just for men or techies.
Asafonie
(she/her)
Business Development Manager – CDW US
Share a personal interest or hobby.
A personal interest of mine is the health and wellness of other women. I teach a group fitness class weekly at a minority owned fitness studio and help other women become the best version of themselves.
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
I've learned to be honest with myself. To listen to my mind, body, and spirit. I've worked full time while being a mom of four children, who have been remote learners during this pandemic; it's a priority to be gentle with myself.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, I choose to challenge the status quo by using my voice. My voice is a powerful tool. I am not afraid to ask questions. I speak freely and fearlessly.
Leonor
(she/her)
Stocker – CDW US
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
I learned that family ties are as important as ever. The pandemic has helped us find deeper meaning in our work.
How do you choose to challenge yourself to get 1% better every day - either for you, your family, your coworkers and/or your community?
Learning new things each and every day.
Judy
(she/her)
Sales Manager, Education – CDW CA
Share a personal interest or hobby.
I am a diehard fan of Liverpool Football Club. I try not to miss a game throughout the season. I also enjoy hiking a lot ever since I visited Norway a few years back. Next destination is definitely Banff!
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
What I've learned throughout this pandemic is that leading with empathy is not optional but required. This pandemic has brought to light a lot of issues and challenges we face as a society that I think were previously overlooked. Making a conscious effort as a leader to get to know our coworkers and what they may be experiencing as an individual within society can go such a long way.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
I always try to surround myself with people whom I consider better, smarter and harder working than I am. I am a strong believer that when we surround ourselves with positive, successful people, they challenge us, directly or indirectly, to be our best selves. In parallel, I also strive to be the person others look towards to help them elevate their game.
Crystal
(she/her)
Senior Account Manager, International Sales – CDW UK
Share a personal interest or hobby.
I am a fully qualified Zumba Instructor and teach it outside of work.
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
I know more than I think I do.
In the office, you can ask for guidance or assistance but as I live alone, I’ve had to trust my gut instinct and I’ve followed through when usually I would doubt myself and ask for a second opinion.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
I think just being present in this industry we are in challenges the Status Quo, as well as speaking up. In the UK IT Sales has always been predominantly male. Having female Sales Reps changes that dynamic. I also believe in supporting younger women in the company as they are the next generation.
Jennifer
(she/her)
Bid Manager – CDW UK
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
Like most people, I’ve adapted to losing some basic structure around the work day – namely, the commute. Without the commute to and from the office, I initially struggled to motivate myself in the mornings or properly shut down in the evenings. Now, I’ve reclaimed that time by implementing simple routines to kick start and wind down each day.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
I choose to challenge the status quo by ensuring everyone I work with is heard and has the opportunity to contribute equally to discussions and decisions. By only listening to the loudest people in the room, we miss out on the value of other people’s perspectives and ideas and often repeat our past mistakes. Making room for new voices not only gives people the confidence to speak up and challenge one another, it accelerates personal and professional growth for everyone involved.
Leigh
(she/them)
Senior Financial Analyst – CDW US
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
One thing I learned during the pandemic is to really lean into my tools. We've always had so much technology at our fingertips, but because of the convenience of being face to face, didn't have to use it as much. Now more than ever, we're required to use our tools in more powerful and meaningful ways, creating even more collaboration across teams.
How do you choose to challenge yourself to get 1% better every day - either for you, your family, your coworkers and/or your community?
I choose to challenge myself by connecting with my community and improving it. One small daily act of kindness can have a major impact not only to those around you, but to your own wellbeing.
– CDW Coworkers
Learn more about CDW’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion here.
CDW is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021 as part of Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is #ChoosetoChallenge, focusing on how we will forge a gender equal world, celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. We asked a few CDW coworkers how they #ChoosetoChallenge and what they learned about themselves during the global pandemic.
JULIA
(she/her)
Business Transformation Programme Manager UK & International – CDW UK
Share a personal interest or hobby.
In my spare time I am a keen baker - self-taught by the help of resources found on the web and by no means a professional but I do enjoy making new creations for friends and family. Less so the endless mess I seem to make in the process though.
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
Working from home during the pandemic has meant that I have learnt an awful lot about the technologies and techniques available to us electronically that have replaced the face-to-face meetings and workshops I was so used to. For those meetings before that were classed as " must be on-site" we've learnt that actually they can still be as engaging and as informative as before - just with the use of some innovative ideas and technology.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
Technology these days drives the world and we as women need to start owning and sharing the message that we too can deliver IT - that we get IT! There is a huge world of exciting innovation and technology out there waiting for us - we need to open up the industry for those women to see what it’s really about and see what changes they too can be part of but importantly dismiss the myth that technology is just for men or techies.
Asafonie
(she/her)
Business Development Manager – CDW US
Share a personal interest or hobby.
A personal interest of mine is the health and wellness of other women. I teach a group fitness class weekly at a minority owned fitness studio and help other women become the best version of themselves.
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
I've learned to be honest with myself. To listen to my mind, body, and spirit. I've worked full time while being a mom of four children, who have been remote learners during this pandemic; it's a priority to be gentle with myself.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, I choose to challenge the status quo by using my voice. My voice is a powerful tool. I am not afraid to ask questions. I speak freely and fearlessly.
Leonor
(she/her)
Stocker – CDW US
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
I learned that family ties are as important as ever. The pandemic has helped us find deeper meaning in our work.
How do you choose to challenge yourself to get 1% better every day - either for you, your family, your coworkers and/or your community?
Learning new things each and every day.
Judy
(she/her)
Sales Manager, Education – CDW CA
Share a personal interest or hobby.
I am a diehard fan of Liverpool Football Club. I try not to miss a game throughout the season. I also enjoy hiking a lot ever since I visited Norway a few years back. Next destination is definitely Banff!
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
What I've learned throughout this pandemic is that leading with empathy is not optional but required. This pandemic has brought to light a lot of issues and challenges we face as a society that I think were previously overlooked. Making a conscious effort as a leader to get to know our coworkers and what they may be experiencing as an individual within society can go such a long way.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
I always try to surround myself with people whom I consider better, smarter and harder working than I am. I am a strong believer that when we surround ourselves with positive, successful people, they challenge us, directly or indirectly, to be our best selves. In parallel, I also strive to be the person others look towards to help them elevate their game.
Crystal
(she/her)
Senior Account Manager, International Sales – CDW UK
Share a personal interest or hobby.
I am a fully qualified Zumba Instructor and teach it outside of work.
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
I know more than I think I do.
In the office, you can ask for guidance or assistance but as I live alone, I’ve had to trust my gut instinct and I’ve followed through when usually I would doubt myself and ask for a second opinion.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
I think just being present in this industry we are in challenges the Status Quo, as well as speaking up. In the UK IT Sales has always been predominantly male. Having female Sales Reps changes that dynamic. I also believe in supporting younger women in the company as they are the next generation.
Jennifer
(she/her)
Bid Manager – CDW UK
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
Like most people, I’ve adapted to losing some basic structure around the work day – namely, the commute. Without the commute to and from the office, I initially struggled to motivate myself in the mornings or properly shut down in the evenings. Now, I’ve reclaimed that time by implementing simple routines to kick start and wind down each day.
Being a successful woman in the technology industry, how do you choose to challenge the status quo?
I choose to challenge the status quo by ensuring everyone I work with is heard and has the opportunity to contribute equally to discussions and decisions. By only listening to the loudest people in the room, we miss out on the value of other people’s perspectives and ideas and often repeat our past mistakes. Making room for new voices not only gives people the confidence to speak up and challenge one another, it accelerates personal and professional growth for everyone involved.
Leigh
(she/them)
Senior Financial Analyst – CDW US
What is one thing that you feel you've learned, adapted to, or didn't realize you were capable of during the past year?
One thing I learned during the pandemic is to really lean into my tools. We've always had so much technology at our fingertips, but because of the convenience of being face to face, didn't have to use it as much. Now more than ever, we're required to use our tools in more powerful and meaningful ways, creating even more collaboration across teams.
How do you choose to challenge yourself to get 1% better every day - either for you, your family, your coworkers and/or your community?
I choose to challenge myself by connecting with my community and improving it. One small daily act of kindness can have a major impact not only to those around you, but to your own wellbeing.
– CDW Coworkers
