In recognition of International Women’s Day, and the 2024 theme of “Inspiring Inclusion”, we interviewed a dynamic group of women from across our company.
They shared about their career journeys, highlighting the mentors who championed them, the collaborative spirit that fuels their success and the belief that when women’s voices are heard and respected, their contributions can truly fuel progress- that’s what makes inclusion a reality.
Their stories are inspiring, reminding us of the hurdles women have faced and the impact they have when given equal opportunities to thrive.
Building Each Other Up: The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration
"Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have amazing women mentors who believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow," shared Ari Veronelli (Sr. Director, Sales & Marketing Operations). These mentors, she explains, fostered "an environment where everyone's voice mattered, and teamwork flourished." Read Ari's full interview here
Similarly, Sara Goldman (VP Client Strategy & Program Management) highlights the importance of taking chances and having a voice, "My mentor taught me to never let the potential for failure deter me from taking a chance... "My aspiration for women in our industry is simple: continue to bring your voice and prove that success can be achieved in many ways." Read Sara's full interview here
Embracing Challenges and Breaking Barriers
A few women also acknowledged the challenges they encountered in their professional journeys. Dina MacEwan (Manager, FP&A) for example, spoke about facing "a lack of representation in leadership roles, and sometimes being underestimated." However, she emphasizes overcoming these hurdles by "focusing on building confidence in my abilities and demonstrating my skills and knowledge through hard work and perseverance." Read Dina's full interview here
Kristen Pepe (VP Account Management, Point of Care) echoed this sentiment, sharing her aspirations for the industry: "I would love to see our industry continue to be a leader in putting women in elevated positions to ultimately allow for more inclusion within the C-suite." She expressed gratitude for an environment of collaboration and inclusivity at OptimizeRx. "This is truly evident here at OptimizeRx, where we are lucky to have representation of women across all levels of the organization including our Leadership Team, Board of Directors and fantastic people who all support one another." Read Kristen's full interview here
Leading the Way and Inspiring the Future
Lynn O'Connor Vos, Chairperson of the Board at OptimizeRx, shared her experience of overcoming underrepresentation in leadership roles: "One of the challenges we still face is the under representation of women at the most senior levels in business." She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself, stating, "Many years ago, I got up my nerve and asked to lead the agency, and to my surprise I was given the opportunity to be CEO."
Ms. Vos’ story exemplifies the power of perseverance and serves as an inspiration for future generations of women. "I want to see women equally represented at every level in our industry," she states. "But holding the positions isn't enough; it's also important that they be heard, respected, and advanced." Read Lynn's full interview
Beyond Individual Stories
These are just a few glimpses into some of the remarkable women at OptimizeRx.
Their shared experiences offer insights on fostering inclusion in the workplace. By championing each other through mentorship and collaboration, overcoming challenges with resilience, and advocating for equal opportunities in leadership, we can collectively create a more inclusive and equitable future.
As International Women's Day reminds us, this is not just a singular day of celebration, but a call to action for continuous progress.
Read the full interviews
Ariagne (Ari) Veronelli Aaronson, Sr. Director, Sales & Marketing Operations
In the context of inspiring inclusivity, can you share a time/ an experience in which another woman was an instrumental ally/mentor and influenced your career, fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusiveness?
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to be mentored by amazing women who have all shown me the power of collaboration and inclusivity at work. They believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow, which boosted my confidence. Their support created an environment where everyone's voice mattered, and teamwork flourished. These women taught me how women can lift each other up, inspiring inclusivity and success in our careers.
One significant moment stands out when one of my mentors empowered me to learn new technologies. She noticed our CRM system was too basic for the company's growth and suggested switching to a more robust CRM. With her guidance, I became a matter expert and a point of contact for all CRM-related matters. This experience highlighted how her mentorship not only encouraged personal growth but also contributed to the collective success of our team.
What aspirations do you have for women in our industry?
I'm excited about the future for women in our industry. More women are now in influential roles, and our voices are being heard more than ever in the past decade.
My aspiration is to see this progress continue, with even more opportunities for women to thrive. I hope for initiatives that support women's career growth and foster inclusivity. Ultimately, I want to see women recognized and valued for their contributions, leading to a more equitable industry for all.
Kristen Pepe, VP Account Management, Point of Care
Can you share a specific triumph that stands out in your career?
This triumph is rather a moment of gratitude. I have been very fortunate to work for and alongside amazing women who are not only incredibly talented but have also inspired and encouraged me and others to strive for more. Most importantly, to never underestimate your value and what you bring to the table. Likewise, I am incredibly grateful to work for and alongside men who have done and continue to do the same, fostering a collaborative and thriving working environments. This is truly evident here at OptimizeRx, where we are lucky to have representation of women across all levels of the organization including our Leadership Team and Board of Directors and fantastic people who all support one another.
What aspirations do you have for women in our industry?
Across the entire workplace, there have been improvements to the representation of woman in higher level roles, but it has been slower than expected. I would love to see our industry continue to be a leader in putting woman in elevated positions to ultimately allow for more inclusion within the C-suite.
Lynn O'Connor Voss, OptimizeRx Chairperson of the Board
In the context of inspiring inclusivity, can you share a time/ an experience in which another woman was an instrumental ally/mentor and influenced your career, fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusiveness?
As I was making my way in my career, there were precious few women in high level positions in our industry who could serve as my mentors. I would have to say my primary mentor was my mom, who went back to work at age 40 and combined raising her family with a highly successful career. I had three brothers and was the only girl and my mom brought me up to believe that I had no obstacles and no barriers. Kudos to my mother who really raised me to go for it— work hard, believe in yourself and never say no to new opportunities.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
One of the challenges we still face is the under representation of women at the most senior levels in business. It is widely documented and gaining acceptance that women have a number of qualities that make them exceptional leaders—their communication skills, empathy, mentoring skills, and the fact that they are excellent collaborators, to name a few. Yet, woman today remain underrepresented in business, filling only about one in four of today’s C-suite positions. I have been working to overcome these challenges, both by hiring and supporting women in my own organizations and through my dedication to mentoring other women.
Can you share a specific triumph that stands out in your career?
One of my proudest achievements is having been named Woman of the Year by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA). HBA’s Woman of the Year award honors “an exceptional leader whose work has made a significant impact in the healthcare industry.” For me, the award meant I had earned the recognition and respect of my peers. The award also recognizes my dedication the non profit industry and to mentoring and building a supportive community for women in the workplace. Today, am also honored to be a founding member of the organization Extraordinary Women on Boards. The goal of the organization is to amplify the influence of women inside the boardroom and beyond, and the requirement for becoming a member is sitting on at least one public board.
The organization is gaining influence and clout every year, an indicator that increasing numbers of women are taking their place in the boardroom.
What aspirations do you have for women in our industry?
I want to see women equally represented at every level in our industry. But holding the positions isn’t enough; it’s also important that they be heard, respected, and advanced. To get there, women need to understand that they won’t get what they want if they don’t ask for it. Many years ago, I was working at agency that was recently acquired and shortly after the acquisition, the founding partners decided to leave. There was a an urgent need to fill the leadership void, so I got up my nerve and asked to lead the agency and and to my surprise I was given the opportunity to be CEO. I was in my early 30s with three children under 3 years old and became one of the first female CEOs to run a global advertising agency in the healthcare industry.
Sara Goldman, VP Client Strategy & Program Management
In the context of inspiring inclusivity, can you share a time/ an experience in which another woman was an instrumental ally/mentor and influenced your career, fostering an environment of collaboration and inclusiveness?
My previous manager and mentor, Paula, was instrumental in helping me learn to never let the potential for failure deter me from taking a chance. I had just been offered the role of Regional Director and was doubting my ability to be successful. She was honest and said that while failure is a possibility, so is success. Her words lifted me up and helped me realize the support I had around me.
What aspirations do you have for women in our industry?
My aspiration for women in our industry is simple: continue to bring your voice and prove that success can be achieved in many ways and there is no 'one size fits all' way to getting there.
Dina MacEwan, Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
I've encountered challenges like lack of representation in leadership roles, and sometimes being underestimated. To overcome these hurdles, I've focused on building confidence in my abilities, and demonstrating my skills and knowledge through hard work and perseverance.
What aspirations do you have for women in our industry?
My aspiration for women in our industry is to see equal opportunities for leadership, recognition of their expertise, and a supportive environment that fosters their professional growth and success.