Get out of your comfort zone, build a supportive network, create mentorships, and celebrate your accomplishments. These words of wisdom were recently shared at a Commerce Department event honoring Women’s Equality Day, a national day celebrated every year on August 26 to commemorate the day women of America were first given the right to vote.

The event featured three diverse women who shared their career journeys, spoke about their challenges, and offered advice for other women in obtaining and maintaining a successful career in the Federal government.

With over 30 years of service, Allison Wise is a first-generation college graduate who worked and went to college at the same time. She never thought higher education was within her reach and that she truly belonged. Today, she is living her passion by creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and safe spaces where other women can feel comfortable in voicing their thoughts and perspectives. As the Deputy Director of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, she constantly advocates for women and change. She attributes much of her success to having mentorships and a strong network of both men and women.

“Follow your passion and build on where you want to go,” she said. “Sometimes where you start is not necessarily where you end. Be intentional in lifting others up, opening doors, and giving credit where credit is due.”

Laurie Monk, Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Human Capital Executive at the International Trade Administration, said that throughout her federal career, she could count on one hand the number of women senior executives who worked in her agency and, of the five, only one was African American. 

“That was the spark I needed to solidify the commitment to myself,” said Laurie. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be in a leadership role. I became a Senior Executive in 2020 and live to continue paying it forward.”

Laurie also stressed the need to advocate for yourself and build a network of other like-minded women.

“Many of us sit along the wall at a meeting,” she said. “Build your self-confidence, be front and center, and take a seat at the table.”

Working for the Bureau of Industry and Security for over 26 years, Karen H. Nies-Vogel, Director of the Office of Export Services, says she attributes her success to being mobile and open to change.

“One of the key advantages in my career path is that I have moved around so much and done so many different things that have taken me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “We are all a continuing work in progress.”

In response to one employee’s question on connecting with female mentors when working remotely, Laurie recommended that you work from home and still build a community of people to stay connected.

“Send an email to someone you think would be a good mentor,” she said. “Put yourself out there. There are so many people who are willing to support you. Use being remote as an opportunity.”

One common theme among all panelists was the need to believe in your successes and abilities and that one of the main challenges in their careers was overcoming the imposter syndrome.

“One of my biggest challenges in my career was self-doubt,” said Allison. “Go back and look at all I have accomplished and tell yourself you deserve to be here. Celebrate where you are today and always strive to be your authentic self.”

Last week’s panel discussion was hosted by the Commerce Department’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) in collaboration with the Federally Employed Women, Women of Commerce (FEW WOC) Chapter. The event is part of OCR’s “Inclusion is on US” campaign designed to encourage and promote diversity and an inclusive human relations climate in the workplace.

The Department of Commerce recognizes that America’s diversity has always been its greatest strength. We are committed to creating an economy that works for all Americans and a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible to every employee.

Please take time to read the Presidential Proclamation on Women’s Equality Day.