Empowering Women: A Conversation with Amber Hovious, VP of Marketing and Partnerships 

As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2024, a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality, we reflect on the progress made and the work that lies ahead. This year’s theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” highlights the importance of empowering women and recognizing their contributions in all facets of life.

In this blog post, we sat down with Amber Hovious, our VP of Marketing and Partnerships, to discuss her insights on women’s empowerment and her leadership role in the tech industry.

Why do you think investing in women and celebrating their achievements is crucial?

Investing in women is crucial because it not only benefits women themselves but also society as a whole. When women are empowered and given equal opportunities, they can contribute to economic growth, innovation, and social progress. By celebrating women’s achievements, we inspire others and break down stereotypes and barriers that hold women back.

What changes are needed to ensure equal representation of women in the tech industry?

To ensure equal representation of women in the tech industry, we need to address several key areas. First, we must encourage more girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education from a young age. This can be achieved through educational programs, many of which already exist, but can sometimes lack awareness and the mentorship needed to help them thrive.

Next, we need to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment where women feel valued and respected. This includes addressing unconscious bias, promoting work-life balance, and offering equal opportunities for advancement. It is tragic to have these young girls excel in STEM areas, only to lose them to a different field because of the barriers they face once they reach the workforce.

Finally, we need to ensure that women have access to leadership positions and are represented in decision-making roles. Studies have shown that diverse teams lead to better decision-making and improved business outcomes.

How can we break down barriers that hold women back in the workplace?

Breaking down barriers requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to address structural barriers such as unequal pay, lack of access to childcare, and inflexible working hours. Companies need to implement policies that promote gender equality, such as pay transparency and flexible working arrangements.

Too often, well-intentioned men aren’t even aware that they are guilty of sexism in the workplace. We need to challenge cultural and societal norms that perpetuate gender stereotypes and discrimination. This includes promoting positive role models, challenging unconscious bias, and educating people about gender equality.

Most importantly, we need to empower women to speak up and advocate for themselves. This includes providing them with the skills and confidence to negotiate for better pay and opportunities.

Who are your female role models that inspire you?

I have been inspired by many women throughout my career, but two that stand out are Jennifer Morgan and Brandi VanLoon. Jennifer Morgan’s journey from a business development role to CEO at SAP is truly inspiring. She has shown that with hard work, determination, and resilience, women can break through the glass ceiling.

Brandi VanLoon our VP of Corporate Affairs within Teamwork Commerce. She embodies the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness, and has been a source of inspiration and guidance for my own personal and professional growth.

What percentage of the Teamwork Commerce workforce is female?

Currently, our female workforce is 37%, which is higher than the industry average. I believe our female workforce percentage would be even higher if we had an equal distribution of male and female applicants. However, as we have discussed, the majority of applicants are male.

Despite this, we are proud of our commitment to gender diversity and inclusion and remain dedicated to increasing the representation of women in our organization. We also strive to encourage young girls to explore STEM fields, paving the way for future generations of women in tech.

Let’s Make a Difference

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. By investing in women, celebrating their achievements, and breaking down barriers, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

Let us continue to advocate for policies that promote gender equality, support initiatives that empower women, and challenge stereotypes and biases that hold women back.