QUESTION - First, please introduce yourself by sharing an anecdote or an experience, personal or professional, that has made you who you are today.
More than anything, becoming a mom has fundamentally changed how I approach work and life. I have always been a self-professed perfectionist and workaholic and becoming a mother of two young kids I quickly learned that I couldn’t do it all. My time and energy are limited, and striking the right balance is a daily struggle. Thankfully, Trowbridge has been a great support for me on this journey. I feel empowered to do my job to the best of my ability, while also having the flexibility to be the mom I need to be. I will always be an advocate for parents and caregivers in the workplace – I have felt that support and will continue to support others struggling with finding that balance.
QUESTION - What does March 8th mean for you?
To me, March 8 is a day to remember and call out the unique challenges that women have faced and continue to face every day. Despite the steps forward over the years, women are still fighting for autonomy and a seat at the table. We have a unique perspective and need to be (and FEEL) heard. Many women have had to overcome a lot to get to where they are, and many are still facing barriers to getting where they want to be. As a society, there is a lot of work to be done toward making women feel as valued and welcome as they should be.
QUESTION - What advice or words of wisdom would you give young women who would like to learn from your career and follow in your footsteps?
A key piece of advice I received early in my career was to never underestimate your power and your worth. Many women feel small and unsure when they are starting their careers. To this day I am still working on “unlearning” that impostor syndrome that so often creeps in. It is so important to remember that you can do great things and make great contributions to any team, so long as you can stand in your power and speak up. Your voice and ideas matter.
I am also a big believer in mentorship – I would definitely recommend identifying a mentor that can help guide and cheer you on through your journey. Your mentor should be someone aspirational, whether you aspire to their role or their journey, or the way they carry and conduct themselves. It doesn’t need to be formal, it’s just important that women have a safe space to grow and ask for guidance, from people that truly want the best for them.
QUESTION - Tell us about your Role and Service Line at Trowbridge Professional Corporation.
I am a Director with Trowbridge’s Global Mobility Tax Services group. We have an absolutely fantastic team. Our focus is on helping employers and employees stay compliant from a tax perspective while moving between countries, whether it’s an employment assignment, business travel, or a self-directed move. There is a lot to consider when moving people around and it can get very complex very quickly. I and my team help to make the process easier by explaining the rules, assisting with payroll, estimating tax costs, and walking the employee through their transition. I always keep in mind that moving countries is stressful – employees are often uprooting their family and their home. They have a lot to take care of and if I can help take that tax piece off of their mind I know I’ve done my job.