Welcome to Simpplr’s first-ever Influential Women in Employee Communication list!
March has been a crazy month for all but we can’t let it pass without recognizing International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 and is a day that recognizes women and their contributions to society. 2020’s theme was ‘I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights’ which celebrates achievements of women who have achieved and continuously progress the movement towards gender equality.
In an effort to celebrate women who are changing the world, we want to take this opportunity to recognize some of the smartest and hardest-working women in the communications field in honor of Women’s History Month in 2020. Simpplr wanted to recognize female leaders that not only communicate effectively across their team but across the broader organization.
Here are some of the disruptors in the employee communication field who are paving the way for the next generation of women leaders:
Jessica Nirk, Sr. Internal Communications Specialist | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Advice for women interested or entering Internal Communications?
“Bring your passion to what you do and don’t allow yourself to hold back. The more I talk to people, the more I appreciate the hard work, dedication and passion that they bring to the workplace. Learn from your failures as they are an opportunity to learn. And know what’s happening in the world – tie internal campaigns back to pop culture, timely news or entertainment to really drive your point across.”
Bekie Hogsed, Community Manager | Envestnet
How does Envestnet celebrate women everyday?
“We have the Women’s Initiative Network – WIN, which is a network that empowers women in the financial field. Not only do we work internally but we work in our community with college students in a mentorship program to guide young women entering the financial field. It’s important that we provide guidance in navigating and helping women succeed in a male dominant field.”
Chelsea Pyrzenski, Chief Human Resources Officer| HireRight
What are some employee engagement initiatives you have been a part of that you’re proud of?
“Every organization that I have been a part of has a women leadership group which allows a platform for women to network in the workplace that is majority male. At HireRight, a global organization, we have a global culture committee which recognizes the diversity we have across the board and how we’re giving back to the community. It’s a part of our Core 4 company values and each team ties right into the DNA of the organization.”
Madeline Des Jardins, Internal Communications Manager | HireRight
Advice for women interested or entering Internal Communications?
“Follow your gut. I’ve had many times in my career when I was discouraged from speaking my mind or following the path I thought was best, but I pushed through anyway and I’ve had great success. No one can tell you what you’re capable of – you decide that. In internal comms, we fight for the team and it’s your responsibility to speak up and use your experience to advocate for those who aren’t in the room. After you have been doing this for a while and leaders see the results, you will build trust within your organization and be given more and more room to grow and do more in your role.”
Stacey Keegan, Senior Director, Corporate Communications | Marvell
Where do you see the future of Internal Communication going for any organization?
“Internal Communications is absolutely critical for any organization. If done right, you are able to provide employees a sense of value and let them become advocates for your brand. It’s important to have someone advocate for you when you’re not in the room and that is what the role of IC entails. You have a lasting impact on the organization.”
