Throughout history, women have made remarkable contributions to society—from Amelia Earhart breaking barriers in aviation to Maya Angelou inspiring change with her powerful words. In every field, from science and politics to culture and arts, women have driven change. At McGohan Brabender, the women on our team are no exception—making their own impact every day through leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked a few of our women leaders to share their experiences, reflect on the progress made in our industry, and offer insights on what it takes to lead with purpose.
Leadership Lessons: Moments That Shaped Their Careers
For many women in leadership, there have been defining moments in their careers that have shaped their approach to guiding and supporting others.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your leadership style?
“I remember specifically being a young professional with a family, working long hours and watching and learning from those around me. There was one week where my daycare had sent home my son with a fever, my husband’s work was also busy, and we didn’t have family around to help with childcare. I was, as they say, burning the candle at both ends. I had someone notice that I seemed a little off and offered to help me with my load. This was a manager who had plenty of their own work and wasn’t required to step in, but they did so anyway.”
Suzanne Meek, Vice President of Human Resources
” A defining moment in my career that truly shaped my leadership style was the incredible mentorship I received from Rachel Ribe’, my first boss and the first VP at the bank where I worked. Rachel was a trailblazer, and her guidance was nothing short of inspirational. She taught me that nothing is impossible and that women can be strong leaders with kind hearts. Rachel showed me that we don’t need to compromise who we are to be great leaders. Her wisdom and encouragement have been a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy, empowering me to lead with both strength and compassion.”
Abby Holcomb, Executive Vice President of Key Accounts
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had several strong female role models throughout my career. These women taught me invaluable leadership lessons through their actions. One of the most important lessons I learned is that a true leader is always there to support and mentor others. Another powerful lesson was the importance of having the backs of those around you — because, at the end of the day, we’re all part of a team. Finally, I learned the significance of treating others the way you would want to be treated. These simple yet impactful qualities, in my experience, reflect a unique and powerful approach to leadership that women often bring.”
Overcoming Challenges in the Industry
Challenges don’t stop at McGohan Brabender’s doors. Balancing a career, personal responsibilities, and the stress of everyday life can be difficult for any professional. For women in leadership, these dynamics add another layer toward breaking barriers and driving change in the industry.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman in leadership? How did you overcome them?
Tina Werts, Executive Vice President of Strategic Accounts
“I have faced many challenges in life, losses. I believe life is precious. People are different. Love is the answer that will conquer all. Whether it is through showing grace by allowing people to make mistakes, overcoming a tough client situation or walking through a tough home situation with a fellow coworker, I do believe showing love will get people through.”
Liz Schneider, Executive Vice President of Emerging Markets
“Balancing raising a young family and having a career has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I am extremely fortunate to have a supportive spouse, but he also has a demanding career of his own. It is a constant juggling act, one that I am unsure we will ever master.
However, I have found that embracing this challenge has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. As opportunities have presented themselves to be involved in making decisions that impact our entire workforce, I have used my platform to advocate for fellow women within MB who are balancing family life and careers. On more than one occasion, I have received feedback from other leaders at the decision-making table who appreciated my perspective, as it helped put specific situations into context.”
The Changing Landscape for Women in Business
The workplace has evolved significantly over the years. Twenty years ago, women held fewer than 10% of leadership positions across major industries. Today, that number has more than doubled, with women making up over 20% of senior leadership roles in corporate settings, but progress didn’t happen overnight. The shift toward more inclusive leadership, better policies, and a focus on work-life balance has been an on-going movement that still needs action today.
How has the landscape for women in your industry changed since you started your career?
Carolyn Filson, Director of Client Services Operations
“Over the past 30 years, I have witnessed significant changes in the landscape for women in our industry. When I first started my career, the challenges facing women in the workplace were substantial. There was a lack of female representation in leadership roles, and the concept of work-life balance was often overlooked. Today, I am encouraged to see the progress we have made. More women are occupying leadership positions and having a seat at the table where critical decisions are made.
Moreover, the conversation around work-life balance has evolved significantly. There is now a broader understanding that supporting employees’ personal lives is a necessity for sustained productivity and job satisfaction. Flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and wellness programs have become more prevalent, allowing women to better manage their careers and personal responsibilities. While there is still work to be done, I am proud of the strides we have made in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in our industry.”
Suzanne Meek, Vice President of Human Resources
“When I first started my career, the women in leadership roles were often the only women in the room. It was a challenging landscape, but they paved the way for the rest of us. Fast forward to today, and the scene at MB is wonderfully different. Now, we have a workplace where men and women collaborate as equals, building a culture that values diverse perspectives and strengths. The progress is exciting, and we’re just getting started.”
Beth Ferrin, President
“I clearly remember thinking that I wanted to be a leader who was helpful, approachable, caring and provided a calm presence for people to lead them through the good times and help them in the tough times. In times of stress and strife, there are leaders that provide encouragement and support to those around them and those who don’t. We all get “busy”, but when we can look past ourselves to notice (and extend it) when someone else needs a hand, that is the type of leader I strive to be.”
Looking Ahead
At McGohan Brabender, we celebrate the women who have paved the way and those who continue to drive change today. From advocating for more inclusive workplaces to mentoring future leaders, their impact is undeniable. As we recognize Women’s History Month, we remain committed to creating an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to lead, inspire, and continue to break barriers.