Showing up on International Women’s Day.

Taking a line from what might be my most favorite show/experience/album/financial investment ever, Hamilton’s Schuyler sisters said it best, “Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now!”

Yesterday, we saw powerful stands for women everywhere – solidarity through clothing choices, marches and most famously, standing in front of the iconic Bull on Wall Street.

We truly are lucky to be alive during such a monumental time in our country’s history. History is definitely happening right now, and it’s exciting to witness. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, it’s empowering to see women fighting –  and gaining ground – on issues that have long been debated by men, especially when it comes to equality in the workforce.

I’m proud to say I work for a company that doesn’t ignore the value, talent and perspectives of the women in our office. We have each brought something different and vital to the table that the team didn’t have before.

Especially in the digital and consulting worlds, it’s hard to come across women in positions of power. For several years, I worked in an environment where my managing directors were 90% male.* But without the women I worked with over those years, I would not have developed the skills I have and the level of confidence in myself that I needed to be a trusted colleague for many in the organization. They were crucial to my development both professionally and personally and I could not be more thankful to have had the honor of working with them.

Avionos is building a team that gets women a seat at the table to serve as voices of influence and leadership. The women I work with have also taught me a lot, even in the short time I’ve been here. Each one has encouraged me to be confident in myself, in my abilities, and in my right to be here. I hope to support each one of them the same way as we grow together.

As women, let’s claim these seats with pride and SHOW UP to continue influencing those around us and empowering the women we work with. Know your value, don’t let others’ opinions or the need for recognition validate you. You deserve that seat you have. So sit down and speak up to change the path for you and for the women who will follow us.

*Not statistically validated, but it sure felt like 90%.