International Women's Day

A MESSAGE FROM LUCY UPDIKE

In honor of International Women's Day, I'd like to talk about how my mom, Vicki Updike, raised me.

When you're Vicki Updike's daughter, a few things are bound to happen.

1. You grow. Being 6'1", I suppose you could take that in a literal sense. After all, she did buy a TON of Flintstone vitamins and milk when you were little. However, you could take that in a lot of other different directions, too. There have always been big shoes for you to fill. Rather daunting, but here's the deal, she guided you to grow into the shoes that you were made for. Key words: made for. She gave you every opportunity she possibly could, and you ran with it. Your combat boots and comfy nursing shoes look a lot different than her business casual shoes, but they're big nonetheless, and they fit just right.

2. You find your voice. You've watched her share her voice on so many different platforms both professionally and personally throughout your life. If there was even an inch of room to advocate for herself, my older brother and I, or any causes that she cared about, you're darn right she'd be the first person to speak up. She allowed you to do the same. She listened to you when you needed someone to comprehend the incomprehensible. She listened to your first words, and now she's listening to you speak formulations of words that are moving mountains. That doesn't happen by chance, that's what happens when you're raised by Vicki Updike.

In conclusion, raise your girls and raise them strong. Love your girls and love them big. The rest will fall into place.

CELEBRATING WOMEN & THEIR STORIES

“The most inspiring women I know are those brave enough to show up as their most authentic selves. They embrace their contradictions - they are fierce and gentle, tough and kind, ambitious and philanthropic. They have the audacity to be themselves in a world constantly trying to tell them to be like somebody else. I’m so grateful for these women. They taught me that there is nothing more powerful than knowing who you are and nothing more freeing than having the courage to show up fully in that space.” - Theresa Brockman

“Channeling the wisdom of the legendary Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who once quipped, "I'm sometimes asked when will there be enough women on the Supreme Court? And I say when there are nine, people are shocked. But there'd been nine men, and nobody's ever raised a question about that.

This bold statement underlines precisely why we need to lift more women up. When the idea of women taking the lead is met with surprise, while the notion of men dominating a space is accepted without hesitation, it exposes the hurdles we still face. It's not just about viewing fellow women as allies; it's about recognizing that there's room for all of us at the summit. Let's break barriers, pull up our sisters, and generously share the wisdom we've acquired along the way. It's a collective journey to the top, and there's space for everyone.” - Rayna Rokicki

“Lifting up women is essential. By empowering and supporting each other, we contribute to a more inclusive and equal world. When women uplift one another, it not only amplifies individual strengths but collectively creates a stronger, more resilient world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

 Everyday I have the privilege to see what great power comes when women uplift one another. Through the great work of Women in Technology Wisconsin, our network of volunteers help attract, grow and retain girls and women into technology opportunities. Everyday I see women helping women; elevating and recommending women to speak at the next conference, encouraging them to consider a board position, or volunteering at an elementary school career day to show what it looks like to be a women leader in the technology industry. Everyday I see what great strength there is when people elevate one another - we become more united, stronger, inclusive and allied. Our entire society strengthens when women elevate women.” - Natalie Nelson

“I helped our new director of sales operations. She recently was promoted and she changed her signature line title and had misspelled the word experience. I reached out to her admin and just said hey have her fix her title. I just wanted to save her the ugh, moment of someone else pointing it out – us admins are already looking for those grammar/spelling errors. LOL! Being able to lift each other up whether it’s at work or outside of work is necessary as we continue to break the glass ceilings.” - Michelle Guth

“Throughout my career, I have had many women in my reciprocal circle of support – they’ve been allies, advocates, mentors, and friends. Together we’ve opened doors, removed barriers, and celebrated successes. This tribe of champions actively seeks opportunities to lift others up, which inspires more of the same.” - Kelly Norton

I was fortunate to grow up with a twin sister by my side, where I learned first-hand the power of sisterhood.  There was a cartoon we used to mimic to generate special super powers – “wonder twin power, activate!” Of course, it was only later in life that I realized that this super power is real, and  we truly can become stronger with the support of those around us. Today, I’m grateful for the tremendous strength generated from the positive energy shared by the women (and men) in my life and career. I’ve also learned that the more I focus on lifting others, the stronger I become.  On International Women’s Day, lets activate our power to grow, learn, thrive and dare to dream TOGETHER. - Renee Torzala

“On Oct. 19th 2023 I was notified I would be laid off from my position at UWO on January 19th due to a restructuring of the university. I was shocked and hurt, I did not expect this. I loved my job, my team and my university.

Very soon after learning this news, I had an important conversation with Vicki Updike. She expressed her sympathy and also pointed out I had an unique opportunity here. Instead of racing into a job hunt I could deliberately take a couple months to figure out what I wanted in a career and life. BEST ADVICE EVER!

I took the next couple months to meet with anyone in my network I admired who was willing to talk with me. And let me say I was fortunate to have many willing to share their time with me. I wish I could list you all here but the list would go on for a very long time. Regardless, I think you all know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Long story short, I am on an exciting journey of entrepreneurship I would have never imagined. I am so excited and the possibilities really seem Limitless! It's scary sometimes but mostly it's exciting and I believe I am truly on the right path for me.” - Carrie Rule

Quotes that keep us MOTIVATED

We reached out to some incredible women and asked them to share the quotes that keep them inspired and motivated. Their responses were a powerful testament to the diverse sources of inspiration that fuel their journeys.

"All big things come from small beginnings.  The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision.  But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger.  Roots entrench themselves and branches grow.  The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us.  And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time." -James Clear

Andrea Van Dyn Hoven

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

- Pablo Picasso

Jamie’s Story:

As an artist at heart (literally and figuratively), who requires a muse even in my professional life, I find the most joy surrounded by smart women (and men).

I have learned from happiness planning—Ikigai—what it takes for ME to be successful and a baseline to navigate the blockers and goals, biases and be bold about sharing it with others in a nemawashi process. 

While probably not entirely unique to others in the business world, allowing myself the freedom to explore true happiness and execute it in the way I am most comfortable has been extremely rewarding. 

My journey to fearless self-expansion is underway.

Ikigai (生き甲斐, lit. 'a reason for being') is a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living.

Nemawashi (根回し) is a Japanese business informal process of quietly laying the foundation for some proposed change or project by talking to the people concerned and gathering support and feedback before a formal announcement. 

Jamie Popp

Save the date

We celebrate you on International Women's Day! As we honor the incredible contributions and achievements of women everywhere, we also want to remind you to mark your calendars for the upcoming Women's Leadership Conference on October 1 & 2, 2024. Save the date for this incredible event, where we'll come together to network, learn, and be inspired. We can't wait to see you there!