Celebrating Women's History Month
Women’s History Month is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and in our daily lives. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the work still ahead, and celebrate the voices that continue to inspire change. As part of this reflection, Q2 team members shared their thoughts on what this month means to them and how the stories of women have shaped their journeys.
BROOKE AMES
Head of Marketing
If you were curating the ultimate Women's History Month playlist, what's one song that has to be on it?
Follow Your Arrow by Kasey Musgraves is such a good reminder to be who you are and leave the drama behind!
Who has been the most influential woman in your life—whether a historical figure, mentor, or loved one—and how has she shaped who you are today?
My grandmother is still alive today and continues to set an example for my daughter of what being a good human and strong woman looks like. Her father passed away when she was a baby, and she had to grow up at a very young age and didn't have a lot. She has never complained about how much money she doesn't have or the things she doesn't have – she worked hard to build a great family and set an example for my mother and myself. That perseverance, strength, and love is something that I hope to continue to pass down.
What's the best advice for a woman looking to step into leadership and grow in her career?
When you get the opportunity to dip your toe in, don't let that intimidate you – someone is looking out for you and giving you the opportunity to have a seat at the table and have a say. Your opinion is valued – and how you present it is key. Stay humble, continue to ask questions, and get stronger where you have strengths rather than focus on your weaknesses. And look out for those cheerleaders, men and women, who have your back – they're there!
EKTA GOYAL
Lead Software Engineer
Who has been the most influential woman in your life—whether a historical figure, mentor, or loved one—and how has she shaped who you are today?
The most influential woman in my life is *me* - not out of pride, but out of self-love, as I have learned to love, respect and inspire myself first through my own actions. Our choices shape us; when we do good, we feel joy; when we struggle, we feel it deeply. Ultimately, we influence ourselves first, and self-love strengthens us. I owe this lesson to my mother. She is the strongest and wisest woman I know. She takes care of herself by practicing yoga daily to stay healthy, just like I make time for my well-being through exercise, Zumba, or long walks. I have learned to speak my mind, share my feelings, and always prioritize self-respect. Her strength has shaped me into who I am today, and I carry her lessons with me always.
If you could go back in time, what's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self about confidence, career, or life?
If I could go back in time, one piece of advice I'd give my younger self is this: Don't just study—learn about life and yourself. I always focused on academics, believing success was all about achievements. My mom taught me self-love and resilience, but some lessons take time to truly understand. I'd tell my younger self that life is more than just books—it's about experiences, passions, and discovering who you truly are. Confidence comes from within, not from external validation. Pay attention to red flags. Don't be an emotional fool if something doesn't feel right. Trust your instincts and move forward. Talk to friends and family, let your emotions out, and don't carry burdens alone. Take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace opportunities - growth happens when you challenge yourself. Even if you hit rock bottom, remember it's not the end. You have the strength to rise again, learn from your struggles, and come back stronger.
At the heart of it all, success isn't just about what you achieve; it's about knowing yourself, finding what makes you happy, and truly living.
If you had to capture the essence of womanhood in just three words, what would they be?
Resilience, self-love, independence. A woman's strength is in rising after every challenge, valuing herself, and living life on her own terms. It's not about fighting with everyone; it's about staying true to yourself and making your emotions and needs heard.
What does "Leveling Up" mean to you when it comes to personal growth, leadership, or breaking barriers?
"Leveling up" means stepping out of your comfort zone, facing challenges, and becoming a better version of yourself. It's about making bold choices, staying true to your values, and not letting fear hold you back. Mistakes will happen, and you might face unexpected situations, but don't run from them—learn, admit, and grow. Whether it's personal growth, leadership, or breaking barriers, leveling up is about becoming stronger, wiser, and more confident with each step forward.
CHRISTINE GOLDEN
Director, GTM Strategies and Programs
Can you share a defining moment in your career that changed the way you lead or shaped your path forward?
Early in my career, I made the mistake of not speaking up about what I wanted next professionally. As a result, others made that decision for me, and it wasn't aligned with my goals at the time. That experience taught me a valuable lesson—it was the first and last time I allowed others to dictate my career path.
Since then, I've been very intentional and vocal about what I want to achieve, the areas I want to explore, and what doesn't align with my career journey. I believe it's crucial for everyone to feel empowered to have these conversations with their leaders—not just waiting for annual review periods.
These discussions should be ongoing, allowing you and your leader to identify opportunities supporting your career goals and have honest conversations about the development needed to reach the next level or your dream role.
Who has been the most influential woman in your life—whether a historical figure, mentor, or loved one—and how has she shaped who you are today?
I need to break the mold a bit to answer this question. My father, who immigrated to the United States, has been one of the most influential figures in my life. He was relentless in encouraging my sister and me to be independent and hardworking women – so much so that it sometimes drove us crazy. He insisted we receive a good education, secure well-paying jobs, and always be able to financially support ourselves. I am incredibly grateful that he defied the cultural norms he grew up with, recognizing that he wanted more for his two daughters and that he raised us to be strong, independent women from the start. Now, as a parent myself, the sacrifices he made and the lessons he taught us resonate in a whole new way, and I am deeply grateful for them.
How do you actively support and uplift other women in your workplace or community, and what impact have you seen from that?
As a breast cancer survivor, I am grateful to be here today, healthy and cancer-free, thanks to the power and importance of early detection screenings. Since my diagnosis and treatment, I've become a passionate advocate for women's health, empowering women to take charge of their health based on their risk factors and family history.
I also share my story to connect with others who are going through a similar journey. A cancer diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating and frightening, to say the least. I want others to know they are not alone and that there is someone they can connect with to share their experience.
This past year, I have been honored to serve on the Executive Leadership Committee for the Central Texas Susan G. Komen Big Pink Gala. The event raises critical funds to support Susan G. Komen's incredible mission of educating women in our community, providing financial assistance to those undergoing treatment, and, ultimately, working toward the goal of ending breast cancer disease.
MARIA CYR
Principal Strategic HR Business Partner
Do you have a favorite book, film, or song that highlights the strength and contributions of women in history?
Legally Blonde is one of my favorite films because it highlights the strength of women through Elle Woods' journey. Her determination to prove her capabilities in a male-dominated environment challenges preconceived notions of femininity and intelligence. Elle's success, achieved on her own terms, sends a powerful message about breaking barriers and redefining what strength looks like. Her story reminds us that strength can take many forms—whether through kindness, resilience, or the courage to stay true to oneself.
If you had to capture the essence of womanhood in just three words, what would they be?
Grace, intuition, and sass. Grace embodies the ability to handle challenges with poise and resilience. Intuition reflects the deep insight and understanding that so many women bring to their personal and professional lives. Sass is that spark—confidence, wit, and the ability to speak up and challenge the status quo when necessary.
What habits, skills, or strategies have helped you "level up" and reach new heights in your career?
Maintaining a learner's mindset is one of the most valuable habits I've developed. I approach every day and every situation as an opportunity to grow, even when I'm considered the "expert" in the room. There's always something new to discover or a different perspective to consider.
I've also learned the importance of being open-minded about career opportunities. My career path hasn't been linear—I've "zigzagged" across multiple functions and taken on roles that didn't always make sense on paper. Yet, those experiences have been the most enriching, and I draw on those lessons in my current role more than anything else.
Finally, I've become comfortable with not always having the answers. It's okay not to know everything. What's more important is taking the initiative to figure things out, ask questions, and embrace the process of learning along the way. This mindset has not only helped me grow but has also built my confidence in navigating unfamiliar territory.