Workforce
Women’s Equality Day: A Conversation Across Generations, Identities and Cultures
8/26/2021
Samsung Electronics America is working to shape a better, more inclusive future for all, starting with our workplace. This Women’s Equality Day, our Women in Samsung Electronics (WISE) employee resource group, one of five ERGs within the organization, fostered a candid discussion around women’s equality across generations identities, and cultures.
Since 1971, Women’s Equality Day has taken place annually on August 26, and celebrates the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which provided women the right to vote. This was followed up in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act, further bridging the gap towards voting equality for ALL women.
This year, Samsung brought together four empowered female employees: Erica Mack, Field Sales Manager; Daniela Mercado, Senior Director, Mobile Media Marketing; Monica Jean Baptiste, Senior Manager, Sales Operations – Verizon; and Alana Gomez-Solis, Corporate Communications Intern to discuss how their individual experiences have shaped their perspective on equality.
Equality Starts Young
Monica kicked off the discussion by having each panelist break down what Women’s Equality Day means to them. In sharing her own personal story, she explained that her birthday and Women’s Equality Day fall on the same day – and starting from an early age, that’s compelled her to reflect on the immediate and important challenges women and girls face. In commenting on the significance of the holiday to both herself and her family, Daniela, who is Argentinian and fluent in both English and Spanish, added, “I hope to continue to light the torch. As a mother of a young lady, I continue to teach her to assert her fundamental rights on a daily basis.” Alana, our Generation Z panelist, shared that she greatly appreciated Daniela’s drive, as her parents have always supported her dreams of becoming a future female business leader.
Challenge Creates Change
Erica, who identifies as transgender, said, “That is what equality means to me. It is moving forward with a sense of mission for a future that includes everyone and advancing shared values for a better world.” Although society has undoubtedly made significant progress toward a better future, it has not been without challenge, and there remains a great deal of work to be done. She explained some of the obstacles she’s had to overcome and observations she’s made as a transgender woman, “I’ve always had an outgoing personality. But, based on my experience, extroversion has two different sets of standards. Women and men have to leverage completely distinct skillsets to get the same results.” Erica’s observation is in line with situations Daniela has encountered, and she shared how she continuously works to defy stereotypes to be viewed as a strong, respected female leader.