35
35
Megan Beck UI/UX Designer - CoSchedule/ Girl Develop It Fargo
Q: Statistics show a lack of women
in your field. How and why would you encourage women to consider your industry as a career path? A: "The technology industry is a field with endless possibilities. It can be challenging, rewarding and inspiring. And yet, women hold only 26 percent of computing-related occupations. We need to do a better job of exposing women to careers in technology, encouraging them to enter the field, and ridding the industry of the 'male-only' stigma its held for decades. As a co-leader of Girl Develop It Fargo, we aim to do this by teaching women software development through in-person courses and creating a network of empowered women in the community." 35 32 | MARCH 2016 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
Elise Siverson Tax Manager - Eide Bailly LLP Q: As a tax manager, this is a
busy season for you. Why is it important to step away from your professional role to focus on leadership development? A: "Leadership does not come naturally for me. I spent a lot of my life as a painfully shy person. As an adolescent, I would never have imagined myself in a leadership role; I was very comfortable as a wallflower. It’s important in my current position to be an impactful leader and I’m lucky that my employer wholeheartedly supports professional development. 35 Under 35 offers a unique opportunity to not only develop my leadership style but to do so with remarkable women. Although it is a bit more of a challenge juggling this commitment during my busiest season, I know the sacrifice will be well worth the reward."
Stephanie Schroeder Communications Director Discovery Benefits
Q: Discovery Benefits is known for
its positive company culture. Why is philanthropy important when it comes to creating a positive culture for your employees? A: "We have a 'work hard, play hard' culture at Discovery Benefits, but we firmly believe that culture is more than just having fun. It’s about instilling your core values in everything you do, which for us means embodying the values of leadership, open communication, continuous learning, integrity and teamwork. Volunteering together helps us stay true to all of these values but especially teamwork. There’s no better way to come together as a team than when you’re working in support of a cause you care about and are having fun while doing it." 35