Reflections and Advice from Women of EA

Reflections & Advice from Women of EA

Over the past four years, our Women of EA event series has celebrated the talents and achievements of the women within the EA community. The in-person and virtual panels and breakout sessions have been full of meaningful discussion and tangible takeaways.

Since our last in-person Women of EA event in January 2020, our society has changed. We’ve been faced with a global pandemic, forcing us to be nimble in our personal and professional lives. Our 2020 panelists spoke, among other topics, about the importance of finding one’s passion and work-life balance, points made even more poignant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In our third Women of EA event in May 2021, our virtual panel reflected on “networking in the new normal” and growing one’s career, even during times of uncertainty. As important as the solid advice given by the panelists was the sense of community, palpable even through Zoom.

Today, some of our past panelists share insights and advice on the continuing evolution of the workplace.

Ann Madara Kraftson ’85 P ’19 ’23

WHEN WE LAST HEARD FROM ANN IN MAY 2018, SHE ENCOURAGED US TO BRING POSITIVE, HIGH ENERGY TO ALL OF OUR PROJECTS, EVEN THE ONES WE DON’T LIKE AS MUCH.

Perspective on today: I still agree with that mindset. No one wants to work with someone who has a bad attitude. It’s always important for someone to tell you they want you on their team or project because of your willingness to complete the task at hand. You want to be the “go-to” team member.

On practicing self-care: I need to have those 30 to 60 minutes of time away from the computer to decompress [after work]. I love walking with my dogs or husband and getting fresh air.

A piece of advice: It’s always good to ask for additional checkins with your boss or direct report when you finish a project. Getting ahead of those “areas of development” will make your year-end review that much better. There should be no surprises, and your boss should appreciate you being proactive.

Caroline Waxler Levitt ’89

AMONGST OTHER PROJECTS, CAROLINE IS PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH A NEW CLIENT THAT IS FOCUSED ON FIGHTING POVERTY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

A piece of advice: Embrace where you are. This has been a weird time for everyone. Maybe you aren’t where you’d like to be, but there are many opportunities right where you are now that you may have overlooked.

On practicing self-care: I take extra time after putting my son to sleep so I can essentially hide out in his room and catch up on silly stories from the New York Post and the Daily Mail.

Silicia "Lo-Lo" Lomax ’14

LO-LO RECEIVED WORD THAT A PAPER SHE HAS BEEN WORKING ON ABOUT WAYS TO RESTRUCTURE OUR MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM WILL SOON BE PUBLISHED, AND SHE IS CELEBRATING A RECENT PROMOTION.

Perspective on today: I believe productivity levels have remained the same or higher in some places. Businesses are saving on a lot of other operational costs while people that are able to work remotely are continuing to produce similar outputs from pre-pandemic years. Some have argued more recently that it’s not as much of a productivity boom as researchers may have originally thought since many of the costs shifted directly to the employee, but the consensus still seems to be that productivity has at least remained the same.

A piece of advice: Your work is not the only thing that defines you. It’s great to have other hobbies and passions, but most importantly, it’s great to give yourself time to rest and relax.

Jacqueline Bailey-Ross Moriniere ’08

JACKIE RECENTLY LAUNCHED A CAREER COACHING BUSINESS, MORINIERE CONSULTING LLC. A GOAL OF THE NEW FIRM IS TO BRING WELLNESS INTO THE STRESSFUL JOB SEARCH PROCESS.

A piece of advice: Have a bias towards action, essentially being actionoriented rather than spending so much time trying to make a decision. Sometimes we have to learn by doing, and that can be scary.

On practicing self-care: I have to build it into my schedule or I never will find time. I have a subscription to Therabox, and when the box arrives, it’s my reminder to take time for myself.

Kimmy Gardner Reinking ’00

KIMMY RECENTLY JOINED BALYASNY ASSET MANAGEMENT AS HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES, AMERICAS. WHEN WE LAST HEARD FROM KIMMY IN MAY 2021, SHE SAID THAT COVID HAS ELONGATED THE INTERVIEW PROCESS AND THAT WOMEN SHOULD HAVE PATIENCE THROUGH THEIR SEARCH.

Perspective on today: It’s a candidate market in this Great Resignation. But, start the search for the right reasons. Don’t run away. While I’d update my recommendation to say don’t wait around for the long process with all the opportunities out there right now, through my own wait, I found an amazing new opportunity. You have to do what’s right for you!

A piece of advice: Be flexible and get comfortable with change. Two years ago, we started working from home and, for most of us, our lives changed drastically. Companies will now expect more in-person engagement as restrictions loosen. While we may have gotten comfortable in our homes, being in the office and around people is extremely productive for work and valuable. Keep an open mind about what that looks like!

On practicing self-care: I am a HUGE Peloton fan and user, so I make sure that I get some kind of run or strength work out in each day. It keeps me sane. I used to feel guilty taking that time, especially with kids, but it’s so important.