More than 480 team members at campus transaction and payment solutions provider, Transact, celebrated International Women’s Day today as the company reinforced its commitment to equality and inclusion. In a company-wide memorandum, CEO David Marr and VP of Human Resources, Jill Clark, called on team members to renew their commitment as One Transact.

“As One Transact, each of us plays a critical role in creating an environment where all team members can achieve their potential, without prejudice,” says David Marr, CEO. “Although today is a day we join the celebration of women's achievements and raise awareness about women's equality, doing our part to create and nurture an inclusive world is a priority for us every day.”

Transact encouraged team members to participate in this year’s conversation by wearing purple, green, and white -- the colors of International Women's Day -- signifying justice, dignity, hope, and purity. The company also invited team members to join the “Choose to Challenge” conversation on social media and posted advice from senior women leaders from within the organization.

To commemorate the day, a number of senior leaders of Transact shared thoughts on what it is like to be a woman in fintech, what International Women’s Day means to them, where they find their inspiration, and how they feel about progress toward woman’s equality. 

Transact leaders inspired by International Women's Day

“When I think of Choose to Challenge, I think of challenging ourselves to support women around us,” says Jill Clark, Transact Vice President of Human Resources. “I’m inspired by the women leaders in my network who are dynamic leaders in their organizations and find time for family and giving back in their community, as well. They are driven to make all they touch better.”

“My advice to my former professional self? If an opportunity is available, and you think you’re not ready, do it anyway,” says Maria Aguirre, Transact Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis. “You’ll learn more from the stretch than you imagine.”

“We still need greater awareness of opportunities for young women in STEM fields,” says Erica Bass, Transact Vice President of Product Management. “Getting girls interested in technology at an early age is key. Young girls need to see – and believe – it is possible to succeed in this arena.”

“There are many people who inspire me. My mom had a career in banking and also had the overwhelming majority of all the household responsibilities, but in her day, that was the price a woman often paid to have a career,” says Kelly Christiano, Transact Chief Marketing Officer. “I am also inspired by people like actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who now refuses to sign on to a project unless his female costar is paid the same.”

“My advice to my younger professional self would be to compromise less, respectfully vocalize opinions, and challenge those who present adversity,” says Transact Chief of Staff Laura Newell-McLaughlin. “I am inspired by many things, particularly the everyday acts of friends and colleagues who give their time to assist others.”

“The #ChooseToChallenge theme for International Women’s Day this year reminds me, ‘If you don't challenge yourself, you will never realize what you can become,’” says Senior Developer Sunitha Muthurajan. "From now on, let’s challenge ourselves to march steadfastly to reach our goals.  And most of all, let’s challenge ourselves to be brave and express our thoughts.”

“I’m really excited about the theme this year because it reminds us all that we are responsible for our own thoughts and actions,” says Senior Product Owner Eithne O’Grady. “It’s important to remind ourselves that change can only be implemented by a culture of willingness to embrace challenges and make a difference.”

“Women who inspire me are those who possess grit," says Rachael Sepcic, Transact Vice President. "They demonstrate perseverance and passion in all they do in all aspects of their life. And women who embrace confident calmness under stress – and particularly those women who exhibit mental, physical, and spiritual stamina and embrace taking charge."