Woman at Work (W@W) is one of our Employee Resource Groups, dedicated to promoting equality in the workplace by building a supportive community for women and allies to network, grow and develop.
Founded over 10 years ago, under the name Women in Technology, the group started as a small group of women getting lunch with the goal of building a network for female technologists. It has now grown into an inclusive community with nearly 900 members, open to anyone at Vista and Cimpress, not just women and technologists. As a part of this growth, W@W rebranded to the name it is today to better align with its intentions to create an inclusive and open environment and to support all women and allies.
W@W is united by a passion to advance the lives and careers of women at our company. With the help of committee volunteers, W@W hosts a wide range of events and initiatives that promote enrichment, advocacy and outreach. One such initiative has been to feature and share stories from our fantastic team members every week on Women Wednesdays. By sharing their experiences, they continuously champion and inspire other women in the workplace. We’ve highlighted a few below for you to explore and enjoy and you can find more on our Medium Blog!
Name: Risa Jonas
Role: Principal Product Manager: Website Pricing & Promotions, Product Catalog
Tenure: 15 years
Can you discuss a time when you had to take a risk in your career?
About 5 years into my career, my role as a Product Owner was moving into another organization. It looked like I was going to be “out of a job” so I took a risk to see what new opportunities were available around me. I spoke to some leaders and landed a role as a Product Owner on a team that was starting to overhaul the NPI (New Product Introduction) process at VistaPrint. My new manager and I got to hire and build out a team and redefine how we work. I learned so much about how to be creative and find solutions by working together as a team during those 2 years.
Can you share a goal or aspiration you have for your career?
I love being a Product Manager and an individual contributor. I love solving customer problems with my team and seeing those solutions get into the hands of our users. My aspiration is to establish a career path for other team members like me by showing how to be a subject matter expert and solving complex problems.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the women’s employee resource group?
The Women at Work (W@W) employee resource group is my support group! I’ve met wonderful supportive women through this ERG and am proud to be one of the chairs to keep giving back to the community. You get to meet other women who you may not have ever had the chance to meet or cross paths by being part of the ERG or the W@W leadership program.
Name: Wafa Gharbi
Position: Senior Data Engineer, Business Performance Manufacturing
Tenure: 7 years
Can you tell us about your role at the company and what you enjoy most about it?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my position is the opportunity to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data we provide. By consistently delivering reliable and precise data, I contribute to the foundation upon which teams across the organization base their critical decisions. The significance of the products I work on goes beyond just providing data; they serve as vital tools that empower various teams to make informed and strategic decisions. Whether it’s marketing, sales, or product development, the data products play a crucial role in shaping the direction and success of our initiatives.
Can you share a proud moment or accomplishment from your career?
One of my proudest moments in my career was when I completed my studies while concurrently working as a support engineer. At that time, I consistently aspired to transition into the role of a Data Engineer, envisioning a career aligned with my passion and skill set. Despite the dual responsibilities of finishing my studies and excelling in my support engineer role, I successfully managed to make this transition.
Can you share a piece of advice that has significantly impacted your career?
One valuable piece of advice that has significantly influenced my career is the belief that it’s never too late to learn. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning has been instrumental in my professional journey. The realization that acquiring new skills and knowledge is a lifelong process has empowered me to navigate career transitions, such as moving from a support engineer to a data engineer while completing my studies.
Name: Andreia Kumpera
Position: Director of Engineering, Logo & Brand
Tenure: 4 years
How do you advocate for yourself and your ideas in the workplace?
In advocating for myself and my ideas at work, I embrace what I call my “crazy mode.” This isn’t about recklessness; rather, it’s about overcoming the fear of failure that stifles innovation and action. I firmly believe in taking the initiative and leading by example, operating under the principle that it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. This approach allows me to push boundaries and implement ideas that I am convinced will make a difference, even in the face of uncertainty.
How do you advocate for diversity and inclusion in your workplace?
My advocacy for diversity and inclusion is deeply informed by my recognition of the diverse ways people approach problems, situations, and growth. I am committed to fostering an environment where this diversity of thought and operation is not only respected but seen as a fundamental asset. By prioritizing talent evaluation based on merit and potential, I ensure everyone is given a fair opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their background. I actively cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates these differences, empowering every employee to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. This approach reinforces my belief that understanding and leveraging individual characteristics are key to thriving. In doing so, I aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and embraces diversity as a strength that enhances our collective success and innovation.
What initiatives or projects are you currently working on that you’re excited about?
I am currently part of the Logo and Brand domain leadership, focusing on assisting small businesses in creating their brands and achieving success. This area is particularly exciting because of its potential to impact many lives positively. I believe small businesses play a crucial role in the local economy, so supporting their success also contributes to job creation, ultimately helping individuals provide for their families and improve their lives.
Name: Manisha Basra
Position: Senior Software Engineer, Design Systems
Tenure: 2.5 years
How do you stay motivated and productive at work?
I’ve found that setting small goals and breaking down big tasks into manageable steps really does the trick. It’s incredible how hitting those mini-milestones keeps me energized and ready to tackle the next challenge. And you know what? Celebrating those small wins along the way is so important – it’s a great way to acknowledge progress and keep that motivation going strong. But it’s not just about the tasks at hand; the environment we work in plays a huge role too. I’ve been lucky to be part of a positive and supportive team. It’s like a breath of fresh air that keeps me inspired and motivated every day. Of course, I also make sure to prioritize self-care. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks to recharge are non-negotiables for me.
How do you foster mentorship and professional development opportunities for others?
In helping others grow in their careers, I like to lead by example and give back. As someone who creates content on LinkedIn and writes blogs on Medium, I use these platforms to share what I’ve learned and offer advice to others. When it comes to mentorship, I’m always willing to help out junior colleagues or anyone looking for guidance.I encourage folks to help each other out as we all have something valuable to share!
Name: Nihed Abderrahmane
Position: Senior Product Manager, Vista Corporate Solutions
Tenure: 8 years
Can you share a valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
The importance of trusting my gut instinct when making decisions, but with the caveat of backing up my intuition with solid data and context. While intuition can be a powerful tool, it’s essential to support it with rational analysis to ensure that decisions are well-informed and grounded in reality. This approach has helped me navigate complex situations with confidence and clarity, striking a balance between intuition and logic in decision-making processes.
Can you share a story about a time when you had to overcome imposter syndrome?
When I first stepped into the role of a Product Manager, I felt the weight of imposter syndrome as I transitioned from being the go-to person in my previous role to adapting to new challenges and responsibilities. Doubts crept in: Do I have what it takes? Can I truly contribute? Opening up to my manager at the time about these thoughts, I was reassured to learn that many leaders have experienced the same syndrome. Her belief in me was pivotal; she hired me for a reason, she said, affirming how I possessed the qualities needed to excel in the role which gave me the boost I needed to strive for excellence. Also, being part of a supportive and healthy work environment with my team helped me break free from self-doubt.
How do you stay resilient in the face of challenges or setbacks?
As a Product Manager, staying resilient amidst challenges is deeply personal to me. It’s about holding onto the passion and belief in the work my team is doing, even when things get tough. When setbacks arise—almost always!—I remind myself of the bigger picture and the impact the work we’re doing will have on our customers and the business. I try to approach challenges with a growth mindset, seeing them as opportunities to learn and improve rather than as obstacles.
Name: Sandra Carrasco Tierno
Position: Product Analytics Manager, DIY Design
Tenure: 5 years
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter your industry?
To all the aspiring women out there looking to enter any technology field, I have a simple message: embrace the journey. It might feel overwhelming at times, but remember, you’re not alone. Seek out mentors, allies, and a supportive community who will stand by you every step of the way. While other women can offer invaluable insights, don’t limit yourself to just one gender or identity. Surround yourself with inspiring individuals, regardless of their background or identity. You’ll recognize them by the way they uplift and empower you.
How do you handle setbacks or failures in your career?
Of course, no career is without its setbacks and failures. But it’s how we handle those moments that truly defines us. When faced with adversity, I try to take a moment to regroup, reassess, and then forge ahead with renewed determination. I try to seek guidance from mentors and colleagues, and ask for help when I need it. I recently learned a tough lesson. Life gives us unexpected moments, good ones but also really bad ones, and there’s nothing we can do to avoid the latter. In those trying times, certain skills prove invaluable. Adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth are key. Embrace the highs and lows alike, knowing that each challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
What steps do you take to continue learning and growing professionally?
Speaking of learning and growth, that’s something I’m very passionate about! In our ever-evolving industry, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and developments. Whether it’s attending conferences, taking online courses, or simply networking with peers, never stop invaesting in yourself and your skills. We are very lucky in Vista, the access to LinkedIn Learning and the O’Reilly library is a tremendous asset, enabling us to enhance our skills without financial constraints! We also have available support from our managers, wherever we identify a gap in our knowledge that can be covered by course or training we can just be open and ask our manager for support.
