This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” celebrates the power of generosity, shared support, and thoughtful reflection. It reminds us that when individuals, organizations, and communities invest in advancing women, we create stronger opportunities, wider access, and more inclusive environments for everyone.
Giving isn’t about losing—it’s about creating more impact. By sharing knowledge, resources, visibility, advocacy, education, mentorship, time, or funding, we open doors for women to grow and succeed. When women thrive, our workplaces, communities, and society thrive with them.
Together, these contributions help build a more connected, supportive, and equitable world.
We asked our community of women to reflect on their experiences and the ways the values of #GivetoGain shows up in their lives and work. Specifically, we invited them to share:
-
What’s one specific time another woman at Tatari supported or advocated for you in a way that made a real difference?
-
How will you “give” that same kind of support to other women in your industry this year?
-
What does this look like in practice? Share one specific action or example.
These questions highlight the meaningful ways women at Tatari support each other, embody inclusion, and create positive impact both inside and outside the workplace.
Iryna Kaplia, Programmatic Media Manager:
-
During my first few months at Tatari, a colleague and I made a mistake that had meaningful consequences. At the time, I was under significant stress, while she was in a stronger position to navigate the situation. She approached the mistake as a learning opportunity and, more importantly, showed genuine support. She chose to take responsibility and address the situation directly, without singling me out or creating any sense of obligation. Her quiet advocacy made a lasting impact. It gave me the space to regain confidence, learn from the experience, and continue growing in my role. Just as importantly, her calm accountability and integrity set a powerful example that helped me become more comfortable owning my own mistakes and learning from them.
-
That experience reshaped my understanding of what meaningful support looks like. To me, real support is often selfless and it means showing up even when it may be inconvenient or go unrecognized, and recognizing when someone else may need encouragement or backing in a challenging moment. This year, I plan to be intentional about offering that kind of support by advocating for women when appropriate, standing alongside colleagues during difficult situations, and helping foster an environment where well-being and professional growth are prioritized.
-
In practice, this means paying close attention to colleagues who are new to a role, team, or set of responsibilities. Starting something new can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to ask questions for fear of being seen as a burden. To help address this, I make a point of checking in regularly, proactively inviting questions, and reinforcing that no question is too small or repetitive. My goal is to help create an environment where asking for help feels safe, normal, and encouraged.
Serena Chouhan, Media Operations Coordinator
-
The friendships I’ve built with other women at Tatari have had the greatest impact on my experience here. Feeling seen, understood, and supported through those relationships has been deeply uplifting and empowering, and has enriched my day-to-day work in meaningful ways. That sense of connection and mutual encouragement has made a lasting difference in how I show up both personally and professionally.
-
In my experience, small, everyday interactions often grow into the most meaningful connections. True support isn’t always about large gestures, it’s built through consistent kindness, empathy, and presence. This year, I want to be intentional about offering my time, curiosity, compassion, and encouragement, and about showing up in a way that lets other women know I’m someone they can speak honestly with and feel supported by.
-
In practice, this means being intentional about slowing down and genuinely engaging with the people around me. Attention and presence are incredibly valuable in the workplace, and it’s easy to move through busy days without forming real connections. I try to create space for simple but meaningful conversations by asking colleagues what they’re working on, how their week is going, or if they need any support, and truly listening to their responses. Sometimes it’s as simple as offering time, encouragement, or a listening ear. I believe that when women feel seen and supported by their peers, it helps build the confidence to speak up, take risks, and grow.
Dr Nora Eisner, Researcher Data Scientist, Sr I
-
Tatari’s monthly Women in Tech group has created a space where women can share what they’re working on, discuss day-to-day experiences, and navigate challenges together. The group fosters a genuinely supportive environment, encouraging openness about both wins and uncertainties. It has also allowed me to connect with and learn from women across the company in ways I might not have otherwise. These connections have highlighted the strength of our network and created opportunities to bond beyond our immediate teams. Through these sessions, I’ve had the chance to present my work, learn about impactful projects led by other women, and gain guidance on topics such as preparing for end-of-year reviews and effectively communicating contributions. Most importantly, the group inspires confidence and pride in our work.
-
This year, I aim to offer the same kind of support by openly sharing my experiences, both successes and challenges. Whether through meetings or informal conversations, I want to help create spaces where women feel comfortable asking questions, discussing their work candidly, and knowing their contributions are valued. My goal is to foster an environment where women feel confident in their abilities and supported in their growth.
-
In practice, this means making myself available for informal check-ins, particularly for more junior team members, and intentionally offering guidance. This could include helping someone prepare for a presentation, framing their impact effectively, or simply serving as a sounding board when they need to talk through ideas or challenges.
Mecca Gibbs, Client Services Manager
-
One moment that stands out happened during my second week at Tatari. I was still finding my footing, and a co-worker made a point to introduce herself and get to know me. While it may seem like a small gesture, starting at a new company can feel overwhelming, especially when many relationships are already established. Her thoughtfulness and kindness made a real difference, helping me feel welcomed and comfortable from the very beginning.
-
This year, I want to intentionally create the same sense of welcome and support for other women, particularly those who are new to a role or the industry. By leading with kindness (introducing myself, checking in, and making others feel seen and included), I hope to help women feel confident and supported as they navigate new environments.
-
In practice, this means introducing myself to new team members and checking in during their first few weeks to see how they’re adjusting. It also involves sharing my own experiences and offering guidance wherever it can help, creating a space where asking questions and seeking support feels safe and encouraged.
Nova Vito, Software Engineer IV
-
Liana Sanders was one of the people who interviewed me when I joined Tatari in 2020, and she made a positive impression on me from the start. When I came out at the 2024 Bonanza, she was the person I was most looking forward to telling. She made me feel completely comfortable and supported in that moment, which meant a great deal.
-
I’ve learned that the most meaningful support often happens one-on-one, in private, rather than in public settings. While this isn’t unique to women, I think it’s especially important to create safe spaces for our fellow women colleagues to share their experiences openly. Real human connection like being able to share concerns, ask questions, and feel heard is invaluable in building trust and empowerment at work.
-
Liana’s support inspired me to do the same for others. Recently, I found myself interviewing another woman engineer, Leila Dahhan, who we ended up hiring. We now meet every Tuesday morning with no set agenda, sometimes work-related, sometimes not, simply to connect. These conversations have become a powerful way to share context across teams and build trust. My goal is to be for her what Liana has been for me: a supportive, safe, and encouraging presence.
Karen Lam, Principal Product Designer
-
When I joined Tatari last year, I immediately felt supported by my manager, Jazz Howington. From day one, she consistently checked in and created an environment where I could learn, ask questions, and collaborate effectively. One moment that stands out was when Jazz hosted an icebreaker for my first CoLab session within Product and Design. Each team member shared a photo from their weekend and talked about it. This small but thoughtful gesture set the tone for ongoing collaboration, helped me feel at home, and made it easier to connect with my colleagues.
-
This year, I want to offer the same level of intentional support that Jazz showed me. That means making time for others, facilitating opportunities, and nurturing collaborative relationships with both new and current teammates — especially those early in their careers or new to the company. I also hope to advocate for my colleagues’ ideas and empower them to lead projects with confidence.
-
In practice, this means meeting someone where they are and finding ways to help in the moment. Whether it’s talking through a challenge, collaborating on a project, serving as a sounding board, or even just grabbing a boba tea, my goal is to provide support that makes others feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Raissa Nebie, SVP Finance
-
Muller Luo, my predecessor, made a significant impact when I joined Tatari. She was incredibly generous with her time during my onboarding, answering questions, sharing context, and helping me navigate my role with confidence. As the only other woman on e-staff at the time, her support carried additional meaning. Having someone who understood the dynamics, made space, offered perspective, and helped set me up for success was invaluable.
-
This year, I want to pay it forward through intentional mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy. That means sharing candid advice, helping women navigate leadership dynamics, and serving as a thought partner as they grow into larger roles. Equally important is advocating for women in decision-making spaces, creating visibility for their work, speaking on their behalf, and opening doors to meaningful opportunities.
-
In practice, this means using my network intentionally and consistently. For example, when I hear about a senior role that could be a strong fit for a woman in my network, I don’t just forward the posting. I make a direct introduction to the recruiter or hiring manager, provide a clear endorsement, and help her prepare for the conversation. That kind of sponsorship can make a tangible difference in career outcomes.
