We commemorate the amazing female talents and individuals we have across Ataccama.
Then, on March 7th, we hosted a panel discussion (on the impact of representation, and the power of allyship) with Mike McKee; Jessie Smith, our VP of Data Quality; Barbora Kartáč, our Senior People & Culture Partner; and Pavel Hamrik, Director of Product Experience. The event was moderated by our Senior Internal Events & Communication Specialist, Julia Losekoot.
“One of the most important things we can do as a business, says Mike, is to truly listen and understand the world from someone else’s perspective. We need to move beyond reacting to issues and take proactive steps to ensure Ataccama is a place where everyone feels valued and included.”
Marta DeBellis, our Chief Marketing Officer, echoed those sentiments: “Work should be a place where women can show up authentically – not be expected to act more like men to be heard. True inclusion means recognizing and embracing different styles of leadership, communication, and problem-solving.”
5 stand-out quotes from the panel
1. "Inclusion is about creating a space where people feel safe, where they know their voices will be heard, and where they are empowered to share ideas. The more perspectives we bring to the table, the more innovation we unlock." Barbora Kartáč, Senior People and Culture Partner
2. "Representation matters at every level. When people see diverse leadership, they see a path for themselves. It’s not just about inclusion; it’s about creating an environment where everyone believes, ‘If they can do it, so can I." Jessie Smith, VP of Data Quality
3. "As a company, we must reflect the diversity of our customers. Our clients come from different backgrounds and perspectives, and to truly understand and solve their problems, we need diverse teams building diverse products. That’s not just fairness – it’s smart business." Pavel Hamrik, Director of Product Experience:
4. "Bias and discrimination aren’t always obvious. Sometimes, they’re subtle – small moments that make people feel excluded or unheard. Creating a truly inclusive culture means making space for people to speak up, even when they can’t quite put their finger on what’s wrong." Jessica Goulart, VP of Partnership.
5. "Flexibility is key. People have different responsibilities outside of work, and as leaders, it’s on us to ask, listen, and adapt. We can’t assume everyone’s circumstances are the same – we need to create an environment that works for all." Patrick Laffargue, Director of Professional Services
How do we keep the momemntum going?
For us, International Woman’s Day doesn’t start and stop on the 8th of March. We’ve made it clear our metaphorical door is always open, every day of the year. We encourage open and honest conversations that lead to action, and continuous learning.