By the members of Berkeley Women in Business
As a community of young women, we reject the misogynistic notions that females should be quiet. We stand in defiance to the messages telling us that women are incompetent or weak. We are a body of powerful, intelligent and successful women who would like to share a collection of personal experiences. These are our stories of persistence.
I was told that I’m incapable of managing a company, because I’m a young female. Instead of being valued for my intellect and experience, I was told that I’m “too pretty”. I prove those people wrong every day by continuing to grow my organization and create more success. I’d like to show the world that I am capable of any obstacle, through my strength, wisdom and courage.
#NeverthelessShePersisted
-Ana Mancia
As a woman pursuing a career in startups/venture capital, I've personally encountered sexism from male colleagues in the workplace who still inherently possess the notion that this industry, while traditionally male-dominated, should persist to be so. I prove these people wrong every day through my drive and passion to learn everything I possibly can about the industry, specifically my particular interest in financial technology, and my insatiable work ethic and persistence, whether that is generating as many startup leads as possible, speaking with entrepreneurs about their business models, or advocating for a particular deal from start to finish.
#NeverthelessShePersisted
- Anonymous
I have been diagnosed with mental disorders since my freshman year of high school. I battled anorexia then, and I battle depression and bipolar disorder now. But I know I am not defined by my illness. I continue to pursue my passion in technology, challenging the barrier against women in STEM. Now, I am an entrepreneur coach, a writer, and a contributor for Product Hunt. Without my past, I would not be the resilient and empowered woman I am today. I have, and will, continue to persist for passion.
#NeverthelessShePersisted
- Kat Nguyen
Though I have grown up with a supportive family, encouraging teachers, and affectionate friends, I’ve always been timid and afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. Every day, I see a new case of rape, gender inequality, abuse, illness, and terror whether I want to or not and every time, I am reminded of the egocentricity within me for not already having made a difference. I am an advocate for the quote “everything happens for a reason” and believe that I was given an eye for social issues for a reason. I know that things are a lot easier said than done, but I plan on making my words, ideas, and plans come to life no matter what serpentine path life takes me on... because that's what leaders do. What I am coming to realize is that me wanting to make a difference outside of my world is actually making an even bigger difference within myself.
#NeverthelessShePersisted
-Suhitha Kosuri
I was interviewed for a intern position at a startup and very quickly, I realized that I was the only female in the office. My interviewer was very direct and the impostor syndrome started to set in. It was very intimidating at first, but I ended up being hired after I persisted to show them examples of my work. It ended up being one of the coolest groups of people I have ever worked with.
#NeverthelessShePersisted
- Angie Mejia
Growing up, I always felt pressured to look a certain way. This pressure led to years of self doubt, low confidence, and an obsession with weight loss. But eventually I realized that my value is not rooted in the way I look, but the way I think. Today I always try to focus on living a healthy lifestyle--for both my body and especially my brain.
#NeverthelessShePersisted
-Leila Mohaddes
As I was growing up, my mom was often forced to put her career on hold to help raise my brother and I. Especially in the fast paced world of tech, this put her goals at odds with family life. Over the years, she really emphasized to me the value of communication, and it was these skills that allowed her to strike a great work-life balance with the help of her superiors and colleagues. Her hard work has really paid off recently as I have gone to college, and I am so proud that she is able to pursue her passions in tech even more. I feel so lucky to have been brought up by someone that is so dedicated, kind, and a great role model.
#NeverthelessShePersisted
- Deeksha Chaturvedi