#WomensHistoryMonth has arrived!
Join us in celebrating the contributions of women this month. We asked five women at CapFed® to share their thoughts on the importance of women in leadership and banking!
Sarah Sanders – First Vice President, Retail Banking Operations Officer
Why do you think it is important for women to support other women in the workplace?
Whether it comes to us recognizing the unique challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities or encouraging one another to take the risk, there is a level of comradery developed by looking for opportunities to build one another up. I have been invested in by women in my workplace and those experiences allowed me to better understand that there is room for us all to shine! By developing supportive relationships that put the strengths each of us have in the spotlight, we are able to improve professional and corporate outcomes, create safe places for candid conversations and recognize the accomplishments of our female colleagues.
Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?
Initially the word influential didn’t strike me as the correct word to describe her, but she certainly inspired me. Inspired: adjective: having great influence on someone or something. Okay, that is right! I look at my mother, Billie Segrist, as someone who still influences me today. She taught me how to work hard and when you thought you were done to work a little more. She was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and conquer anything that got in her path. She also showed me how to build relationships that were meaningful, intentional and genuine. Finally, she showed me that it is okay to take risks. She plans fastidiously, but can be more spontaneous than I have the aptitude for. She shows people what they mean to her and never misses a chance to say, “I love you.”
Dana Revels, Assistant Vice President, Systems & Network Operations Manager
Which saying or phrase has helped guide you throughout your career?
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” -Stephen Covey. This quote reminds me to stay focused on my journey and to preserve, even if things get tough.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about women in the workplace – especially working in IT?
Women in the Information Technology workforce are smart, influential and have the ability to look at problems or issues from several lenses. We add value to IT departments because we’re natural problem solvers and connect not only with the IT work, but with our IT co-workers. To succeed, I am myself and I am knowledgeable about my job and responsibilities.
Kathy Spain, First Vice President, Chief Compliance & Risk Management Officer
Which saying or phrase has helped guide you throughout your career?
The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
What would you tell young women who are just starting to work?
Don’t be afraid to fail, we often learn more from our failures than we do from our successes. There will be good days and bad days during their working careers, but the bad days should never ever define us only serve as learning experiences. What would you like them to know? Always maintain your integrity as trust is hard to earn, but quite easy to lose.
Jennifer Cocking, Vice President, Assistant General Counsel
Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you.
I am lucky to be surrounded by a community of professional women who mentor, support, and inspire me on a regular basis. My professional role model is Natalie Haag, Capitol Federal’s General Counsel. Natalie is a trusted and respected leader at Capitol Federal, and she generously gives back to our community through volunteer service. What I admire most about Natalie, though, is her commitment to helping others succeed. Natalie helps open doors—especially for women—in law, banking, and beyond with her mentorship, advice, and influence. I do my best to pay it forward, following her example.
What does women’s history month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on opportunities that have been made available to us by the women who came before us and express our thanks to the trailblazers who surround us. It is also a time to recommit to making the world a better place for all of the women and girls coming up behind us.
Angela Dailey, First Vice President, Human Resources Director
What words of wisdom would you share with other women to help guide them to reach their goals?
I would encourage women be authentic. Too many times, women try to mold themselves to what they think is expected of them. Take advantage of opportunities that show themselves and step out of your comfort zone.
Why do we need women in leadership?
We need women in leadership because female leaders are team-oriented, inclusive and collaborative. Women are passionate, creative and resourceful. We see the world through a lens of opportunity and we are powerful agents of change. Women are authentic and practical, engage in strategic thinking and are innovative and action-focused. We are sociable, adaptable and work well in relational environments.
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