International Women’s Day 2022

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

Until we no longer question whether we need more women in leadership, the answer is always ABSOLUTELY. Women belong in leadership. Each and every one of us plays a role in ensuring there is gender diversity in leadership. As I’ve experienced with my mentors throughout the roles I’ve had, each of those women had a powerful desire to lift others up and empower them with the determination to fight for leadership opportunities. We must continue to instill confidence and inspire growth mindset in women so they no longer hold themselves back. Women are dynamic and influential leaders. That’s why.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

Never underestimate how impactful continuous learning can be on your career path. When I began my legal career, I had no idea that brand protection existed let alone how to pursue a career path in it. Each job, each role, each project you work on throughout your career has purpose and has something to offer. You must be committed and have the willingness to learn what each step is teaching you because there is always something. The area of brand protection is consistently changing and so we must be consistently learning and that is what keeps things interesting!

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

Throughout my different roles, I’ve been honored with a female mentor who deeply ingrained the fundamental importance of self-development along with developing others. Each of those women selflessly provided me with their judicious wisdom and reminded me to continuously evolve…and I did…from criminal law to immigration to IP. I am forever grateful to Loretta, Glenda, Linda, Beth, Deb, and Suzanne for sharing your knowledge and believing in me and adding fuel to my fire. They helped build the confidence I needed to blaze the trail to where I am at today and where I have yet to go!

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

For me, seeing Kamala Harris take the office of Vice President was transformative. Talk about breaking the glass ceiling! Nothing is beyond a woman’s reach if she’s qualified and determined to do the job.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

Absolutely! Seeing women in leadership roles reinforces that women are smart, strong and capable. People need to be judged on their ability and not on their gender. In today’s society, this needs to be the norm and not the exception.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

Stay true to yourself and don’t compromise your principles. Intelligence, integrity and grit are all wonderful attributes that will be rewarded in this field.

What woman has inspired you and why?

My late grandmother has always been my inspiration. She endured incredible hardships in her life but never gave up. She was brave in the face of adversity and always tackled challenges straight on. She believed in doing your best no matter what the circumstances. She never allowed anyone to see her as a victim.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

Absolutely! However, women should not be placed in leadership positions just because of their sex or to fill a quota. It should be a level playing field for all. At that point, far more women will rise into the ranks based on their ability, talent, skills, etc. Women are often evaluated for a position based on what they have accomplished. On the flip side, men are often evaluated based on their potential. That needs to change.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

My biggest challenge was being the first woman to lead a team of all male members in the EEMA (Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) region. I not only managed to gain their respect but held meetings with all male leaders and government representatives in their countries where MOUs were signed and other agreements of cooperation were made. I wasn’t just a participant. I led them to success and gained their respect in the process. I was professional and never let my gender get in the way.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It means empowering women, celebrating past accomplishments made by women that have helped pave the way, and educating future generations to continue the momentum towards equality for everyone. Personally, I believe it’s a time to reflect on my own journey and continue growing and learning more about equity and inclusion.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

Absolutely! Women have had unique experiences, offer diverse perspectives, and address situations differently. I think there is a great deal to be gained by women in leadership positions for both companies and their employees. Ensuring a diverse workforce of all kinds and a multitude of perspectives and experiences is key to any success. I am grateful to work at a company with many women in leadership positions!

What’s the most notable change in how women have been represented in the IP enforcement space in the last 5 years?

I have been involved in Brand Protection for 15 years and in all roles I’ve held, I was typically the only female on the team. I have worked with amazing teams and exceptional leaders, and knew many women in the industry, but my day to day work was on male dominated teams. It’s only recently I began reporting to a female and am part of a small and mighty team of women. This is the most noteworthy change I’ve noticed and I believe characterizes a small increase in women involved in IP work.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and honor women all over the world for their accomplishments and the contributions they make each day. From the stay-at-home mom to the corporate CEO, women can have a positive impact and make the world a better place.

What woman has inspired you and why?

Amelia Earhart! I love Amelia’s example of a woman who wasn’t afraid to follow her dreams, no matter how unconventional they were. Her determination and persistence allowed her to break many aviation records, hold leadership positions, defy traditional gender roles, and pave the way for women everywhere to pursue their dreams.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

I have the privilege of working with many exemplary women leaders who have helped me aspire to be the best version of myself. I am grateful for their example and encouragement to develop the skills needed and to follow my passions in the legal field.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

This day means a lot and shows the importance of what the women before me have done to break the mold for all women. It shocks me to think of all the opportunities my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother never had as I have today. To the women who fought to allow me my rights today, I can’t thank them enough to allow me to benefit from their fight. Their perseverance has benefited all women and gives the opportunity for all women around the world to be a great resource to empower all women to succeed.

What woman has inspired you and why?

My mom I lost last year; she’ll always be my shining star. Life was hard for her growing up. During those times, she never stopped reaching for her goals. She always worked. Her main joy was being our mom. She had her careers and many interests. When she was exhausted, she’d find time to sit, listen, and smile. She always encouraged me to never give up because she never had the opportunities. She loved hearing about my day up to the time of her death. She set an example showing the benefit of hard work does pay off.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

There are so many things I’d tell my younger self, both professionally and personally. As a woman, I’d stress that you should never sell yourself short. We are as competent as anyone and able to succeed in whatever we choose. You will have failures and success. No one’s life is perfect. Should a chapter close in your life, another chapter is waiting to be written. It’s a clean sheet waiting to begin. Move on and keep striving ahead. It is up to you to live the life you’ve imagined.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

Yes, absolutely. From where I came from, we uphold “the balance of Yin and Yang”, that also reflects the dynamic of male-female power. In my opinion, diversity in the workplace should not just prioritize women, but instead, have a fluid combination of both genders throughout the organization. Women are able to make bold and wise decisions, just like males.

I’ve seen women in leadership positions often provide a different set of skills, imaginative perspectives, and, importantly, structural and cultural differences that drive effective solutions. In many cases, female leaders can enhance the team work in their ways – passion, enthusiasm and a capability to take command of a situation when need be.

Communication is said and known to be among a woman’s strongest skill. Female leaders will utilise this power to enhance meaningful conversations with employers, co-workers and partners, thus creating an open communication stream that creates a sense of clarity. And, I believe female leaders can provide better mentorship, especial for young ladies. The power of role models cannot be overlooked. We want to and should inspire more younger generation women to make their life decisions independently and have their voices heard.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

Actually, I got help from many women to get where I am today, especially my female managers. They are from many different cultural backgrounds, but all of them have shown me great women power – professionalism, patience, empathy, great perseverance, and courage. I’ve learned a great deal from them, and wish I could inspire and support others, especially the younger generation just as they taught me.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Never give up, never compromise and never settle for less good. And, no need to “fight like a girl”, just fight like a professional.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

During this day, we are reminded of the hurdles women have overcome and pay homage to females from around the world who have made significant contributions to history, we also celebrate the progress of moving closer towards a society where talent cannot be confined by gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic background or religious divisions. Moreover, today represents an opportunity for further advancing diversity and equality among the next generation through raising awareness.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

When we take into account the gender ratio in the world, where there are over 49% estimated females, it is only logical that a greater number of women should lead in order to gain balance.

Thankfully, the current data shows noticeable advances for women in leadership roles, and in the workforce more generally. Yet, should female leadership be labelled as such or praised? By asking this question, we can conclude that there’s still work to be done and we must continue in cultivating diversity while eliminating gender barriers.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

I’d say to anyone who has an interest in IP (1) Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the areas of your Brand Protection. It’s important that you are well-versed on new rules, issues, and platform updates so you can utilize this knowledge when developing a strategy and assessing your overall IP protection framework as this will allow you to take action more efficiently. (2) Take on challenges as opportunities. Combatting infringers & counterfeiters and monitoring their activities may seem like a ceaseless battle in this digital era, but it’s important to remember that every successful take-down is an opportunity for something new may it be a new customer, sale, and potentially new partnerships. In almost all cases, Brand Protection has resulted in positive results.

What woman has inspired you and why?

First of all, my grandmother. She came to Mexico City from a poor Southern city with almost nothing and raised a big family by herself. She would work, sustain their family and be always a kind woman full of love, the pilar of the family. In Anticounterfeiting there are many women who have helped me to see that it is possible being a successful professional, businesswomen, wife and mother balancing work with family such as Virginia Cervieri, Adriana Barrera, Laura Perna, and many others.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

Being a woman does not make a difference. You are as capable as any man. There will be moments in which you will have doubts, probably because others will doubt from you. Ignore them, breath and move forward with your plans. During raids or risky actions, it is normal being nervous or even afraid, always have a plan and during difficult times, try to think on the plan. You may be discriminated but remember that government officials are there for a while. Be patient and wait. You still be there after and may be able to keep moving forward with you career.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

I have definitively found discrimination for being a woman, most of all in criminal cases. People at important positions at the AG’s Office would not even look at me at a meeting and they would ask my colleagues at the Firm to meet and discuss a case as I did not exist. On many occasions police asked me if it was for sure that I would be attending a raid. However, it is satisfying that they now refer to me by saying that they were surprised that I was even braver than many men.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I think International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate, an opportunity to look back and realize how much we have achieved and really enjoy the place we have earned in today’s world, as women we are always aiming for perfection and for the next goal in our personal life and our career, but sometimes we forget to enjoy and feel proud of what we have accomplished. It is also a good opportunity to think about the mark we want to make in the world.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

I think is one of the best areas to dive-in, is a part of the law that is quite dynamic and is constant change and evolution. Since, the issues we faced change constantly as part of the legal team protecting the brand you need to be prepared to face those challenges using an inventive legal approach.

What woman has inspired you and why?

I have been very lucky in my career since I have meet incredible women that inspire me every day as an example I can mention my colleagues from PUMA, Tommy Hilfiger and P&G that together created an awareness campaign against counterfeit for LATAM called “Lo Falso te queda mal” (Fake doesn’t suit you). Also, my boss since she has always been a great leader and mentor helping every member of the team to find their voice.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Celebrating International Women’s Day means celebrating women’s achievement in the world, taking a moment to globally reflect upon what actions (and in what Countries) have been taken over the last year to actually implement gender equality.

If most communities are making huge steps in acknowledging and enhancing women’s high value in different sectors, some others just seem to be stuck in a man-centered state of mind.

On International Women’s Day global efforts should thus be firmly made to promote the reduction, i.e. removal, of imposed prejudices that commonly prevent women’s full participation in society.

What woman has inspired you and why?

I believe there are many women and men who deserve deep admiration for their capacity to inspire other people’s lives. On this very occasion, my tribute goes to Maria Montessori.

She made her way in the scientific community of the late 19th century, against deep-rooted prejudices towards woman, which resulted in a number of humiliations she had to go through, such as being the last to enter the class, sitting in the back, exclusion from corpse dissection classes and prohibition to address men. She developed particular interest in psychiatry and pediatrics, devoting her whole life to educate defenseless children forced to live at the edge of society either because affected by disabilities or for economic reasons, aiming at re-integrating them in the community. 

She has inspired me because her farsighted science-based educational method, including such principles as freedom, autonomy, cooperation, participation, respect and solidarity, has been and will be a significant contribution to building more and more inclusive societies.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

If I think about me as a teenager, I see someone who never stopped engaging in most different activities. I was full of curiosity and, while enjoying life as a teenager should do, I was very determined in completing my academic career and I thought I knew perfectly what I wanted to do in my life. If I could give advice to that girl, I would tell her to keep working hard for something you feel like you’re good at and might be “the job”, but also to be ready to reconsider any expectation because life can surprise you in many ways.

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

I have been in a women’s leadership program at Cambridge University with CEOs and inspiring women business leaders, primarily doing virtual workshops. Recently, we were able to meet in person for three days, and during our introductions, we all said we felt so lucky to be recognized and promoted in our companies. But one woman CEO in the group reminded us – it is not luck that brought us here. It’s because we work hard and we are talented. I am where I am because of the hard work I’ve done and skills I have gained. We should be proud of that and recognize that. It was a very inspiring and illuminating moment.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is how we grow. We learn from our failures.

What challenges in your career have you overcome as a woman professional working in IP?

Being a woman in a male-dominated field, I don’t get the benefit of the doubt in my leadership and experience. A couple of very revealing experiences come to mind. First, I was at a past IACC conference when a guy came to our booth, and though I tried to greet him and introduce myself, he breezed right past me to my male colleagues at the table. He wouldn’t engage with me at all. It was very unsettling.

Another time, I was in London for client meetings with an older male colleague. One day, in the elevator, I recognized a tourist we’d crossed paths with earlier in the lobby. He said to me, “oh, I know you; I saw you with your boss earlier!” He assumed the man was my boss because he was older and white.

These are common microaggressions that professional women have to rise above and power through in their careers. I am happy LexisNexis creates equal opportunities and strives to build a diverse team with different backgrounds, skills, and talents. It is a place where everyone has a voice.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

Women tend to have a more holistic approach of situations. Their way of perceiving things with a helicopter view and being more attentive to their environment allow them to address things in a way which is more collaborative. They have no specific strengths or advantages. They have exactly the same ones as men but they have a tendency to doubt that they have them as the society refers to and praise their “soft skills”. Women are equally visionary and strategic thinkers when it comes to challenging the status quo and achieving breakthrough. They just need to demonstrate their full potential and deploy their “hard skills”.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

A few: Believe in your talents. Find the right boss who will believe in you and make you grow. Leadership is a state of mind: lead with empathy in your professional and personal lives, within your community as well. Never give up and learn to ask your network for help, challenging times are temporary. Take risks and follow your professional dreams even if this does not lead to a linear career. Don’t be afraid to blossom and assume all the aspects of your personality, your passions, what brings you energy: your uniqueness is what will make the difference in your professional growth.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

I have been lucky to cross the paths of great mentors since the beginning of my career: Annick de Chaunac (Former GC at Hermès) had a key role in shaping the professional I am. She taught me to read a room and the importance of having an glo-cal mindset. After having graduated from my EMBA, I was looking for a position to bridge my IP and business backgrounds so I decided to seek for guidance with women that I admired for their incredible careers and personalities: they all responded positively. A woman who has been very inspiring to me was Margareth Henriquez (Baccarat).

What is your perspective as a woman working at the IACC?

My experience with the IACC has been unparalleled in the fact that my co-workers are mostly women. The women are from various cultures with a plethora of experience in diverse backgrounds. This combined with amazing leadership that cheers us on both individually and collectively has been such an eye-opening experience. I have been fortunate in being able to learn and grow in a secure and supportive environment with male colleagues who provide inclusive experiences, an open-door policy and reinforce my value within the organization. As a woman you often experience being overlooked due to gender bias. The IACC prides itself on diversity and opportunity without barriers.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

The meaning of International Women’s Day deviates generationally. Women have had to endure different obstacles unique to their time. As life’s changing circumstances and traditional ideals evolve, so too does female challenges. Women at one time fought for their right to join the workforce whereas now women struggle with income inequality or proportional representation in a male dominated workforce.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that the struggle continues and that many women do not have the same opportunities domestically and internationally. The world is filled with remarkable women who can share in their collective experiences and knowledge. We are reminded once a year to empower each other, to adjust our attitudes about the obstacles we face and celebrate our amazing strength and courage.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

Despite significant advancements women continue to struggle for the opportunity to have a seat at the table. There is a tremendous shortage of women in leadership and high-level positions. A successful organization increases their adaptability by hiring employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who can offer unique ideas and perspectives. Employing historically under-represented groups to take on important roles sends a clear message to prospective employees that their contributions are welcomed and valued, in turn, empowering women and enabling those businesses to attract and retain talented individuals who will help the company grow and improve over the long-term.

What’s one piece of advice you can give other women looking to pursue a career in IP/brand protection?

As a woman in the IP field, I have been fortunate in meeting amazing women who were willing to share in their experiences and mentor a newcomer. Coming from a STEM background and with prior career experience in the finance sector my educational and work experience were both in very male dominated and cutthroat fields. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of collaboration and comradery in the IP/brand protection sector.

My advice would be to focus on a specific career path in the IP sector, then seek out guidance from those with experience. As you network you will be pleasantly surprised at how many are willing to mentor and assist you on your journey and that gender is not as big an issue.

What is your perspective as a woman working at the IACC?

I feel fortunate to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and friendly workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. There are many incredible women at IACC, with diverse backgrounds and from different regions. I particularly enjoy the “girl’s meeting” that our MarketSafe team holds on every Tuesday, where we share our ideas freely, work closely to solve problems, and contribute values to the team as a whole.

I’m also grateful for the strong support and trust from leadership, wherein my work and efforts are consistently being recognized and appreciated. I’m looking forward to working more for IACC!

What woman has inspired you and why?

There are so many women in the world that I have drawn inspiration from, and I’m here to nominate one – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Justice Ginsburg served as the chief architect of the five-decade effort to advocate for gender equality and devoted her distinguished career to breaking down barriers for women. She is a role model showing that every woman is capable of achieving, and she inspired me to continue pursuing the study of law. I also want to cite my favorite R.B.G. quote – “[a]s society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

I am so grateful to have my mother as my mentor and best friend. My mother is a very hard-working teacher and an optimistic woman. She has inspired me to become whatever I set my mind to, and her constant support and trust have given me the strength and the confidence to be who I am today. I cannot imagine who I would have been without a strong woman to guide and encourage me.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Accept your limitations and weaknesses, but focus on your strengths and do what you love. Learn constantly and make yourself a better person than yesterday. You will encounter many opportunities, do not hesitate and just go for it – take risks and be without regret.

What is your perspective as a woman working at the IACC?

IACC has a culture that enables women to maximize their full potential in the workplace. At IACC, all genders have equal opportunities to get promotions, raises, and develop their leadership skills. You will find a woman at every level of the organization. I never have to worry about being cut off partway through expressing something as I am a woman or a new team member, and I always feel valued and heard.

Do you think we need more women in leadership and why?

The short answer is yes. We all have biases, but some are especially hard to recognize. Having different perspectives and viewpoints is important in brainstorming new ideas, creating new ways to engage and delight customers, and understanding any situation. It helps to improve business performance. I believe that we need individuals of different backgrounds, sexes, races in leadership, and women are an essential part of it.

Was there a woman who helped you get where you are today?

The first person that comes to my mind is my mom. I am lucky to have been raised by the absolute best mom. She taught me to live every day focusing on how I respond to the challenges I face rather than the challenges themselves. She supports me and my decisions and tells me to believe in myself. My mom has made it possible for me to be who I am.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Sit tall and speak up with confidence!