March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), a day to celebrate a more gender-equal world, rid of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Strike a Pose: #BreakTheBias
For IWD 2022, the theme is #BreakTheBias, a movement that collectively values and celebrates a world of difference, getting rid of preconceived notions about gender roles and taking responsibility for the thoughts and actions that break this bias at home, at work and in our community.
The #BreakTheBias pose, crossed arms to form an “X” will be shared across social media on International Women’s Day and throughout Women’s History Month to show solidarity in calling out gender bias and discrimination. By sharing your pose on social media, you can help encourage others to further commit to
Together, we can #BreakTheBias.
Our Promise: Pledges from Around TD SYNNEX
At TD SYNNEX, we encouraged our co-workers to get involved with our Elevate women’s business resource group in order to learn more about gender bias and its impact in technology. As an organization, we are committed to increasing female representation at the leadership level and bringing more awareness and action for an equal gender balance across the entire workforce.
We asked co-workers of all levels to share their own pledges on what they’re doing to #BreakTheBias:
“I will #BreakTheBias by engaging broadly with all co-workers.” — Rich Hume, CEO
“I will #breakthebias by challenging the status quo on executive hiring and promotion decisions.” — Beth Simonetti, Chief Human Resources Officer
“I will #breakthebias by educating myself and others on ways we can better engage, attract and retain a diverse workforce.”— John O’Shea, President, Global Business Units
“Women’s History Month is important to me in order to continue to support the retention and advancement of women within the TD SYNNEX organization.” — Trisha Cooke, VP, Engineering & Professional Services
“I will help create gender equality. #BreakTheBias” — Jackie Darling, VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
“As a sports fan, I am inspired by Becky Hammon, Assistant Coach of the San Antonio Spurs — the first woman coach in NBA history. She broke the bias and is showing kids across the world that no matter who you are, that you can do anything. She’s paving the way for future women. #BreakTheBias” — Clay Davis, VP, Global Analytics & IoT
“I will celebrate women’s achievements. #BreakTheBias” — Heather Murray, VP, Vendor Marketing
“Women’s History Month is a celebration for how far we have come from the days we were fighting for the rights to vote, but it is also a reminder that we still have a long way to go in breaking the bias of females in the workplace and addressing the pay gap. My hope is to elevate our female co-workers, invest in our people and celebrate and reward their achievements.” — Jessica Ash, Director, Product Management
“I will #BreakTheBias by lifting others; highlighting their strengths and making sure they know their worth.” — Shanelle Bautista, Corporate Communications Specialist
“I will #BreakTheBias by encouraging men colleagues to share family time as much as their counterpart.” — Mathilde Bluteau, VP, Advanced Solutions, France
“I will #BreakTheBias by not staying silent when I see someone being biased towards another person or me.” — Iris Borrego, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist
“In celebrating current and past heroes that have forged new paths. I’m inspired by Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She earned respect and led by her conscious. She carried the mantle for all women, she was judged more harshly and always voted for what she felt was right. What a leader!” — Marita Buckner, Field Account Executive
“I will #BreakTheBias by being proactive and vocal in supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Staying quiet equals agreeing to biased statements being made.” — Michael Fischermanns, VP, IT, Europe
“I will #BreakTheBias by keeping my seat at the table.” — Melanie Forletta, Client Executive
“I will #BreakTheBias by speaking up when I see bias, stereotypes and discrimination.” — Ami Green, Executive Assistant
“I will #BreakTheBias by challenging gender stereotypes, discrimination and bias.” — Moira Krempulec, Strategic Account Manager
“I will #BreakTheBias by educating myself and others on gender equity.” — Kaylee Misch, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist
“I will #BreakTheBias by challenging daily my subconscious bias and actively working on overcoming it.” — Rocio Ortiz, Talent Management Specialist
“I will #BreakTheBias by ensuring that we have both male and female candidates on the shortlist in our recruitment processes.” — Joachim Palme, VP, Nordics
“I will #BreakTheBias by paying more attention of using facts and not feelings and to avoid making assumptions, but make more considered decisions.” — Judith Schreibmayer, VP, East Region, EMEA
“I will #BreakTheBias by challenging myself in being curious about others and not make assumptions.” — Cinzia Serra, Talent Management Manager
“I will #BreakTheBias by battling stereotypes and supporting everyone equally.” — Scott Stalter, VP, Parts and Logistics
“I will #BreakTheBias by advocating a judgmental-free society where we are free to speak up and fight for equal rights and opportunities.” — Ryan Tay, Finance Manager
“I will #BreakTheBias by taking of equal rights and equal access to all positions in the company.” — Mariusz Ziolkowski, Country General Manager, Poland
“We will #BreakTheBias by creating inclusive meeting practices, like limiting interruptions, including checking emails or using the phone.” — Tech Data Singapore HR Team
Learn more about TD SYNNEX diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and a recent women-led case study that is transforming the tech channel.
