Celebrating Women's History Month with Insights and Inspiration from Katun's Global Leaders

Celebrating Women’s History Month with Insights and Inspiration from Katun’s Global Leaders

March is Women’s History Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the countless contributions women have made to our society and to reaffirm our commitment to advancing equity. Over the past several decades, more women have entered the technology sector, long considered a male-dominated industry. This progress is measurable. According to the World Bank, women now represent approximately one-third of the global technology workforce, a significant increase from just 8% in 1970. However, there is still more work to be done.

At Katun, we are proud to be ahead of this trend, with women representing 45% of our global team and playing a key role in shaping strategy and driving impact across the organization. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we asked several of our global leaders to share what inspires them, the lessons they’ve learned over their careers, and the advice they would offer to women entering the industry.

Owning Your Seat at the Table

For Eunice Wang, Katun’s Vice President of Global Supply Chain and Human Resources, inspiration comes from witnessing progress. "I'm inspired by watching people grow in confidence and capability over time," she shared. "It's especially rewarding to see organizations become stronger and more resilient through thoughtful change."

Her career has placed her at the intersection of people and operations, often during moments of transition. It's in those moments, she believes, that leadership has the power to leave a lasting impact. When asked what advice she would offer women entering the industry, her message was clear: own your seat at the table from day one. "Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready," she said. "Step forward, speak up, and back up your ideas with confidence, data, and preparation."

Eunice emphasizes that strong leaders don’t need to know everything, they understand impact, make thoughtful decisions and aren’t afraid to ask for guidance from subject matter experts. She encourages women to build business judgment, not just functional expertise, and to seek sponsors; advocates who will speak for you when you’re not in the room.

Her biggest career lesson? Trust your judgment, even when results don’t come immediately. "Not every decision will lead to instant success," she reflected. "Take the lesson, adjust quickly, and keep moving forward."

When it comes to creating space for other women, her philosophy is rooted in access and inclusion. "Women don’t need special treatment," she said. "They need equal access, support, and opportunities to lead."

Next Generation Inspiration and Lasting Industry Impact

For Kay Fernandez, Katun’s Vice President of Global Marketing, inspiration begins at home. "My three daughters inspire me every day," she shared. "Their fresh perspectives and expectations for inclusivity and balance challenge assumptions and push me to grow."

In her daughters, she sees a new generation that expects equity not as an aspiration, but as a baseline. Yet she also recognizes that the fundamentals like hard work, resilience, and integrity remain unchanged.

Kay is candid in her advice to women starting their careers: don’t expect a straight line to the top. "Careers are rarely linear," she explained. "Growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone." She encourages women to explore different roles, discover what energizes them, and seek mentors and sponsors who will challenge and advocate for them.

One of the accomplishments she is most proud of in her career is launching a women's resource group in one of her previous roles. What began as a monthly forum quickly grew into a thriving community with hundreds of virtual participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the group was intentionally co-ed. "Real progress happens when allies are engaged," she noted. "Men need to be part of the conversation."

She later expanded that vision into an industry-wide women’s leadership group, creating space for clients and customers to connect, share experiences, and amplify their voices. For Kay, meaningful change happens when empowerment, inclusion and partnership go hand in hand.

Sharing Successes and Achievements

For Victoria Alonso, Customer Service Supervisor at Katun Latin America, inspiration comes from commitment and teamwork. "Even after 28 years with Katun, I’m still motivated by the people we support and the team I lead," she shared.

Working for a global organization had always been her goal. Seeing that aspiration evolve into a long, fulfilling career journey has been deeply rewarding. When asked what she is most proud of in her career, she points to collaboration and a growth mindset. "I've embraced change, taken on new challenges, and committed to learning," she said. "But success is always shared."

Victoria intentionally creates space for women to succeed by encouraging participation, recognizing achievements, and modeling empathy. In customer service, she notes, communication and trust are everything. When women support one another and are given meaningful opportunities, the entire organization grows stronger.

Leading with Integrity, Accountability, and Empathy

Cinzia Gandini, General Manager of Katun Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, draws inspiration from strong values. "Integrity, accountability, and empathy guide how I lead," she shared. "When those values are present, teams can do meaningful work and achieve lasting results."

Her advice to women entering the industry centers on curiosity and perseverance. Growth often comes from stepping into the unfamiliar and asking thoughtful questions. But expertise alone isn’t enough. "Collaboration and active listening are just as important," she said.

Her greatest career lesson has been recognizing that setbacks are inevitable, but they are also powerful opportunities for growth. "Adaptability and flexibility have been essential," she reflected. "How you respond to challenges defines your trajectory."

Competence Counts

Strategic Advisor for Katun Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Heidi Boller, recently transitioned to her new role after serving as General Manager of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With more than 36 years at Katun, she has witnessed firsthand the evolution of representation in the industry. 

"When I started, there were very few women, especially in sales," she recalled. "Over the years, I’ve seen that steadily change."
Her advice is grounded in authenticity. "Be true to yourself," she said. "People will have opinions about how you should act - softer, stronger, more decisive, but competence counts."

She believes in leading by example and being consistent, reliable and focused. Early in her career, she made a promise to herself to remain tough but not harsh, results-oriented but never angry, and to not overcompensate to fit a stereotype. "Women can make hard decisions and be respected for them," she said.

Rather than intentionally "creating space" for women, Heidi focuses on maintaining high standards for everyone. By valuing competence and consistency, she has naturally created an environment where others can rise to challenges and grow.

Leading Through Continuous Learning

Mindy Hendrickson, Customer Service Manager at Katun North America, is inspired by continuous learning, problem solving, supporting her team, and helping customers succeed. "I challenge myself to learn something new every day," she said. "And then I share that knowledge with my team."

Her advice is simple but powerful: trust your abilities and stay curious. In a fast-moving industry, ideas matter. Questions matter. Continuous learning and a willingness to share that learning is one of the most valuable tools any leader can possess.

In her career, she is most proud of her team and the collaboration, resilience, and dedication they demonstrate daily. For Mindy, leadership is less about individual recognition and more about collective success.

A Time for Celebration and Action

Women’s History Month is both a celebration and a reminder. Global data shows progress, but also more work to be done to achieve true equity. At Katun, these insights from our leaders demonstrate what is possible when talent is supported, voices are heard, and leadership is truly inclusive. Across regions and roles, their reflections converge on shared themes: integrity, resilience, competence, a growth mind set, and authenticity. 
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the women who shape our culture, strengthen our teams, and inspire the next generation. Their journeys remind us that inclusion isn’t just something to celebrate in March, it’s a commitment we carry forward every day.