Women’s History Month at Certinia sparks new conversations and connections
In this blog post, Customer Success Digital Program Manager Ciara Gomez recaps her interviews with five inspiring women leaders at Certinia in celebration of Women’s History Month. She explores how supportive communities foster innovation and inclusion, while emphasizing the power of mentorship and uplifting one another.
Some conversations leave you changed. Not just inspired, but truly seen and supported.
That was my experience throughout March, as I interviewed five remarkable women at Certinia to celebrate Women’s History Month. Each of them shared not only her career journey but also the personal inspirations that guided her along the way.
As a female-founded company, championing women has always been part of our DNA. Hearing fellow colleagues reference Certinia co-founder Deb Ashton as a role model reminded me how vital representation can be: seeing someone who looks like you or has walked a similar path can make all the difference in believing what’s possible for your own journey.
The women I spoke with offered hard-earned wisdom shaped by their diverse experiences and paths to success. Lori Ellsworth, our VP of Product Management, shared how having mentors across different areas of the business has given her invaluable perspectives. She recalled some early advice that stuck with her: “Take risks.” Looking back, she sees how bold moves—whether they worked out or not—helped her learn and grow.
Onome Militello, VP of Global GTM Operations, emphasized the power of visibility. “Showcasing women who are successful” is key, she explained, because seeing someone who looks like you in a leadership role can make a space feel more open and attainable.
For our RVP of APAC Seleen McKinnies, challenges have been fuel for her drive. She spoke about the importance of advocating for herself and actively seeking mentorship—not just for her own development, but to lift others up as well.
Michelle Mathis, VP of Strategic Planning, highlighted how mentorship evolves over time. Early in her career, as a young mother in tech, she leaned on mentors to help navigate the balance between work and home life. Now, she seeks different guidance, reinforcing that mentorship isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s finding the right support at the right time.
For Yvette Ross, Director of Product Marketing, imposter syndrome was a major challenge when transitioning into tech from the finance industry. She overcame it by seeking out mentors and supportive teams that helped quiet her inner critic. She also underscored the importance of representation, drawing inspiration from NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, whose groundbreaking work proved that women—and especially women of color—belong in spaces where they’ve historically been excluded.
Each story made me reflect on the people who have cheered me on, and on those I can support in return. Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal; it can be as simple as offering encouragement to a colleague, sharing resources, or connecting someone with the right contact.
However it unfolds, what matters is that we’re building one another up!
To hear these incredible stories firsthand, visit Certinia’s LinkedIn page, where we’re sharing the full interviews throughout March. I hope they inspire you to reflect on the mentors who’ve shaped your journey—and to consider who you can uplift next.
