As an employee network with a mission to encourage, engage, and inspire women across the US organization, Power of Women honors National Women’s History Month by recognizing women who are known to be both a valued colleague and role model by many. Get to know these inspiring women each representing one of our employee networks. Today, they are pleased to feature Kavita Mascarenhas on behalf of our EMBRACE employee network (for our BIPOC community and their allies)!
Kavita came to Intact through its acquisition of OneBeacon in 2017 and has over 17 years of Application programming experience on our @Suite systems. She now serves as a Software Developer Consultant in Corporate IT. Kavita lives in Roanoke, VA located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and two daughters. They love to travel and be exposed to different cultures and food. This very love for travel led her to be a flight attendant shortly after she got her bachelor’s degree in financial accounting & auditing, where she developed strong communication skills, patience, adaptability and genuine passion for customer service.
What does women empowerment mean to you?
Women empowerment is a culture centered around woman’s sense of self-worth. It strengthens their right to make their own decisions and to have access to opportunities and resources. It involves supporting their learning, their work, and their leadership. Becoming empowered requires taking action to advance and being confident in your ability to make and execute decisions. It means being respected and confident in the communities that we live and support.
What challenges have you had to face in your career? How did you overcome them?
One of my challenges is the feeling of not having achieved enough growth, and I continue to advocate for myself on that front.
How do you balance career, personal life, and passions?
Balancing my career and personal life is always a juggle, but it’s extremely important to keep my priorities in the forefront of my mind. Some weeks the scale will tip more to one side, which I manage by making the conscious effort to regain the balance. I always work to be a role model and a support system for my kids.
What advice would you give to young women just starting their career?
Be fearless, seek mentors and role models as they can influence your career trajectory, and have the drive to want to keep growing in your career.
What women leaders inspire you?
No one leader comes to mind; rather, it’s women who strive to be role models, whose leadership is marked by inclusiveness, empathy, and collaboration.
Thank you, Kavita, for sharing more about yourself and your career experience! Power of Women appreciates your support and participation in celebrating National Women’s History Month.