Q&A: Get to Know the Women of Cohen Seglias
In March 2022, Cohen Seglias celebrated Women’s History Month. In addition to our donation drive for Dress for Success, a global not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence, we sat down with the women of Cohen Seglias and discussed their experiences as a woman in the workplace, focusing on mentorship, health and well-being, and professional growth and challenges.
Who is one female mentor who has influenced you? How did she support you and encourage your personal and professional growth?
Sydney Smith Forquer: In law school, I spent my summer working as a legal assistant for a fantastic attorney and researcher, Beth Wiggins, at the Federal Judicial Center. She not only took an interest in the skills I could develop at the organization and the work product I could provide but personally included me in conversations with judges and other stakeholders in the federal courts. She elevated my voice and validated my abilities and opinions, letting me know that she valued both. Beth also took a personal interest in my law school classes and later my search for a post-graduation job. That summer turned into an entire year because I enjoyed learning under her mentorship so much.
Tiffany Marini: I don’t know that I have had one female mentor. But as I have moved along in my professional career, I notice that I have naturally surrounded myself with friends and colleagues that are passionate about what they do. I think the biggest influence this has had on me is that it has made me more confident to not only set big goals for myself but also be unapologetic in my commitment to go after them. When you have a strong female support system like that, it alleviates the constant imposter syndrome that I think many of women experience daily.
How can female professionals mentor others?
Lori Azzara: Being a mentor is about showing up and leading by example and sharing your successes as well as how you overcame adversities. Not everyone will walk the same path to success, but a mentor is there to support, guide, and encourage you every step of the way!
Lisa Wampler: By being an advocate for other women and promoting their accomplishments both within the organization and elsewhere. By being a sounding board and offering suggestions
What’s one hobby or habit you’ve adopted in the last few years to help navigate the pandemic?
Stasha Sosnowicz: I’ve tried to be more present in individual moments with my family and friends while also just being grateful for ordinary things that I took for granted before, including working with my colleagues.
Whitney Patience O’Reilly: I do yoga and meditation twice a week with an old colleague.
Kate Emert Gleason: During the pandemic, I decided to learn how to play the violin. I was eventually successful, but my dog and husband likely did not appreciate the learning period. Also, working from home gave me time to revisit some of my hobbies that I hadn’t had much time to enjoy. I love to knit, sew, paint and read.
Kathleen Garrity: The pandemic abruptly challenged many of us to rethink how and where we work. Home and work life tended to blend together, so it was hard to create the downtime we all needed to re-energize. With everything closed up at the beginning of the pandemic, long walks were the best way for me to get out of the house, get away from my home office and give myself a break. Sometimes we forget to be kind to ourselves, and that downtime is essential to doing good work. It gives us room to breathe and come back stronger.
How do you and your colleagues support one another?
Brionna Denby: Support each other. Let people know they are doing a great job or give some positive feedback about something they worked on. So many times, you wonder if you did a good job or how your work was received or perceived. That reassurance from your colleagues, which is equivalent to a high five in sports, is great encouragement to keep you motivated and provides assurance that you are doing the right thing.
Sydney Pierce: For me, supporting other women means talking up and crediting each other’s abilities, ideas, and successes and advocating for policies that promote the retention and advancement of women in the workplace.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women about navigating a male-dominated field/industry?
Cody Wolpert: Imposter syndrome is entirely normal—don’t let it get to you. Knowing what you are good at and what you need to work on or ask for help with is a skill that not everybody has. I think that, especially in male-dominated fields, showing any uncertainty can feel like you are failing. Instead, learn when to be confident and when to ask for help. Surround yourself with friends and colleagues you can go to for honest advice and be yourself around. Accept that your career will and should always be a learning process.
Kathleen Morley: Be confident in your abilities and have your voice heard. Know that you have earned where you are in your career and deserve a seat at the table where decisions are made. Do not be afraid to voice different perspectives or ideas and understand that there are many different paths to success in any field.
Where would you like to see women continue to make strides?
Jen Budd: While women have been entering law school in equal (or greater) numbers than men for many years, women are still underrepresented in the leadership of law firms. It is very important for the legal industry to continue to adopt, encourage, and support women at all different stages of their careers. I have witnessed that a diversity of experiences and perspectives is good for organizations—it decreases blind spots and groupthink. Further, retaining women is best for our clients. When women leave private practice, there is a loss of perspective, knowledge, and talent.
Julie Grohovsky: More women are needed in corporate board rooms. Studies show that companies and organizations with women in the board room are stronger, more creative, and have a better return on investment.
