Hall of Fame 2021

Hall of Fame 2021 Honorees

Red Shoe Movement Hall of Fame 2021

After a year of a global pandemic that has changed every aspect of our lives and forced employers to rethink the way in which they do business to accommodate the stay-at-home orders and other requirements, we look again at leaders who made a difference.

In 2021, the Red Shoe Movement Hall of Fame honors a group of individuals who not only inspire us in their innovative quest to level the playing field, but who have also demonstrated an empathetic leadership in this time of crisis. We recognize women and men who have a long history of fighting for inclusion at their organizations but who also rose above the challenging circumstances their associates found themselves in.

Leaders who made themselves available to talk to anyone who needed their help. Leaders who continue to look for solutions to unprecedented problems. Who understand that the blending of the personal and professional lives of their associates would have huge impact in their business and that it was in their best interest to be part of the answer.

In 2021 we recognize a group of inclusion leaders who realized early on how much women would be impacted by the pandemic and took steps to support their talent as best as they could. This is one of the most courageous groups of inclusion leaders we’ve ever seen.

Judith McKenna, President & CEO Walmart International

If you could suggest one action that organizations can take to accelerate the representation of women at the top, what would it be?

Make sure people recognize and understand that there is a difference between sponsorship and mentorship. Women are often over mentored and under sponsored. And what I mean by that is mentorship is important because it gives somebody encouragement, but sponsorship is advocating for them in every meeting you’re in, suggesting them for jobs, introducing them to other people, and always having them on your mind as you hear about opportunities around the company. Sponsorship is truly one of the ways that you make a difference.

And companies have to be transparent. As a company, Walmart made a commitment on all of our inclusion and diversity metrics to be transparent, and we publish a report twice a year so that, throughout the organization, everybody can see where we stand. And, actually, that creates the platform for people to then do something about it because they can see where they’re making a difference.

If you could suggest one action that women could take to accelerate their career growth, what would it be?

Use your voice and know that you’re in the room for a reason. Always do your homework so that you’re ready to speak up. And above all, be yourself – that’s the very best person you can be.

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Ileana Musa, Managing Director, Co-Head International Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley

If you could suggest one action that organizations can take to accelerate the representation of women at the top, what would it be?

Awareness is not enough to drive the necessary change. Make women of color representation a formal business priority with specific goals that are tied to performance and success.

If you could suggest one action that women could take to accelerate their career growth, what would it be?

To say yes even when you do not have all the answers or feel you are not fully prepared (stretch assignments); to use your influence – we each have the power to lead and to drive positive change irrespective of our roles. Embrace ambiguity – getting comfortable with not being the best at something yet understanding you will become a master over time.

Be a leader in any role and start building those habits while still in school. Step up and raise your hand for assignments, create opportunities that allow you to work with others. Use your influence to drive positive changes (use data, share your story and passion). Build a network of superstars that you can learn from. They will become your mentors and eventually your sponsors.

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Georg Schroeckenfuchs, President & Head MEA Cluster Novartis Pharma Services AG

If you could suggest one action that organizations can take to accelerate the representation of women at the top, what would it be?

1) To ensure we are gender neutral in the selection process, which means, to ensure we have an equal number of candidates for the interview, and equal representation of both males and females as part of the interview panelist. We should be fair and give opportunity to both equally.

2) To create more time flexibility in the organization.

If you could suggest one action that women could take to accelerate their career growth, what would it be?

I would say: don’t underestimate your capability in case of an open position. Make sure to raise your hand and go for it. Take risks because you are capable.

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Vanessa Nakate, Climate Activist & Founder @TheRiseUpMovement

If you could suggest one action that organizations can take to accelerate the representation of women at the top, what would it be?

Organizations need to create platforms and put the women at the top because I understand that organizations are run not only by men but also women. So, it starts with leadership within the organization structures. Where are the women in the leadership positions in the organizations?

If you could suggest one action that women could take to accelerate their career growth, what would it be?

One thing that women can do to accelerate their career growth is to start. When you start, that is the moment your career kicks off. Keep going without giving up. You should persist and focus on the reason why you started.

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Mariana Castro, VP Sales, Marketing & Operations LATAM, Microsoft

If you could suggest one action that organizations can take to accelerate the representation of women at the top, what would it be?

Be aware of unconscious biases preventing the organization from opening the right doors to the right talent. We need to be intentionally inclusive and invite everyone to the conversation. We need to move beyond the gender discussion and empower everyone to bring their best to work and feel they are in an environment that promotes growth and opportunities. In that type of environment, we retain the right talent and see them go up the corporate ladder.

I want to inspire others to continue opening doors. Let’s use our voices to promote change and make it viral!

If you could suggest one action that women could take to accelerate their career growth, what would it be?

Trying to keep it to only one action is difficult, but I would say be yourself. As mentioned earlier, having clear goals, and intentionally taking advantage of opportunities that will help you grow is critical. Also, continue learning. For example, regardless of your education, career experiences, or industry, staying up to date with technology and digital advances will allow you to be more marketable and have better chances to compete for new, challenging leadership roles. But, at the end of the day, being authentic and bringing the best you have is what will ultimately open the doors, help you enjoy the process, and allow you to impact others.

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Mark Bryan, Robotics Engineer & Fashion Model

If you could suggest one action that organizations can take to accelerate the representation of women at the top, what would it be?

Stop putting gender to clothing. Yes, we will always have gendered clothes, because the man’s body is different from the female. Unisex clothing will basically be shapeless. Women can wear men’s clothes and still be feminine. Just like a man like me can wear feminine clothes and still be masculine. The fashion industry while trying to promote unisex clothing predominantly uses a feminine male model or a masculine female model. This prevents males and females both from wanting to wear such clothes for fear of people questioning their sexual orientation.

If you could suggest one action that women could take to accelerate their career growth, what would it be?

Just be yourself and be comfortable with your choices. Do not worry what complete strangers may think. Concern should only be for family and close friends.

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Red Shoe Movement Hall of Fame 2021 Credits

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