Testimonials
Laura, a full time metallurgistThe “cycle” initiative is a way for me to celebrate the way I live my life each day. And it’s about celebrating self-sufficient, independent women. I am an independent woman. I can change a tire, do basic electrical wiring and accomplish most household maintenance. I persevered through engineering school when others doubted me. I landed my current metallurgist job using my major in a male dominated field. How empowering is that!
I want women and especially young girls to grow up knowing they too can become a self-sufficient, independent and confident woman. It is a powerful feeling to know you can depend on yourself and work in any vocation.
Peter Roarke, Commercial Industrial Equipment Account ManagerPeople are hungry for community. Distractions and superficial communications such as Satellite TV, Facebook, and texting provide a facade for the illusion of people staying connected. But I.E.E. offers a community based on a platform where women and men, who honor their talents, can share their inspiring stories, connect with similar people, learn and benefit from each other's experiences while having a secure support community.
Many people are also disenchanted and discouraged by the present state of U.S. Politics; specifically, the divisive tactics that are used by both parties to classify, divide and drive wedges between folks from all walks of life. I think I.E.E. offers a framework where fear is left behind and where all people can feel welcome to experience a sense of pulling together in intuitive fashion.
Ignite. Excite. Empower. is an emerging initiative in its infancy. The synergy and electricity is truly exciting. I eagerly encourage my fellow citizens to hop aboard the bus- it could change your life.
Tricia M. Mackechnie, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer and Cameron Mackechnie, Junior Avon Old Farms High SchoolI am excited to Support the Cycle! This initiative reflects my personal belief in the sharing of individual talents and experiences to help empower others. In building my career in a male dominated field (Information Technology within the Insurance Industry), I have often found inspiration from those who went before me, and this gives me the strength to continue on my path. Along my journey, I married a wonderful man, who has been the rock of my support, and we are raising a son with the values of empowering and supporting women. I hope my efforts demonstrate my embodiment of the I.E.E. mission. I am proud to “Support the Cycle” while I’m “On my Cycle.
Diya Liu | Editor-In-Chief | Stylish Sophisticate Media LLCWhy do you support the Cycle Initiative? (Why is it important to you / for you to empower women?)
I feel that femininity has long been socially considered the antonym to strength... e.g., think of quotes such as "wear the pants," "has the balls" or "be a man." Additionally, girls are often implicitly given the choice to either be girly and pursue fashion, etc. OR to pursue the math and sciences. It's almost as if we are given the choice to be pretty OR to be smart.
Hence, I think there is a lot of merit behind a movement that celebrates female qualities as powerful. We don't have to choose to either be feminine or to be strong: we can be both. I personally love fashion and baking just as much as I love chemical engineering and patent law.
Briefly outline your own struggles on your way to achieving success.
Without going into lengthy detail, I've faced many struggles in moving from China to the United States, growing up straddling two sets of conflicting cultural idealisms, and dealing with many other stumbling points along the way. At the end of the day, I've had to somehow integrate seamlessly into American society without losing my cultural identity.
Career-wise, I've gone from wanting to be a scientist when I was three years old, to being obsessed with all things chemistry in high school, to being torn between Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry so much that I ended up double majoring in college, to figuring out that law school (patent law) was a better fit for me in the end. All the while I've been running fashion projects on the side... from my first website venture that ended up on the pages of Marie Claire and on E! News... to the Stylish Sophisticate, which I've had the pleasure of working on with an amazing team of professional females, stylists, photographers, and interns.
In other words, I'm not sure if I've even come close to "achieving success" yet, but I've definitely have had my share of struggles! I have found that surrounding myself with others who massively inspire me and continuously picking myself up after I fail works wonders.
Can you describe the importance of social support structures / a tribe / a sisterhood?
I would not be here today if not for my friends and my family. Support networks keep us both inspired and yet grounded. Groups of human beings have accomplished much more together than alone: Culture, Discourse, and Marketplace all are made possible by tribes.
Brenda Burns, executive at an insurance software organizationI’m part of the IEE family because it embodies the core philosophy of my mom, a woman that I respected, loved, and admired. I want to instill in others what she instilled in me: a strong work ethic, independence, and most importantly the importance of being kind to others. On the opposing end, I was also the daughter of a man who did not know or understand how to properly support or engage a female child. For that reason, I also am impassioned to discourage the opposite end of that spectrum. Empowerment starts at home.
We also still live in a society where for the most part a women’s worth is based exclusively on her appearance. I have battled the turmoil that stems from lifelong struggles with my weight. My friends while growing up were always the “skinny and pretty ones” while I was the “nice one”. Social media is perpetuating this trend of judging others solely on how they look and dress. I want young girls and women to know that there are others who have faced similar struggles and there are support systems in place to help them.
Always remember, if someone does not value your gifts in life, it is their loss. If they took a moment to let you in, to let you matter, you would make a positive difference in their life. Work hard, believe in yourself and you can achieve anything.
I want to provide encouragement to others in any way I can. I want all men to value their daughters and encourage and support them in all their endeavors. I want to do something that “matters.” I want to reach out my hand to help “lift others up.” I have learned that family comes first and family is not always defined by blood lines. I’m proud to say I.E.E. is an important part of my family.