Recognizing the Achievements of Women in Society
March is Women’s History Month – an annual observance highlighting the contributions of women in American history. At ServiceSource, we are celebrating the hardworking, dedicated women who contribute to our mission every day.
This month, we selected to highlight Melissa Bippes, HR Manager at PARC, a ServiceSource affiliate in Utah. In the interview below, Melissa shares her story and highlights the dedication she has to our mission. We are honored to have her on the ServiceSource team!
Q&A with Melissa Bippes
Q: Please introduce yourself for us.
A: My name is Melissa Bippes. I have been at ServiceSource for a total 10 years, and I love the mission we all serve. Making a difference in even one person’s life is worth all the hard work we do. I have been in HR for over 30 years now and love how the profession as grown in value and complexity. In HR, I get to work side by side with talented professionals, participants, families and our exceptional AbilityOne employees who prove that anyone can overcome their personal obstacles and be productive members of society. They all inspire me to wake up and do it again.
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A: Women’s History Month is a time to remember all the wonderful women who have made sacrifices and given so much of themselves to create opportunities for women to succeed. It is also a time to recognize the challenges that still exist for women in society and continue advocating for gender equality.
Q: What are some barriers that women must overcome to succeed in the workplace?
A: Women everywhere face stereotypes and preconceptions about their abilities, which can impact how they are perceived or valued in the workplace. It is crucial to recognize that there isn’t a singular approach to achieving success, and sometimes we as women try too hard to fit in and accept barriers erected for us. Overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort to challenge stereotypes and create inclusive environments where women can thrive based on their skills and merits.
Q: What has contributed most to your success in the workplace?
A: Surrounding myself with people who inspire me – who are giving, helpful, kind, and smarter than me!
Q: What advice do you have for young women who want to be in a leadership position?
A: Believe in yourself and do things your way. Don’t fall victim to society’s notions of what a leader looks like. It’s up to the new generations to continue to strive for a new definition of leadership. Remember that women contribute valuable perspectives when making decisions and deserve a seat at the table. Also, as you find your stride and build your career, make time to live as the true memories and people that matter are the ones who shared your journey with you – the family and friends you have chosen to share your life with.
Written interview edited for clarity
Did You Know?
- Female physicist Marie Curie was the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields: Physics (1903) for her work on radioactivity and Chemistry (1911) for her discovery of radium and polonium.
- You can read more on Women’s History facts at: www.womenshistorymonth.gov/.
