For me, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our lives—both personally and professionally. Having left my home country right after university, I have come to appreciate how diversity enriches our experiences, challenges our thinking, and drives innovation. At Wise, where our mission revolves around making international money transfers simple, fast, and affordable, embracing diversity is not just a value—it’s integral to how we operate. As we serve customers from all walks of life and across many countries, the diversity within our teams helps us better understand and meet the needs of people around the world.

I’m deeply aware that driving meaningful change requires a strong support system of leaders and mentors who inspire and enable others. On this day, I reflect on how I can be one of those leaders—someone who helps drive change by championing inclusivity and diversity in all that we do. 

Beyond work, I listen to powerful female voices across music, politics, and tech. I'm inspired by women who challenge the norm, push boundaries, and pave the way for future generations, reminding me of the importance of representation and supporting women in all fields.

Allyship goes beyond advocating for equality - it means valuing diverse perspectives and making space for them. I’ve been lucky to occasionally have role models who looked like me, even if they were in different parts of the organization. Their presence reassured me that it was possible to succeed in spaces where I didn’t always see people who looked like me. However, the most impactful support I’ve received has been from sponsors—those who believed in me even before I fully believed in myself. Their confidence in my abilities helped me navigate the moments of doubt and imposter syndrome.

Diversity can often be uncomfortable because it challenges the status quo and pushes us out of our comfort zones. But it’s precisely this discomfort that leads to better, more creative solutions. True allyship means embracing that discomfort, believing in the long-term value it brings, and investing in the positive outcomes that will surely follow. Allies are those who actively work through the discomfort, amplifying voices that might not otherwise be heard, and advocating for a more inclusive, diverse workplace. It’s through active allyship that we can unlock a more inclusive, dynamic, and high-performing environment for everyone.

I was incredibly fortunate to have a manager and later a mentor at my very first job, who made it a priority to ensure that, as an immigrant and the only female on the team, I felt heard and valued. He took the time to listen, guide, and provide constructive feedback, always reinforcing that my opinions mattered. This experience taught me the true power of being seen and heard, and the lasting impact it can have on someone's confidence and growth. The lessons I learned from him—about the importance of inclusion, active listening, and validating others' perspectives—have stayed with me and continue to shape the way I engage with and support those around me.