At CUCollaborate, our people are at the core of what we do - the "magic" behind all the great work we have become known for. This March, we are proud to celebrate Women's History Month. What better way to do so than to spotlight a pair of our trailblazers who make CUCollaborate the amazing organization we are today? We sat down with Svitlana, Marina, and Moriah, a few of our female superstars, and asked a handful of questions to better understand what makes them tick, not to mention, showcase their unique talents!

Svitlana Smetaniuk

Product Designer

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‍What is something you wish you would have known early in your career?

I wish I had understood the value of asking questions early in my career. It's normal to feel scared or unsure, particularly when you're just starting out, but asking questions demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn, not weakness. You can increase comprehension, obtain clarification, and forge closer bonds with mentors and coworkers by posing questions. Thus, if I could go back in time, I would advise myself to always ask questions since they are among the most useful resources for professional development and achievement.

If you could, what is something you’d tell your younger self?

Accept failure as a necessary component of personal development. Although it's simple to let your fear of failing hold you back, failure is actually what helps us grow, learn, and eventually succeed. Don't be scared to try new things, take chances, and make mistakes when you go. Every setback is a chance to grow stronger and acquire important lessons. Thus, instead of letting your fear of failing to stop you from achieving your goals, channel it into motivation.

Is there a female public figure, past or present, that inspires you and why?

One of the public women who inspires me the most is Astrid Lindgren, a Swedish writer. Particularly encouraging are Lindgren's support of children's rights and her steadfast faith in the inherent goodness of people. She used her position to speak out against injustice and inequality and to defend children's rights to be heard, respected and safeguarded.
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Marina Chen

Head of Human Resources
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‍‍What is something you wish you would have known early in your career?

I wish I realized the importance of networking early in my career, particularly building a strong support system of peers and mentors who can offer advice and guidance. I have learned that networking is more than just collecting contacts, it is about being authentic and building genuine relationships, and finding ways to help others without expecting anything in return. Be patient because building a strong network takes time and consistency. Set reminders to stay in touch periodically through phone calls, emails, or texts.

If you could, what is something you’d tell your younger self?

I would tell my younger self don’t be afraid to ask for help and make self-care a priority.  

Asking for help: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Be clear and specific about what you need and always express gratitude to those you help you.  Be open-minded and receptive to feedback.  Sometimes, the best assistance comes in the form of alternative perspectives.

Self-care: Your well-being is just as important as your goals and responsibilities.  It is important to carve out time for activities that rejuvenate you. Learn to set boundaries and say no when necessary, and be kind to yourself, especially during challenging times when facing setbacks. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.

‍Is there a female public figure, past or present, that inspires you and why?

I have always admired Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a lawyer, she was a trailblazer in advocating for gender equality and marginalized communities and as a Supreme Court Justice she authored influential opinions that protected civil liberties and advanced progressive ideals. I am inspired by the relationship she had with Antonin Scalia. Despite their stark ideological differences, they maintained a deep genuine friendship built on respect and intellectual curiosity. Their friendship reminds us that even in the most contentious arena, it is possible to bridge divides.

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Moriah Taylor

Senior Data Analyst

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Is there a female public figure, past or present, that inspires you and why?‍

Princess Diana - I read her biography a few years ago and I think she was unbelievably ahead of her time in terms of her advocacy. She fought the stigma against HIV/AIDS patients, helped people experiencing homelessness, and publicly admitted her own mental health struggles, which prompted more people to open up about their own. One can only hope to be as brave, resilient, and kind as she was.

‍‍‍What is something you wish you would have known early in your career?

I wish I would’ve known to be more confident when leading discussions in my area of expertise. In the very early days of my career as a data analyst, I was oftentimes the youngest person in the room and would be unsure when to speak up, make suggestions, and offer explanations. I didn’t have confidence in the things I wanted to say even though I had very extensive background knowledge. Eventually, I learned that when it came to statistics and analytics, there were many situations in which I was the subject matter expert and I started to voice my ideas with more conviction.

‍If you could, what is something you’d tell your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to get support and help from others and that they don’t need to try to figure everything out by themselves.

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As we reflect on the insights and stories shared by Svitlana, Marina, and Moriah, it's evident that the spirit of innovation, resilience, and mutual support runs deep within the fabric of CUCollaborate. Their journeys underscore the importance of curiosity, courage, and community—values that not only drive personal growth but also foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's be inspired to ask more questions, embrace our vulnerabilities, and support one another in our quests for growth and equality. Together, we continue to build an organization that honors the contributions of all its members, recognizing that it's the diversity of our experiences and the strength of our bonds that truly make us great. Thank you, Svitlana, Marina, and Moriah for reminding us of the power of our collective voices and the importance of paving the way for future generations!