HealthJoyers Reflect on International Women’s Day

At HealthJoy, the incredible women on our team play a vital role in our success. Their contributions drive our innovation, culture, and impact and we couldn’t do it without them.

From leadership to product, sales, customer success, marketing, member services, you name it – women are making a lasting impact at HealthJoy. We want to take a moment to reflect on International Women’s Day, and thank all of our amazing team members for their hard work and accomplishments in and outside of the workplace. 

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we interviewed some of our HealthJoyers to see what International Women’s Day means to them, ask them about the women they look up to, and give them space to share advice with women entering the workforce. 

Here’s what they had to say. 

What Does International Women’s Day Mean to You?

“International Women's Day means to me that I have the ability to have a career and chase my goals, both professionally, but also personally.” – Lindsay Nelson, Integrated Partner Manager 

“For me, it's all about celebrating the years of fighting for gender equality, things like access to education, independence, and the freedom to shape our own futures.” - Alina Valova, Senior L&D Trainer 

“For me, it's a day to reflect on how truly extraordinary women are and use that power to push us forward.” - Brandy James, Implementation Analyst 

“It's a reminder of the progress that has happened over the years and also the work that is still ahead.” - Justin Holland, CEO and Co-Founder 

Who is a woman who has inspired you in your life or career?  

“The one person who has really impacted me is my mom. She had an incredible career. And I remember very specifically, as a young woman, and even earlier, when I was, you know, five or six years old, going into work with my mom and watching her code and learning about how that all worked.  I remember thinking, wow – this is something that for me is really achievable.” - Michelle Byrd Robinson, Chief People Officer 

“100% my own mother. She would later have to raise all of us as a single mother while navigating her career in technology. Nothing that I've ever done compares to the incredible balance that she had to have to manage expectations on those fronts and other things that she was doing. ” - Jason Williams, Chief Product and Technology Officer 

“My mom has always been my greatest inspiration. She taught me the alphabet at two. She bought me my first book with English words and colorful animal illustrations, and she encouraged my creativity. Also, she always reminded me that limits exist only in our minds and that I can be whoever I want to be. ” - Alina Valova, Senior L&D Trainer 

“When it comes to business, I would say Sheryl Sandberg. The only reason Facebook is what it is is because of Sheryl.” - Justin Holland, CEO and Co-Founder 

What advice would you give a woman entering the workforce?

“Be confident in your abilities and don't hesitate to communicate your worth.” - Jaime Carey, Team Lead, Bill Review 

“My biggest recommendation is don't be afraid to ask questions. This was something that hindered me, I feel like, early on in my career. And so now I'm the one who's always asking questions.” - Kendra Murphy, Account Executive 

“You should know that the workplace needs your perspective. You know, in my early career in tech, I was really blessed with some great, capable, empathetic women managers who taught me things that I still reference and remember many years later.” - Jason Williams, Chief Product & Technology Officer 

“Trust your instincts and come to terms with your inner critic. It's okay to feel lost. After all, you've chosen a direction in life and it might feel like a lot. It might even feel huge and it's 100% normal, but it's important to remember that it's never okay to be unkind to yourself, especially during times of external pressure.” - Alina Valova, Senior L&D Trainer 

“I think that one of the most important things you can do is find other women who inspire you and make sure you're reaching out and creating mentor and coach relationships early in your career. It's a very powerful thing to do that takes intentionality and commitment.” - Michelle Byrd Robinson, Chief People Officer 

“There's another generation of women watching us like my little girl, and we need to see ourselves the way that they see us and celebrate the light inside of us to ensure that we don't dim their light because being a woman is a very powerful experience – no one can do the extraordinary things that we do. And, it's very important for our little girls to know their power so that they can continue to make the world a place where everyone feels that way about us and treats us that way.” - Brandy James, Implementation Analyst 

As we celebrate and reflect on International Women’s Day, HealthJoy is proud to honor the incredible women who shape our company and the world around us. Their dedication, resilience, and leadership inspire us every day, driving us to continue fostering an inclusive, empowering workplace. 

Each year when this special day comes around, we’re reminded of how far we’ve come in the pursuit of gender equality, and how much further we still have to go. Together, we’ll continue to uplift, support, and empower women, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a world where everyone’s potential is recognized and celebrated.