In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding both the right to vote and better working hours and pay. The demonstration spurred an idea, and activists celebrated the first National Women’s Day a year later.
Women’s Day went global when, in 1910, Clara Zetkin suggested the idea at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, where women from over 17 countries were present. They agreed unanimously on the concept, but it would still take 65 more years for International Women’s Day to be officially recognized by the UN.
Today, International Women’s Day is recognized every year on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women — and reflect on where gender equality is still lacking.
This International Women’s Day, as we celebrate the past and plan for the future of women everywhere, we’re featuring the women who make TaskRabbit what it is—our leadership team and the female-identifying Taskers running businesses that impact lives and communities, day in and day out.
Our women-led TaskRabbit leadership team shares their best advice
What is the most valuable piece of advice or mentorship you received in your career that you want to share with other women?
Ania Smith, Chief Executive Officer
“The most impactful piece of advice that I’ve received is actually quite simple: to move to the next level, you must first ensure that you’re doing an incredible job at your current level. It may sound basic, but sometimes we’re so keen to move up that we don’t take the time to truly be present and ensure we’re making an impact in our current roles.”
For more advice from Ania, follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Amy Zhang, Chief Financial Officer
“Many years ago, my mentor (a successful female leader) told me that in my field, everyone is smart and has lots of great ideas. What makes one more successful than another is curiosity and persistence.”
Johanna Tzur, Chief Marketing Officer
“You are only as good as your team—their success is yours, and yours is theirs.”
Amy Truong, VP Engineering
“For those who are starting out in tech (or considering it), know this – in tech, everything moves fast. There will always be new developments, changes, and things to learn. There will always be someone who knows more than you do… AND you will know more about something than someone else does. We will all learn from each other. We are all learning together. So, just jump on in.”
Jessica Davila, VP People Experience
“Let your wins be known. Often women will rely on their work to speak for itself, but we need to be the evangelists of our accomplishments and not wait for someone else to notice them.”
Begüm Zarmann, Regional Director – IKEA Europe
“Trust your gut and make intentional choices. You can choose every day how you want to show up, so own your decisions and never shy away from taking responsibility.”
Handyman? Not so fast. Meet the handywomen Taskers building businesses and lives they love.
Tasker LeAnn Holt
“I market myself by being a unique, trustworthy, and confident woman! Almost every female that has hired me said that it was between me and another person (a male) and that they felt 100% more confident having me in their home.”
Tasker Georgia Simmerman
“My favorite experience has been building a consistent business relationship with my most regular client, Sarah. She owns a small business that she runs out of her apartment. She hires me every couple of weeks to put together boxes and pack orders. She is so understanding, and I can tell she appreciates me. She also has many cute little pets that I get to say hi to and lots of cute plants! I love having a steady, regular client!”
Tasker Meaghan Buchholz
“What would I say to those who are wondering if being Tasker is right for them? I would say that, as a female in the labor trades industry, there can be a lot of judgment or pressure to be perfect because, like it or not, you are usually in the spotlight.
As a Tasker, you won’t get that judgment or negative pressure EVER, because people already know your capabilities and what they can expect from you. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone—just go out there, and do what you know how to do and what you are good at! It’s an easy way to take charge of your own future and to independently grow your own business. It’s a really awesome platform that does the hard stuff for you!”
We believe building a more fair and equitable world is possible, and we’re honored to be able to recognize just a handful of the women that are part of the TaskRabbit community. When women rise, we all rise.
