Alliance of Channel Women is highlighting women who are Living the ACW Pledge: Women Supporting Women. We’re seeking nominations from the channel community for women – from the mailroom to the boardroom – who embody the oath in their words and actions.
Nicole Steele, Director of Global Channel Marketing and Enablement at Aryaka Networks, was nominated by Khali Henderson, Senior Partner at BuzzTheory.
In what way(s) is your nominee an example of Living the ACW Advocacy Pledge of women supporting women?
Throughout her career in tech, Nicole has been a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). She has the courage to call out inequity and rather than simply complain, asks for resources and support to fix it. She’s set up employee resource groups (ERGs) for DEI, including for women in tech, and helped to drive programming to help those ERGs grow and help their members. At Aryaka, she’s seeking to replicate that success as chair for the company’s Women in Tech group. She’s presently working on programs and securing funding.
What is a specific example of what she did for you and when it happened?
I met Nicole in the fall of 2021 when we both attended the Achieve Unite leadership training class. She stood out as a rare open book. She was always ready to share her experiences – the successes and failures, the joys and frustrations. I found her candor among her peers to be refreshing. She was there to learn and to help us learn from her experiences. She left her ego at the door and helped to set the tone for an honest exchange. She even confided in the group that she was thinking of a career change. That’s when a light bulb went on for me, and I referred her to a high-energy channel chief who was looking for a high-energy channel marketer. No surprise – she got the job!
What impact did her action have on you and/or your career?
I’ve been working closely with Nicole for the past year. The person I met in class is the same woman I now call my friend. She’s the genuine article. She’s impressed me with her strength and the example she sets for her children of a strong professional woman who advocates for what she believes. She’s taught me that you can be yourself unapologetically and not worry (too much) about what others think.
Want to Nominate a Woman Who is Living the ACW Pledge?
Do you know a woman who has played a supportive role in your technology career, please tell us who she is and how she had your back!
ACW will accept nominations throughout the year and will recognize:
- Every nominee in the monthly ACW Member Newsletter
- Name a Big Impact Award Winner every quarter
For more information, visit ACW Advocacy Pledge.