Alicia Steward, Strategic Channel Manager for Zoom, was one of four women to receive the 2021 Alliance of Channel Women LEAD Award recognizing exceptional female leaders in the tech channel. The fifth annual LEAD Award winners were honored during the ACWConnect Live! event in Las Vegas on Monday, April 11, 2022.
Steward has been with Zoom since 2020. She has extensive channel and tech experience, working for 8×8, Demandbase, Xtelesis and Sandbox.
Who is the woman who showed you how to lead the way (e.g., your role model)?
My mother was my first role model. She showed me what it was like to be a working mom and helped me find my first job. I admired the way she interacted with people and the way everyone respected her. I also admired her work ethic, and I believe that is why I have such a strong work ethic today. I hope that I am that same role model for my daughter. Later in life I found my current mentor, Jasmina Muller. I looked to Jasmina as someone I wanted to emulate; I am so grateful that she was willing to be my mentor. She helped me find my way within my career and still gives me the best advice today.
What are you doing to lead the way for other women in the tech channel today?
Leading by example, speaking up for the women who are not in the room and making sure their thoughts and ideas are being heard. Making sure that credit is being given where credit is due. I also aim to empower other women to have hard and uncomfortable conversations and ask for what they deserve. Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
What is one thing we could accomplish that would most benefit women in the tech channel going forward?
I would love to see women given an equal chance to speak in meetings and for everyone to have their voice heard. Too often than not women are talked over and ignored in meetings. If everyone could be mindful around this, we would see a huge change for the better.