As Women’s History Month continues, Engle Martin’s Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) is thrilled to present our latest team member spotlight, continuing our series dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of women within our organization. This March, we pay tribute to the remarkable women who epitomize our core values of creating a culture rooted in care, respect, and compassion.
This year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” resonates deeply with our core values, and we are pleased to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary women who exemplify these principles. At Engle Martin, our WEN team resource group is committed to nurturing the advancement of our team members, both professionally and personally. Through WEN, our primary objective is to cultivate a supportive community that encourages growth, collaboration, and the breaking of traditional gender barriers.
Join us in welcoming Yasely Maria, Accounting Manager, EIMC, as the next featured guest in our series. Prepare to be inspired and empowered as we explore Yasely’s unique journey and gain profound insights from her wealth of perspectives.
What is your role at Engle Martin? And how long have you been with the organization?
I am an Accounting Manager at EIMC. I have been with EIMC for 4 years.
Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?
The most influential woman I know is my mother. Gregoria, my mother, is my role model. She has inspired and motivated me to grow without any barriers. My mother taught me that hard times can be overcome and that losing battles can be won. Her resilience, love, and sacrifice are the reasons behind my smile. She is my inspiration, my role model, and a superhuman in my eyes. My mother’s unwavering love and support have shaped me into the person I am today.
This year, the theme of Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”. How does that resonate with you?
When women advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are not merely ticking off checkboxes, but rather, we are speaking up for those who feel excluded or ignored. I strongly resonate with Ruth Bader Ginsburg when she said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?
Not personally, however, gender biases and stereotypes continue to impact women’s career progression within the accounting profession. Preconceived notions about gender roles and abilities can limit opportunities for women and impede their advancement.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
The piece of advice I have been given by a close friend is to never expect to receive what you give. Not everyone has a heart of flesh. Every day when you wake up, you have a new job: to be better than you were yesterday.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about a career in the insurance industry (or any industry)?
As a woman in the accounting field within the insurance industry, my message for young accounting professionals is this: ‘In the balance of life, accounting is the equilibrium that keeps everything in check.’ Accounting is not just about counting beans; it’s about making every bean count. The best accountants are not just number crunchers; they’re financial storytellers. No matter what life throws our way, we’ll face it together with love and resilience. We’re not just sunshine on a cloudy day; we’re the strength that brightens life. Keep shining.
