Whether it’s leading a team or an entire department, the women who head up Vagaro’s Marketing sector implement their vast industry knowledge & their humanistic values to create the ideal amalgamation of productivity & grace. It’s a fine line to walk, and not everyone can accomplish the wobbly task. Meet Mia Montemayor, Jr. Art Director & Kitera Dent, Sr. Creative Director.
Mia Montemayor: Jr. Art Director
What does it mean to you to be a woman in leadership?
I believe leadership is a calling; it’s not something you do for the clout because leaders are supposed to serve first. You don’t even need a title to embody the characteristics of a leader—you’re a leader whether someone is looking or not, and at any point in your life. A woman in leadership, particularly, is very inspiring for me. I’m glad I’ve seen it my whole life, inside & outside of the workplace. My current Creative Director and my Marketing Director are both women. In my last company, my manager and director were also women. They’ve all been very supportive in my career growth and I can’t thank them enough. Their efforts have helped me become the leader I am.
To be honest, I’ve never sat down and thought about what it means to be a woman in leadership until writing this. I believe it’s because I’ve never personally experienced setbacks due to my gender and I’ve personally seen just as many women in leadership as men, both inside and outside the workplace. But, I very much recognize that I’m enjoying the fruits of the labor of the hardworking women before me who helped make it possible to be a leader in the space I’m in! One of my goals as a leader is to keep this progress going. Sometimes there can be an unhealthy competitive nature between women, but I’m a believer in there being enough room at the table for everyone. I love witnessing everyone on their career path and I’m happy to offer support, mentorship & guidance to my ladies!
Which women inspire you?
So many women inspire me! A longtime inspiration is my friend who I’ve known since literally 0 years old. She has consistently been a living example of a good leader without a fancy title. She’s an amazing friend, sister, daughter, student, colleague, wife—just all of the above! She makes everyone feel welcomed, seen & heard. She was very generous with her time and resources. I remember in our early 20s she told me how she learned the difference between reacting vs responding to difficult and inconvenient situations. It was simple, yet impactful, and it changed how I respond in the high-pressure, fast-paced environment we have at work.
What did your journey to success look like?
My journey to success was bumpy. I didn’t go to a fancy school like all my other friends did. I felt like I was behind in life for a long time. I became successful when I stopped comparing and learned how to truly be content with where I was at. I’m a graphic designer turned Jr. Art Director, but really, I’m just willing to place myself in a position of service, even if it’s outside my job description, so long as it serves the goals & purpose of our organization while still aligning with my values.
If you could give career advice to another woman reading this, what would it be?
There is an abundance of resources already at our fingertips! If there is a career path you’re interested in, start doing research! These days, there are many free online educational courses, networking opportunities—even a ton of “Day in the Life of a …” type of vlogs & TikToks. I remember learning more from YouTube than my professors sometimes. Outside of school, I learned simply by asking! Don’t be afraid to ask questions & inform yourself!
Another piece of advice: Don’t take things too personally! I’ve developed that attitude and that helped me in all areas of my life, especially work.
What does gender equity mean to you in the workplace, and why is it important?
Gender equity in the workplace both acknowledges and addresses gender inequalities. Half the battle is admitting these issues exist. In a working environment, we can be proactive by building an inclusive company culture by both acknowledging current issues & formulating a roadmap with active steps to take against them.
Kitera Dent: Sr. Creative Director
What does it mean to you to be a woman in leadership?
It’s a personal thing for me because feminism & gender equity are issues I care about deeply. It’s a matter of women finally getting the opportunity to have their voices heard, and I’m proud to have a part in that. In my personal role as a leader, I’ve found that approaching it with a good dose of empathy has gone a long way in my department. When you treat people with that human understanding, you foster a sense of mutual respect that has positive, lasting effects.
I also feel that, with more women in leadership, there’s more opportunity for other women to have a seat at the table and therefore influence decision-making that can keep that healthy cycle of opportunity going.
Which women inspire you?
I think it’s more of the type of woman that inspires me. I appreciate a woman who takes up space in a male-dominated realm. Women who break barriers & defy sexist stereotypes are the ones who make real change. An Athena, goddess of war & strategy type, if you will!
What did your journey to success look like?
I’ve actually struggled with a lot of Imposter Syndrome, which is something I think many people can relate to. Society has a way of making people feel less-than, especially women, so it’s been rocky for me, at times, because of that. All that being said, I’m super grateful to be in the position I’m in and to have the opportunities that I’ve had. I’m proud of myself and that’s part of my journey to feeling worthy in a society that doesn’t always value women as they should, or the female lead.
If you could give career advice to another woman reading this, what would it be?
I know sometimes it seems really hard, or even impossible, working in a society that isn’t necessarily built for you, but your voice is necessary in making decisions. Tending to your mental health along the way should be a non-negotiable. Your body stores trauma, even if you don’t realize it, and has a horrible way of manifesting into unhealthy habits. And if you’re like me, you may be a woman who experiences a female-specific health condition. Having another woman as my supervisor has been a benefit & an extra layer of understanding in that regard. When it comes down to it, tending to your health as you go gives you the capacity to have room to fight the good fight.
What does gender equity mean to you in the workplace, and why is it important?
Gender equity for women is important & valuable because we make up over half the population. If we’re not contributing our perspective, then we’re leaving out quality insight from half the world! It’s about bridging the gap and journey to being seen as human beings. It’s a huge, visible step in the right direction of getting to a place of overall gender neutrality.
I’m personally so happy to have a woman leader as our Marketing VP, and to learn from more seasoned women who have been at this for longer than I have when the world was an even less kind place for women.
