Today, the world recognizes International Women’s Day, and at ASC we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the remarkable women within our all-female firm. While acknowledging the strides made and achievements earned, we believe today is a special opportunity to also reflect on the vast potential that lies ahead.
To do that, we asked our team to share advice they would offer to their younger selves—insights that bridge the past with an ever-evolving future.
By offering this advice (and fun childhood photos), we hope to empower all of us to embrace our potential and shape a brighter future.
Join us as we share a bit of wisdom gained, emphasizing the importance of leveraging lessons learned to empower the women of tomorrow.
“Remember that the journey to finding your own path may not always be the shortest or easiest, but it will undoubtedly be the most rewarding. Take the time to explore and understand what truly drives you, and don’t be afraid to forge your own unique route towards fulfillment and success, even if it means passing up on seemingly incredible opportunities along the way.”
– Anna Stallmann
“Seek out and surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you. You will be amazed at how the right mentors and friends will encourage you to do things beyond your imagination, be instrumental to helping you overcome obstacles, and contribute to your successes both personally and professionally. And make sure to pay it forward!”
– Kristen Crutchley
“Never stop growing. Invest in yourself, both professionally and personally. Set goals for yourself that force you to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace every challenge, as well as every failure. As long as you’re learning, you’re growing! And absolutely do not forget to stop and celebrate your achievements along the way, both small and large.”
– Mae Young
“Things will fall into place, even when they seem like they won’t. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you, and always remember that there’s bigger things out there — the best days of your life haven’t even happened yet! Find the joy in the simple things and life will always be fulfilling.”
– Catherine Quant
“Never be afraid of failing, making mistakes, or asking for help. Those are the things that clear the path for growth, wisdom, and vulnerability to flourish. Your metric for success does not have to look like anyone else’s. You get to define what a meaningful and fulfilling life looks like. That definition will help you find the clarity you need for the goals you strive toward, while being in alignment with your values.”
– Yesenia Gonzalez
“There will be days you doubt yourself and your abilities, but the truth is you’re doing better than you think! We are often our own worst critic, but there is only one person who is uniquely you. Your voice, your story, your contributions, and your life matters. Be kind to yourself, now and always.”
– Katie Timmerman
“Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Continue to surround yourself with positive, kind, and hard-working people, who make you the best version of yourself. Always celebrate the little wins and don’t worry about things that are out of your control. If a door doesn’t open, it’s not your door.”
– Caroline Bagley
“Don’t let others discourage who you are as a person. Focus on continuing to be yourself and doing what makes you happy. Big challenges will come your way, but do not take that as a sign to quit. Good fortune will come out of it. Continue to be optimistic and kind and surround yourself with nothing but love. Stay strong and keep smiling!”
– Isabella Valdivieso
“You don’t have to have it all figured out. The path you’re on doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. What if the path you’re living is someone else’s dream? Small actions today will make a bigger impact on what’s to come tomorrow. Keep going — tomorrow will be better because you will be a better version of yourself than you were yesterday. Remember to listen to Dad once in a while… “One thing at a time, kiddo.” Surround yourself with good people and don’t forget to call home frequently—your biggest fans are there cheering you on.”
– Beth Bolding
“Treat learning like an adventure, and don’t be afraid to attempt something new. The scariest part is deciding to do it, but after that it’s just a matter of trial and error. Try not to doubt yourself, but always be curious and ready to learn. You will achieve more than you think possible if you’re willing to do the work.”
– Samantha Fijacko
“It’s ok to do things that scare you. Travel solo. Move across the country. Talk to someone who impresses you. Speak up in the meeting. Start your own business. Sometimes these leaps of faith open doors you never would have thought possible, and you’ll learn amazing things about yourself and others along the way.”
– Jessi Rennekamp
