Where Are They Now?
Insights and Encouragement from Past SWEP Honorees
A spirit of empowerment and encouragement filled the room at the “Where are They Now?” event, hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of Women Environmental Professionals (SWEP) on October 17, 2024, at the Lewis Environmental office in Royersford, Pennsylvania. The event brought together four past Touchstone Award recipients for an evening of conversation and a panel discussion. The guests of honor included:
- Kelly Kinkaid (2023 Awardee) – Licensed Professional Geologist, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)
- Eileen Snyder (2022 Awardee) – Technical Services/Sales, Alpha Analytical, Inc. (Pace)
- Beth Hyde (2015 Awardee) Business Development Director, Roux, Inc.
- Marian Young (2012 Awardee) – President, Brightfields, Inc.
Each woman spoke about her various career experiences, where she is now, and how she actively endeavors to support other women in the workforce. When the topic of gender discrimination in the workplace was raised, the group offered anecdotes and insights on how they personally approach the issue. all four women spoke about witnessing or experiencing some form of bias, prejudice, or discrimination based on gender. The crowd drew inspiration from how the women handled these obstacles.
Eileen Snyder: Everyone Deserves a Seat at the Table
Eileen Snyder, along with her five sisters, was raised to never think of herself as less than a man or to limit her career aspirations based on her gender. Her father, a Civil Engineer, helped to reinforce this positive messaging by encouraging Eileen to come to work with him and help with tasks like surveying a roadway. In her mind, there were no “girl jobs” or “boy jobs,” there were just jobs, and she knew that as a woman she could excel in any field.
Once she entered the workforce, Eileen did not allow negative assumptions or comments about her qualifications and skills to bother her or affect her performance. She would just “let it roll right off, like the water off a duck’s back” and continue performing her work with excellence. Simple sayings like “water off a duck’s back” and “pick your battles” were strategies of engagement that her mother taught Eileen and her five sisters. Eileen and her sisters were encouraged to not allow others to define them or to determine their fitness to participate. “We were taught that we deserved a seat the table, and to go in expecting no less.”
Kelly Kinkaid: Moving On to Move Forward
Kelly Kinkaid experienced being treated differently based on her gender in one past position. In that instance, she was informed by another woman that she was being openly disrespected by male coworkers. A female client came up to Kelly after a meeting and asked her why she allowed her male co-workers to treat her that way. Kelly reflected, “To me, it must have become normal, but to her, they were being disrespectful.”
After it had been brought to her attention, Kelly took notice of the gender bias and discrimination herself. “I felt like my advice and opinions were being brushed aside by new management and that my career path in that organization was limited, so I looked elsewhere for employment.”
Kelly is very happy in her current role at PADEP. “I don’t feel like my gender holds me back here. I feel like promotions are based on knowledge and experience regardless of gender.” Kelly encourages young women to consider careers in public service. “You probably can’t get away from discrimination entirely, but I think there is a greater effort to limit it and promote diversity in public service.”
Beth Hyde: Companies Moving in the Right Direction
Beth Hyde acknowledges that, “conditions and awareness of gender bias and harassment have improved significantly with the increase in numbers of women in the workplace.” Her company, Roux, has an App for people to report problems anonymously as well as other tools to empower action by the affected employee. Roux is serious about enforcement of its anti-harassment rules, “employees do get terminated for harassment after an investigation,” said Beth. However, not all issues are internal, and Beth mentioned that sometimes they still run into problems with people from other companies like drillers and contractors. If Roux employees experience harassment in the field and are uncomfortable, they know to remove themselves and call the Project Manager or Principal. Although there has been improvement over the years, Beth cautions, “we need to stay vigilant because discrimination remains a reality in the workplace.”
Beth enjoys mentoring young professionals and helping them grow their confidence, nurturing an understanding of business development until they became effective as doer-sellers. “It is rewarding to see them advance in their careers and reach Principal and beyond.”
Marian Young: A Grandmother, a Poet, and an Environmental Activist
Marian Young distributed handouts at the event featuring three remarkable women for attendees to take with them and reference for encouragement and inspiration. The first was her grandmother, Gertrude Lenskold (“GiGiMa”), who encouraged “curiosity about the natural world and a love of travel, culture, and language,” in her children and grandchildren. The second was poet and author Maya Angelou who said, “Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.” Maya Angelou was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010. The third woman was Wangari Maathi, founder of the Green Belt Movement, and an activist for the environment, women’s rights, and responsible governance. “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.” The handout shared that, “30,000 women trained in forestry, food processing, beekeeping, and other sustainable income-generating activities” under Wangari Maathi.
By highlighting the accomplishments of these three women, Marian Young showed the variety of ways in which women can touch the lives of others and have a positive impact on both the individuals they encounter and the world as a whole.
Final Thoughts
The “Where Are They Now?” event provided a meaningful opportunity to catch up with these past Touchstone Awardees. Their stories, insights, and advice reminded attendees that challenges can be overcome, and there are many ways for women to support each other. We definitely deserve a seat at the table, and we should expect no less.
