Let’s Hear from Our Women Leaders for Women’s History Month

At DEXIS™, we’ve focused on creating an inclusive, diverse culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Women play a central role in building this culture and advancing our industry. For Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the accomplished women who are leading our organization forward, while leading the way for the next generation of groundbreakers and trailblazers. 

What does women’s history month mean to you? 

“Women’s History Month is a celebration not only of women, but of the diversity within the gender. It’s an opportunity to highlight the contributions many different women have made throughout history.” 

— Erika Martin, Senior Manager Global Regulatory Affairs

“There is a legacy of women in the dental industry who have been leaders and mentors. Women’s History Month gives credibility to all of these prominent and dedicated women. We’re proud of what women have accomplished, and we should be.” 

— Jan Myskowski, Senior Clinical Program Manager

“Women’s History Month is an opportunity to learn from those who went before us, the true leaders and trailblazers that stepped up and took on roles they were told they shouldn’t be in. Our world today is different than it was years ago, and these women are why we are where we are today.” — Crystal Nowakowski, Senior Director, Sales Operations, Imaging & DTX

“Women have come a long way to be part of leadership and decision-making. Women’s History Month celebrates that women can and do contribute effectively to business. It inspires other women to move into leadership positions.” 

— Nicole Patrick, Regional Sales Director, Southeast

“Women have changed the world. Women’s History Month celebrates women and all our achievements. I do think we need to talk more about women in the B2B space, women as business leaders. This is our opportunity to do that.” 

— Michelle Cabral, Global Marketing Director, DEXIS™

“Recognition for women is not naturally given, so for me Women’s History Month is about supporting other women in business around me, making sure they are getting the acknowledgement they deserve and keep mentoring and coaching future leaders.”

— Mirjam Hermann, Senior Director, DEXIS™ IOS Marketing

“Women’s History Month is a reminder to our daughters and younger women, that they can be anything they want to be. Dream big, work hard and you can accomplish whatever your heart desires. It’s nice to have a month where we remember all the strong women who started before us, and we can look at the younger generation to encourage them to leave a legacy of for the next generation.” 

— April Prokop, Sales Training & Development Manager

Is there a woman in your life who inspires you professionally?

“My mother has been my motivation from the beginning. She led by example, and laid out a path for my two younger sisters and me by being a leader in her industry, orthopedic manufacturing. She was also a groundbreaker in this male-dominated industry in the early ‘90s. So she really showed us the way.” 

—  Erika Martin

“My mother was a very hard worker and instilled in me the value of hard work. Through her, I learned that nothing is given to you, you have to earn it. That’s a large part of why I’m successful today.” 

— Nicole Patrick

“There have been many women along my journey who have inspired me, but if I go back to the beginning I have to give credit to Betsy Alden who was the director of the dental hygiene program at Temple University when I attended. She really challenged and pushed me, but also encouraged me. When she knew I was struggling, she would remind me to never underestimate myself, to ask myself what I really wanted. She helped me realized that I deserved bigger and better things.” 

— Jan Myskowski

“Over my career, I’ve reported to a lot of female role models who had something in common: they were bold, willing to speak up, willing to recognize and promote talent. I’m thinking of the Chief Accounting Officer, a woman, who brought me in, recognized my potential. Women like her who promote others’ success and lift each other up.” 

— Crystal Nowakowski

“Bozoma Saint John, the former Chief Marketing Officer for Netflix and Hall of Fame Marketer, really inspires me. She doesn’t change who she is, stays true to herself, and talks a lot about building communities, brands and philanthropy. She’s a great role model for someone like me who’s not a polished corporate individual, but who knows how to get the job done.” 

— Michelle Cabral

“I had several role models and mentors who inspired me. Mehrnaz Campbell, the CEO and founder of Cheemia a CSO who has successfully established remote HCP engagement, is one of them. She’s a pioneer, an awarded entrepreneur, and a scientist by profession. She inspired me with her courageous way of trying new things out for her business, her curiosity to learn and visualizing her goals every morning. She never thought that being a woman should stop her from reaching the top. That resonates with me.” 

— Mirjam Hermann

“We have plenty of successful women to look up to. Think of the first woman to fly a plane, start an all-American girls’ professional basketball league and play (and sometimes win) against men’s teams, become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, drive in the Indy 500, be in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, the list goes on.” 
— April Prokop

Have you ever faced a barrier, and if so how did you overcome it? 

“As someone in leadership who’s young — only 33 — I’ve tended to get bypassed or underestimated. But then others find out that I do have the right things to say. I’ve always had to fight to get into the room, to prove myself, from the time I started my career at 22 and worked my way up. I think that’s made me a better leader.” 

— Michelle Cabral

“Women have always faced barriers along the way, but those can be overcome with education. I learned early in my career that education provides a stepping stone to becoming a great leader. Not just earning degrees, but education in other areas like management style. Women are continually reinventing themselves and that’s an advantage.” 

—  Erika Martin

“In leadership there are barriers everywhere you turn. Having three young children when you move into a leadership role was definitely a challenge. You get pulled in multiple directions, and wonder how you’re going to balance it all. I have two girls and want to show them that they can do anything, can be a leader and prioritize both family and career. I want to show them it’s possible.” 

— Nicole Patrick

“Being a mother to teenagers, you want to be an inspiration, to provide guidance and show strength, but finding that balance between committing yourself to your career and committing yourself to your family can be a challenge. That balance shifts every day, as does figuring out what needs to be a priority for that day. It’s important to find support with other mothers who have been through it too.” 

— Jan Myskowski

“One of my biggest barriers was transitioning to being a mom, having to figure out how to make choices and balance what I did. This actually made me a better leader, because I had to learn to rely on others. So the barrier was me, learning that I didn’t have to take everything on all by myself. And it didn’t impact my success at all. I learned to focus on what matters most.” 

— Crystal Nowakowski

““For me, the barrier was learning to clarify expectations — not only for others but for myself. After I came back from maternity leave working full time in a leadership role, I learned how important it is to openly communicate with my manager that I am 100% focused on my job and a new mum. This open communication created a lot of trust despite feeling awkward the first time. I had to readjust to this new reality, but also be okay with it myself.”

— Mirjam Hermann

“I have friends who are stay at home moms and friends who run their own companies. We all work extremely hard to balance work, home and family. We each have different levels of guilt, frustration and concerns. There are so many things to juggle and more often than not, we always put ourselves or our needs last.  We should support each other and give a helping hand whenever we can.” 

— April Prokop

As a female leader, do you have any words of wisdom to share with aspiring young women? 

“Find a good female mentor, first and foremost, and foster that relationship. Your mentor can help you break down those barriers, because they’ve already been there and done that.” 

—  Erika Martin

“Have a network and community around you, with people in similar situations. Go have coffee with them, tell them what you’re doing, ask for their perspectives. It’s important as leaders to get multiple perspectives, to look at situations from a different lens to get a better outcome.” 

— Nicole Patrick

“Don’t be afraid to volunteer yourself for something, even if it’s not in your job description. You’re more likely to get to the next opportunity if you raise your hand and say, ‘I’ll do it,’ before the opportunity is even presented to you. Ask, ‘How can I help?” and then go make a difference.” 

— Crystal Nowakowski

“Stay true to yourself. Be clear about what you want from your life, your career, articulate it, and don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do it. Build a network and connect with like-minded women to support you on your way.” 

— Mirjam Hermann

“Never underestimate your worth. We question ourselves, are hard on ourselves, and face challenges in this business. Know that you have a voice, find the strength from within and know that it’s present and it’s powerful.” 

— Jan Myskowski

“Never give up. Know your worth and keep fighting for what you believe in. Always have someone in your organization you can run ideas and thoughts by so you can gain other perspectives. Find something you love to do and a company that supports you.” 

— April Prokop

“Don’t be afraid, go for it. If you have an idea, speak it out. Women sometimes don’t say things because other people are used to making the decisions. We need to be more outspoken because we do have answers.” 

— Michelle Cabral

“For me, my life and career have been driven by three major points: 
1) You may sacrafice some time away from family at times, so focus on the quality of your time (and everything you do!) 
2) Don't let perfection or self-doubt get in the way of progress! We are our toughest critics so don't forget to be kind to yourself. 
3) Last, stay curious and positive! “The better your brain is at using its energy to focus on the positives, the greater your chances at success.” - Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage”

— Lori Clements

Thank you to these women leaders who took the time to share their experiences and perspectives with us. From the DEXIS™ organization to yours: Happy Women’s History Month.