They manage, lead and play vital roles within KacePack’s team. Meet the leading women at KacePack; find out who inspires them to #BreakTheBias and learn how they’re building and thriving in their careers.

Sandy Irby, COO

What do gender equality and inclusivity mean to you?

Here are a few concepts that come to mind: the freedom to choose one's path; the ability to be accepted based on your achievements without question; and have one's contributions valued by others. It's certainly not an exhaustive list. 

Have you ever faced challenges, stereotypes, or bias in your career?

Yes, I have faced challenges in my education and in my career as a female POC. I continue to seek enriching opportunities, work hard, learn and contribute my know-how to my personal and professional endeavors. I’ve also grown to enjoy being underestimated, I move on if undervalued and I do not let what someone might think about me impact my ability to perform. 

Which woman do you admire the most and why?

I admire my mom, both personally and professionally. My mom, Lucienne Houanche, provides care in NYC as a registered nurse and is co-founder of ADO, Association Des Ouaniminthais, an organization that supports the health, education and wellbeing of people in Ouaniminthe, Haiti. She moved from Haiti to NYC as a teenager and has a great moral compass and street smarts. I've seen my mother's hard work and charity save lives numerous times. She has always inspired me to help others. 

What do you dream of achieving in your career? 

Influence. I would like the world to be more equitable, communities to be more harmonious and life to be a bit simpler. I would like my work to make a difference in many people's lives, like the path my mother has taken. 

Lydia Davis, Account Manager, Northeastern US

What do gender equality and inclusivity mean to you?

My kids have really challenged how I think about gender, since their generation is so progressive in that aspect. I'm a Gen Z kid and our generation defined gender equality as "women can do anything men can do", while my kids generation is asking the question "why do we assign any kind of role or character trait to any gender?" Through them, my definition of gender equality has evolved. 

While it's true women can do anything men can do, any gender can express themselves and live their lives in a way that feels right. Gender equality is just as much about encouraging men to be comfortable in who they are, and supporting and encouraging trans individuals. Inclusivity is not leaving anyone out of the conversation, and supporting your fellow human beings and treating them equitably, no matter how they identify.

Have you ever faced challenges, stereotypes, or bias in your career?

Unfortunately, I think most of us have. I started my career in cannabis at the dispensary level, and I would regularly have male customers request a male budtender because they didn't think a woman could know what she was talking about - and they said as much, right to my face. On the other side of that, so many female customers remarked on how happy they were to see females represented in cannabis, and I would always encourage them to learn more about cannabis and apply to work in the industry. 

I think encouraging other underrepresented groups to take a seat at the table and amplifying their voices is the best way to challenge stereotypes or biases.

Which woman do you admire the most and why?

I'm an avid hiker and a few years ago read "Grandma Gatewood's Walk" documenting the life of Emma Gatewood, who became the first female thru-hiker to complete the 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail at the age of 67, in 1955. Emma Gatewood divorced her abusive husband and testified against him in trial at a time when women initiating divorce were unheard of. 

She loved the woods and decided she was going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, as a grandmother, when she had never hiked a significant distance and no woman had ever completed this feat. Her eleven children all tried to talk her out of it, but she planned and researched and made history as the first woman to complete the hike, and went on to complete the hike again twice more, as well as several larger mountain hikes and the Oregon Trail. 

I admire her resilience and her dedication to doing something that was important to her, no matter what anyone would think or who tried to talk her out of it. 

What do you dream of achieving in your career? 

For a long time, my career focus was finding a company where I felt heard, respected, valued, and supported. Honestly, I've found that, so now my focus is on showing my kids and others what you can achieve, no matter what your background is. I don't have a degree from a four-year college and that's led to a lot of doors slamming shut in my face, but I'm a hard worker and I learn quickly, and love being part of a team. 

I also had someone in a past position tell me that because I have an anxiety disorder, I would never succeed professionally - and I'm out to show that person just how wrong they were. It's amazing what you can achieve when you learn to believe in yourself.

Charlie Chan, Sales & Design Intern

What do gender equality and inclusivity mean to you?

It means freedom and wisdom to me, gender or differences between people should not become limitations or boundaries. Gender does not affect ones' value.

Have you ever faced challenges, stereotypes, or bias in your career?

Fortunately, I have not faced these types of challenges in my career.

Which woman do you admire the most and why?

A dancer called Sukirabbit in Hong Kong, she is a tough woman who insists on her dreams.

What do you dream of achieving in your career? 

I would like to work in a positive environment, or I should say a place that neutralizes how we see differences.

Michelle Lee, Marketing & E-commerce Consultant 

What do gender equality and inclusivity mean to you?

Gender equality and inclusivity mean living in a world without stereotypes and bias predetermining judgments of an individual’s potential. Living in a truly inclusive society would provide equal rights, equal salaries regardless of your gender, sexuality, and ethnic background.

Have you ever faced challenges, stereotypes, or bias in your career?

I started a business at the age of 23 as a single Mom. While I appreciated the support of female entrepreneurs and ‘mompreneur’ support networks, it also highlighted the common challenges faced by women and mothers to be taken seriously as business owners. The predetermined bias that men are somewhat superior to women, which has been proven by the disparity in corporate salaries and startup fundraising statistics, trickles into the subconscious that challenges your own self-belief. I’ve worked hard on my businesses over the years and strive to always pursue professional growth. I focus on showing my worth and proving my capabilities by producing results that speak for themselves.

Which woman do you admire the most and why?

Oprah Winfrey. She has forged her own career against all odds as a BAME woman since the 1970s. With her incredible success, she always strives to do good with her influence. She believes in empowering women; the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy For Girls has helped girls overcome poverty and trauma, and provided the education and support they need to build themselves a better future. Through her media work, she inspires humans to become better versions of themselves through mindfulness and ‘soul work’; an awakening of the human consciousness that gives hope of peace and harmony for the future of humankind. 

What do you dream of achieving in your career? 

I hope to inspire others to use their knowledge and skills for the greater good. I believe in leading by example, so I would love to create a positive impact on people’s lives by advocating and working with organizations that help to create a sustainable future.