How Identity Has Influenced A Director of Strategic Partnerships' Career At A Fintech Climate Startup
Rebecca's career in male-dominated fields, such as automotive and finance, led to the creation of "Women in Climate Investing and Finance," a supportive community combating feelings of isolation. This experience empowered Rebecca to "stir the pot," believing diverse perspectives are crucial for good decision-making, and viewing their role as "sweeping the glass aside" to pave the way for more women in these industries.
Overcoming Challenges, Leadership, Networking, Community Building, Gender Diversity
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rebecca Saletta
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Fintech Climate Start-up
UCLA
N/a
Communications
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Building community with other women in similar fields provides crucial support and helps navigate challenges in male-dominated industries.
2. Finding external support networks allows for better self-reflection and perspective when facing gender-related biases or difficulties in the workplace.
3. Actively seeking out and participating in spaces where you may be underrepresented is important for bringing diverse perspectives and ultimately contributing to better decision-making.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as female, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
It has totally impacted me. I found myself in male-dominated industries, which wasn't something I planned. In undergrad, I studied dance and communications, two areas traditionally dominated by women.
Then, I stepped into the automotive industry and was one of the only women in many conversations and Zoom calls. I found the same thing when I moved into finance. For me, there is such power in finding community with other women.
So, over the past few years, I founded an organization called Women in Climate Investing and Finance. It's a group of women in LA who are in climate and finance. It's been a wonderful way to find colleagues, support, and other women who have navigated similar paths.
Having spaces like this has been really helpful. When I step back into a male-dominated industry, I have backing and support. I have people to sense-check with. I think going in alone can really feed a victim mentality or just frustration with society.
By finding external areas to talk to people, it gives you grace in those moments to understand if something is malicious, ignorant, or something else. These things will happen, and most women will have some story.
For me, I actually love stirring the pot. I sometimes enjoy being one of the only women in the room because it challenges me to speak up. Very early on, I learned that if there's no one who looks like me in the room, then we don't have a complete circle and cannot make a good decision.
This isn't just about gender; there are thousands of layers of minds and voices needed for key decisions. Part of my job, I feel, is to be in the room, to at least be present. There have been many times I've raised my hand and said something off-the-wall, thinking, "Maybe that's because I'm a woman; I thought about this differently."
It's been hard, but also really fruitful. I feel there are several women who have gone before me and started to break the glass ceiling. I feel like some of my role is to sweep the glass aside and break a little more. As more women follow, we need their brains in there.
I feel honored to step into spaces like automotive and finance, which have been male-dominated, alongside other women who are doing the same. It's not about going in alone; it's about finding support, asking good questions, and giving yourself grace when you get tired. We also get to hold people to higher standards. It's time, and it's an honor to do it.