What is your favorite inspirational quote or best piece of advice given to you?
“Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.” - Henry Ford
(Let that sink in). I feel fortunate to have grown up in a family that believed I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I continually look to mentor and inspire others to go after their own dreams and have the courage to do so.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
I have an ongoing passion for inspiring and
Heather brewer
International Entrepreneur
Heather is currently creating her first technology startup - leveraging her 25+ years in international management consulting and global sense of adventure... while simultaneously navigating her boat around the world. Follow along on Insta @workingreboatly.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Adventurous.
Thinking big and taking the risk to make ideas come true have been the cornerstones of my personal and professional life. In the 'work from home' mandate during the pandemic, I seized the opportunity to learn a new skill (boating!) and for the last 4 years have lived and worked from my boat, traveling over 25,000 miles. As I say, working 'reboatly'.
mentoring others to go after their dreams. For the last thirty years, I have mentored students and alumni from the University of Washington and have been a frequent guest presenter at the Business School, focusing on international business and leadership.
Growing up, I was expected to work hard and be responsible and accountable for myself and others. I was also encouraged to travel the world and pursue my dreams, knowing anything was possible. If I didn't see a path, I would make one. That is how I have lived my life to this day.
In 1991, I was accepted into the prestigious Accounting program at the University of Washington. While thrilled to have this opportunity, upon reviewing the demanding curriculum, I realized there was no chance for me to study abroad, which was a critical desire of my University experience. In my heart, I knew that learning about other countries, cultures, and languages would serve me well in my future and open my eyes to opportunities.
Rather than letting the established curriculum defeat me, I met with faculty and other MBA students to discuss establishing an international business program at UW. With full support from faculty, I became a founding member of the Certificate of International Studies in Business. At the time, less than 10 percent of students studied abroad, and I am proud of my global mindset, foresight, and the risk to make it happen. Over 30 years later, the CISB Program is still going strong at the University of Washington, and I'm proud to be part of it!
In honor of Women's History Month, can you spotlight a woman from either your life, history or your community who has personally inspired you?
A woman who exemplifies mentorship and global community to me is Chaitra Vedullapalli (www.linkedin.com/in/chaitrav).
Chaitra recognized a collective global need for a community for women in technology and launched a not-for-profit organization called Women in Cloud (WIC) - a global network and platform to build community engagement and unlock $1B in new net economic access by 2030.
I'm a proud member of WIC and am passionate about giving all women and allies a powerful platform to serve and reach their potential.
As a woman community leader, how do you approach mentoring and supporting younger generations of women in your community to ensure a sustainable legacy of leadership and empowerment?
The "younger generations" of women are growing up in a much different society and world than I did. I can't imagine the pressures younger generations are feeling with social media and the compounding pressures they must feel to know what they want to "do" with their life from a young age.
I find creating a safe and confidential space to talk and share life goals, aspirations, fears, and challenges incredibly helpful. Many times, people have fears for wanting something different than their friends or parents - maybe a new move, a new career, or an interest. Simply having someone listen and provide support that they are on the right path and give them courage or advice as they embark on their journey is so powerful.
Nothing gives me more joy than seeing women I've mentored thriving in the lives they have created for themselves. I'm proud to be part of REST and helping survivors of sex trafficking thrive and realize their full potential.