This year, International Women’s Day is all about breaking the bias—and sharing stories to not only normalize but to amplify women’s voices in the workplace so that we can make significant changes to a world and continue to build towards a gender equal world, free of bias and stereotypes and one where differences are rewarded and celebrated. You might not be surprised that we, at Willow, have many voices to acknowledge and uplift—not only the women in our community of moms, but the women behind everything that makes Willow tick. So, we asked them a few questions like: What made you decide to pursue a career at Willow? What is the most empowering part about being female? What advice would you give your younger self? (career, life, love!) Here’s what they had to say.

• Working as a Product Manager at Willow I have the opportunity to directly interact with moms and translate their needs into new products. Designing products for women through one of the hardest (and rewarding) experiences of their lives, drew me to working at Willow.

• My advice to my younger self would be to enjoy the phase of life you're in. As a futuristic person, I am always thinking about the next steps and how to get there, instead of stopping to enjoy what I have.

• I was a Willow Mom first. The pump literally changed my life as an exclusive pumping first-time mom. I was miserable and feeling useless being tied to the wall with my traditional pumps while my baby cried right next to me. Willow gave me the opportunity to enjoy my motherhood - from playing with my baby without having to plan around my crazy pumping schedule to traveling back home to Tokyo to see my family and friends. I fell in love with Willow so much that I knew I wanted to be part of the company and bring Willow to all corners of the world.

• The physical and mental strength to go through literally anything. I was beyond exhaustion but 5-6 hours after a C-section I was walking around to care for my baby. Nothing can and will stop us.

• My two little girls always remind me the importance of being present and enjoying the small things in life. They get excited about seeing a garbage truck everyday! I would tell my younger self to live in the present, enjoy the moment and the phase of life you are in. Time flies.

• Pumping was so hard for me to squeeze into a workday. I spent hours in a supply closet at work, hunched over my computer, missing meetings...and I kept thinking "I wish I knew something about pumps. There has got to be a better way." Creating the Willow pump promised the opportunity to help moms balance the demands of new motherhood with their prior identity.

• Our body's ability to create, sustain, and nurture another life is truly incredible. If we are designed as females to do that...we can honestly do anything.

• No amount of passion for the project, nor financial incentives, can make up for having to work with crappy people. Surrounding yourself with great people is the key to success and happiness.

• Mom's deserve a better world, and so as such I was excited about the opportunity to bring Willow to the hands of more moms through retailer and insurance DME relationships.

• The number of things a woman can accomplish daily is amazing. The balls we juggle as mothers, friends, employees, neighbors, can be overwhelming but I am empowered by looking at each daily interaction as an accomplishment.

• Be the best version of yourself in any situation and more importantly giving yourself the permission to accept whatever that best version is in that situation.

• As a working first time mom getting back into the working world, it was challenging to prioritize my work and family life and being part of a company that understands and supports that as their mission is something that has been such a positive experience for me. I believe in our vision and mission and think that encouraging a positive experience for other mom's in the world is something that we do well! Happy to be part of the Willow team!

• Besides the ability to carry and grow life in our bodies, I think also the ability to be resilient in many different situations. Women are confronted with lots of challenges in many different areas of life, but I think many have been able to bounce back and refocus on what needs to be done despite the challenges.

• Never second guess yourself and remember to be kind to yourself. Spend less time "thinking" about what you want to do and just get to it because mistakes are meant to be learned from.

• As a full-time working mom of two daughters, I pumped countless times while tethered to an outlet. Willow's pump is a real game changer for moms, and I could not pass up an opportunity to be part of something so extraordinary. I believe so much in Willow's values and mission, and I love that I get to use my accounting expertise to support this amazing company.

• I love that we can fully embrace both our tough and tender sides.

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right or you have doubt in it, it's probably not right for you.