Annecia Steiniger

I think that I have been really lucky with the women in particular that I've been mentored by. Everything from college professors to bosses and then my peers. There's people that I was in the same class with, we inspire each other every time we achieve something or do something. There's no jealousy, just like I did this, you can do it, let me show you how. And also my parents, I have fantastic super supportive parents.

The best career advice I ever received was probably from my great-aunt who spent decades working in finance. She told me you can always start again. You don't like it? Go do something else. She was training to become an interior designer towards the end of her career so there's more besides you don't have to stay in one place and you can explore all of your passions.

I think the advice that I would give young women entering honestly either organizing or this field is to really find your village. Find the people who have the same values as you who when you're having a bad day you can call and vent and know that they're gonna reinvigorate you and inspire you to keep going. And also don't follow the money follow your joy and the money will come.

Right now I am trying to build up my own practice and my own brand but I'm also really looking forward to potentially training as a midwife. There's a real opportunity for people going into birth work now that there's more interest from insurance providers and more research coming out saying having a doula improves outcomes and improves patient satisfaction. The midwife model of care is changing lives so this is a really exciting time for birth workers.

I think honesty so being honest with yourself about your motivations your goals and how you're feeling being honest with the people around you and being courageous. You have to say the hard thing always. I really admire people who stick to their guns who are principled who will turn down something that seems like a fantastic opportunity because they are interested in wider goals in serving their community. Kindness too is something that I really value in the workspace and in professional life.