March 8 is International Women's Day—a global celebration of the social, economic and cultural achievements of women around the world. The 2025 theme, Accelerate Action, highlights the urgent need for collective efforts in growing allyship and fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging. By supporting women in both their professional and personal lives, we can drive meaningful change and empower every individual. 

At Itron, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace where unique perspectives can be expressed, heard and valued. As part of our celebration of this meaningful day, we asked a few of the many inspiring women from across departments, geographies and roles at Itron: If you could give one piece of advice to women early in their careers, what would it be?

Here’s what they had to say. You can also watch a compilation of their responses in this video.

"Be resilient. Believe in yourself and your abilities and don't be afraid to share your ideas. It won't always be easy, but learn from your challenges and keep going. Confidence and resilience are key. Growth happens when you push yourself—if it feels easy, it probably isn't challenging you enough."

– Astrid Storhaug, senior finance manager in Liberty Lake, Washington

"Set your boundaries. If I know I need to be available later in the evening for one of my global teams, I won't start as early, so I still have time for me and my family. I also encourage seeking a mentor—someone who is doing what you think you want to do. Have candid conversations with them and learn about what it's like to do what they do."

– Rusti Martin, director of product development software in Mississippi

"Claim your power and don't wait for permission to take up space. You belong here and have every right to influence decisions. If you act like you belong, others will follow your lead. Your unique way of thinking is a strength and can lead to better solutions and innovation."

– Jeana Kanyer, senior program manager in Liberty Lake, Washington

"Seek out mentorship and get to know people in your field, whether they're peers or further along in their careers. People are very willing to grab coffee or have a quick chat to share advice and information about the path they took to get where they are now. I also think it's important to not only think about what you're good at, but what you find energizing."

– Mimi Zhang, director of product management in San Jose, California

"Be proactive, stay curious and don't be afraid to take risks.  Focus on continuous learning, building relationships and saying yes to opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Every mistake is a lesson and every challenge is a chance to grow. Invest in your skills and remember that no one has it all figured out. Just keep moving forward."

– Sharon Chong, principal of field marketing in Singapore

"Be authentic, adaptable and resilient. Find support through your peers and mentorship. You'll need support as you move through your career, and having a sounding board helps build confidence. Lastly, know that you belong. You're qualified and capable."

– Tamia Ray, human resources business partner in Raleigh, North Carolina

"Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments. Throughout my 30-year career, I've learned that organizations adapt and change, and it's beneficial if you're willing to do the same. Try to leave your comfort zone and find opportunities that help you learn and grow."

– Tammy Zucco, director of sales in Raleigh, North Carolina

"Believe in yourself and own your value. Women often feel the need to prove themselves twice as much, but your ideas, skills and contributions are valuable from day one. Speak up, take up space and don't apologize for being ambitious. Also, stop seeking perfection before taking action. Confidence comes from doing, not waiting."

– Veronique Voisson, field marketing specialist in Meudon, France

"Own your story and don't wait for permission to lead. The world doesn't just need more women in the room. It needs women who speak up, challenge the norm and redefine what's possible. Most importantly, lift others as you rise. Real success isn't just about climbing the ladder—it's about building a bigger, stronger one for those who come next."

– Vijayalakshmi Bangaru, principal software engineer in Bangalore, India

Happy International Women's Day from Itron!