Women's History Month 2024 - Maria Bigelow
Q & A with Maria Bigelow
How long have you worked for the City? What do you do?
I have worked for the City for 10 years and I manage the Adult Community Center.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life? What did they teach you?
I won’t say who was my biggest influence, but the person taught me who I didn’t want to be just as much as who I wanted to be.
Did you experience something that caused you to change your direction in life, for example, moving to a different state, going back to school, volunteering, etc.?
A poor manager caused me to change direction in my life. I will be forever thankful that her poor people skills encouraged me to change direction.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about women in the workplace?
We are not man haters.
What advice or words of wisdom that would you give your younger self?
People like people who dance at weddings, don’t just sit there, dance!
Do you have a woman that currently inspires you?
I know this is corny, but my daughters inspire me. One has the confidence, one the bravery and one the attitude I wish I had in my youth.
What would you tell young women who are just starting to work? What would you like them to know?
Say “yes” to all opportunities, education and trainings build confidence. Never be afraid to raise your hand and ask questions, it is the quickest and best way to learn. Imposter Syndrome is a real thing, if you feel it, you are not alone.
What is one thing you know now about women and work you wish you had known earlier in your career?
There are some that will cheer you on - you have to find them.
Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women?
Yes. I worked with a woman that never said a bad thing about anyone, I admired her willpower.
What goes through your mind when you think of women who joined the workforce before you?
How much harder they had to work once they got home. A division of housework labor was not commonly accepted “back in the day”, and those trailblazing women worked much harder. I also think about the sexual harassment they suffered, it had to have been difficult to get motivated to go to work.
What does Women’s History Month or International Women’s Day mean to you?
It is a time to remember the women that fought for a seat at the table. And now men and women can work as a team to accomplish inspiring and important work to better our futures.
Photo: Maria with husband J.D. at the PAC 12 Championship game.
