Originally published on LinkedIn
By SingleSource | March 11, 2025
Over the weekend we observed International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements around the world. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize the talented women who work at SingleSource, and who are represented at all levels throughout our organization.
We asked a few of our women leaders for their thoughts on what IWD means with the 2025 slogan “Accelerate Action”, and to share which women inspire them. Check out their responses below.
Ashley Abbondanza, Chief Innovation Officer (CINO)
Accelerate Action is about leveraging the unique strengths women bring—collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving—to drive innovation and elevate those around us. It’s not just about moving faster; it’s about moving smarter, creating space for fresh perspectives, and ensuring that progress benefits everyone. In business and technology, the best ideas come from diverse minds, and when women lead, they bring a powerful mix of strategy, empathy, and resilience that pushes teams and industries forward.
I’m inspired by women who challenge the norm, turn obstacles into opportunities, and lead with confidence. The women I work with every day embody this—driving change, solving problems, and proving that leadership is defined by impact, not titles.
Stacey Bayley, SVP, Sales & Performance Management
As we continue making advancements, “Accelerated Action” is a call to take bigger, bolder steps toward achieving true equality for women. For me personally, it means continuing to mentor and empower women at every opportunity. It means never accepting less than I deserve and advocating for others to receive what they rightfully deserve. It’s about supporting other women-lifting them up, celebrating their successes, and guiding them through challenges.
I have been incredibly blessed to have amazing women in my life, starting with my mother, who taught me how important it was to have strong female relationships in my life. From family to coaches to friends to mentors, I have been fortunate to have the best of the best. Women who have helped me grow every day and whose unwavering support has pushed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.
Jodi Bell, VP, National Sales
International Women’s Day is a time to honor the remarkable achievements of the women who came before us, paving the way for progress and opportunity. Their courage in breaking barriers has provided us with a strong foundation—one that we must continue to build upon. While we celebrate the strides made, there is still work to be done. Our generation has the responsibility to drive this momentum forward, creating an even more inclusive and equitable future for the next.
Progress is an ongoing journey, and it requires the collective efforts of all who believe in equality—women and men alike. Change is the one constant, and together, we have the power to shape it. Let’s unite in our commitment to making a meaningful impact, fostering growth, and ensuring that the movement toward equality continues to thrive for generations to come.
For me, my biggest role model has always been my mom. She never once made me feel like being a woman was a limitation or an obstacle to success. Because of her, I have never felt held back—by anyone, man or woman. She raised me to believe that my dreams were valid, my ambitions were limitless, and that no goal was ever out of reach. Her unwavering support and strength instilled in me the confidence to pursue anything I set my mind to, without hesitation or doubt.
Chrissy Ziccardi, VP, Title & Client Relations
I feel International Women’s Day Accelerate Action encourages others to respect and recognize the achievements and accomplishments of women. It’s an opportunity for women to unite, support, and encourage each other by reaffirming our dedication to women’s rights, equality, and empowerment. We are very fortunate at SingleSource to have a strong group of women who support each other in a sisterhood manner. In addition, our ownership team embraces inclusion and equality for everyone regardless of gender.
Danica Lurito, VP, People Operations
To me, “Accelerate Action” is a powerful call to move beyond conversations about gender equality and actively drive change—whether in the workplace, communities, or society. Acceleration empowers us to work together to drive this change. It means continuing to break down barriers, encouraging women’s voices, and ensuring that progress isn’t just happening but happening now.
So many incredible women inspired me. I’m deeply inspired by the strong women in my family—those who have shaped me with their resilience, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Erica Giorgiantonio, Senior Director, Field Services
No matter what “day” it is, women are always amazing and resilient. If we want to continue to “accelerate action” we need to come together and stay together. No cliques, no leaving out, we have to include and be there for each other. It costs $0 to be nice and I say it all the time, you never know where you will be or who you will work for or with. How you act today can impact you in ways you cannot predict.
I’m inspired by my sister-in-laws and all my girlfriends who are working moms, juggling and managing competing demands with grace.
Eileen Papariella, Director, REO Asset Management
IWD to me means women living their best lives with the help and encouragement from not only other women but from others in our personal and work lives supporting us to achieve all we were created to be.
It is great to work for a Company that actively promotes Accelerate Action. This year several women in our company were promoted into Sr. Management positions. The company’s actions display to all women in the company with strength, hard work, and perseverance they can advance in the company as well.
When I first started working in the Mortgage Industry 35 years ago, my Manager was Evelyn Valesky. She worked her way up to a AVP position when at that time it was unusual for a woman to achieve that position at a Bank. She always encouraged me to learn more and was never afraid to share her expertise with other woman to give them a chance to advance in their career as well. There was never jealousy, only motivation to achieve our dreams and remain strong during life’s struggles.
I admired her actions as a leader, wife, mother, and friend. She taught me how important it was to be a cheerleader for others and not just for myself. It is not only about achieving my own dreams but to help inspire other woman to achieve their dreams as well.
Emily Lagnese, Director of Field Services
To me the International Women’s Day theme stands for more than women proving and fighting for their right to equality. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, means that individuals of all genders, organizations, and the government need to participate in the steps to achieve gender equality and empowering women. All parties coming together will help decisions to be made faster, leading to a better chance for positive change.
Women athletes inspire me the most because women sports have always been overlooked, but the women continue to do what they love and enjoy, and work hard to be the best they can be every day. Women athletes have just as much discipline and success as male athletes.
Carrie Hartle, Controller
We have opportunities now, that generations of women before us did not have. Because of these women, we can help future generations accomplish even more than we could ever imagine.
Any woman that makes an impact, no matter how small, to the people around them inspire me. Women who are working to make improvements within their company or their industry that benefit others inspire me to act within my own role. Working moms too—anyone who is able to balance a full-time job, on top of their role as a mom at home is amazing!
We are thankful for all the talented women we have in our organization and the knowledge they continue to share for future generations of women leaders in the mortgage industry. Together, we can #AccelerateAction. Happy Women’s History Month from all of us at SingleSource!
