IWD 2025 Special Edition
Employee Spotlight | March, 2025
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To celebrate IWD 2025 and the theme of ‘Accelerate Action,’ we’re excited to present a special edition of Employee Spotlight.
In this edition, some of our colleagues share their inspiring stories, insights, and experiences as we unite to accelerate progress toward gender equality. Discover what motivates them, how they’re driving change, and their unique perspectives on breaking down the systemic barriers women face. Don’t miss their powerful interviews!
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
I would actually say the devil is in the detail, the small steps, checking your unconscious bias, working to ensure all voices are heard and living our values. A culture of equality and inclusion comes from daily behaviors from all of us, all the team pulling in the same direction, championing and expecting equality.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
Chairing W@G UK for a year, as well as working on a number of our legally required Gender Pay Gap studies and new policies there have been many moments within my career where I have felt incredibly proud to work for Groupon. We have in many ways pushed forward with firsts, such as our recently released Menopause Charter.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
It’s simple: our merchants and customers are a diverse group, in valuing inclusivity, diversity, and equity ensures that our products and services resonate with our diverse customers, not only is it the right thing to do, it makes business sense.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
My daughter - every day! Young in years she carries a strength, kindness and wisdom that pushes me to be better every single day. She reminds me that courage is not always shown in large gestures - it’s in the small, everyday moments. Watching her navigate what is a much more challenging world than I faced growing up with determination, empathy and resilience reassures me that the future is in good hands. But then she is named after 2 strong women from history, Rosalind Franklin and Emmeline Pankhurst!
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
Whilst some progress has been made in relation to gender equality over the past few years, as a society we need to do a lot more. Gender equality isn’t just about pay, it is about opportunity, parental equality, inclusion and visibility. Gender equality starts at the hiring stage, ensuring a minimum % of women are applicants, it also requires a conscious effort to review salaries to ensure alignment across teams. I personally think gender equality is a conscious action, requiring 100’s of micro-decisions during a person’s career. It shouldn’t just be at the hiring, recruitment or promotion stage, but a conscious thought throughout a man’s career. We should be aware of privilege and use it for good, at every available possibility.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have
Groupon ran a mentorship program, partnering women across the business with senior leaders who specialised in areas they were interested in. Over the course of several months, I was able to mentor a junior member of the team by providing guidance, direction and support as she pursued more senior opportunities. I am happy to say the mentorship was successful as my colleague was promoted!
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
There is strength in diversity, whether it is gender, sexuality, beliefs, age, personality or culture. Having had the joy and pleasure of managing global teams for over a decade, the more diverse the team, the stronger, more resilient and more creative the team. The biggest mistake a leader can make is hiring and collaborating with people who share too many similarities. Echo chambers and silos are dangerous not just from an inclusion and diversity perspective, they are bad for business. More diverse opinions and more diverse talent equals faster growth. And this isn’t just opinion, research over many decades proves this.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
I could write a book on this topic, so this is a very hard question to answer! However if I have to select one woman it would be a fellow Northern Brit, Emmeline Pankhurst. In opposition to society, patriarchy and the law, Emmeline fought for the right to vote, ultimately achieving women’s suffrage in Great Britain. It is crazy to think the right to vote has only been available for a few short generations, it took militant and radical action to change society for the better. And we must not forget the importance of maintaining these rights, especially with the roll-backs of rights, diversity and inclusion that is underway globally.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
As a Senior Recruiter, I play a direct role in shaping our workforce and ensuring an inclusive hiring process. I actively promote gender-neutral job descriptions, seek out women for leadership and technical roles, and address unconscious bias in hiring decisions. I believe more men can contribute by advocating for women in the workplace, engaging in mentorship, and fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and valued.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
A standout initiative is the ERG (Employee A standout initiative is the ERG (Employee Resource Group) for Women and Allies – Open Forum. This group has organized various events and workshops, creating more opportunities for women within our organization. These initiatives have built a supportive community, empowered women to step into leadership roles, and raised awareness of gender equality at Groupon.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
From my experience in recruitment, companies that actively promote gender equality attract top talent, as many candidates seek inclusive work environments. Diverse teams bring a range of perspectives, leading to more creative problem-solving and better decision-making. At Groupon, gender equality helps us build stronger, more innovative teams and ensures long-term business success by fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
I am deeply inspired by my sister, whose journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and self-made success. After graduating, she moved to France, where she had to navigate a new culture and a competitive professional environment. Despite these challenges, she built her personal brand, led key projects, and earned recognition within her company—even as the only Polish woman in a predominantly French team. What I admire most is not just her achievements but her leadership and commitment to others. Now, she leads her own team and actively supports both women and men in their career development. Her journey is proof that talent, hard work, and determination can break barriers. She continues to inspire me every day.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
One concrete action I believe more men should take is actively amplifying women’s voices in spaces where they are underrepresented. This can mean offering opportunities for women to lead discussions, ensuring their contributions are heard in meetings, and advocating for their ideas when they’re not present. By being intentional about supporting and elevating women, men can help create an environment where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality. It’s about using one’s privilege to empower others and to break down barriers that often go unnoticed.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
I’ve seen initiatives at Groupon that have really helped foster inclusion and create more opportunities for women. One standout initiative has been the ERG (Employee Resource Group) for Women and Allies. This group has been instrumental in providing a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and discuss issues that matter to them both professionally and personally. The open forums are a key part of this—offering a space where women and allies can talk openly about challenges they face in balancing work and life, share advice, and brainstorm solutions to common struggles.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
From my perspective, gender equality plays a crucial role in Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract top talent, and drive growth. When a company is committed to gender equality, it creates an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and heard, which directly influences innovation. Women bring unique insights and experiences that can help shape better products, services, and strategies, ensuring that Groupon remains relevant and responsive to a broad customer base. This diversity of thought sparks creativity, leading to more innovative solutions that can set the company apart in a competitive market.
Gender equality supports long-term growth. Companies that prioritize diversity are more adaptable to changing market conditions because they are drawing from a wider pool of ideas and experiences. This adaptability allows Groupon to stay ahead of trends, build more effective teams, and ensure that its leadership reflects the world it operates in. The result is a company that is not only more innovative and competitive but also more resilient in the face of challenges.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
A woman who inspires me is my mother, a dedicated homemaker. Her strength, selflessness, and unwavering support have shaped me into who I am today. She has always managed to create a warm, loving home for our family while handling countless responsibilities with grace and patience. Despite not having a formal career, she has always been a role model of resilience, teaching me the importance of hard work, kindness, and nurturing others. Her ability to balance everything while maintaining a positive outlook continues to inspire me every day.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
One simple yet powerful action we can all take is ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued equally in meetings and projects, regardless of gender, personality, or background. By fostering an inclusive culture, we allow everyone's talents to shine—whether they are introverted or extroverted, male or female, or identify outside traditional gender norms.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
At Groupon, we’ve had the opportunity to participate in various events and workshops (e.g., Women in Tech). These initiatives provided women with a platform to discuss how they balance their personal and professional lives, share experiences, and build networks to navigate the challenges they face. They have helped foster a deeper understanding of the need for flexibility and work-life balance, which ultimately benefits everyone.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
When a company like Groupon works toward greater gender equality, it not only enhances the creativity and cohesion of its teams but also improves its ability to understand and anticipate the needs of its customers and partners. Progress in fostering empathy and understanding internally naturally translates into stronger external relationships and more relevant solutions.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
A woman who greatly inspires me is Laure Adler. As a journalist, writer, and producer, she has dedicated much of her career to giving women a voice, highlighting their stories, struggles, and perspectives. Rather than claiming the spotlight for herself, she chose to shine it on others. She did this in the 1980s and in a male-dominated field like literature, all while never defining herself primarily through her gender. To me, she embodies the spirit of a free-spirited, cultured, and deeply committed woman, unafraid to stand up for bold, sometimes iconoclastic ideas.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
One impactful action would be the implementation of structured mentorship and sponsorship programs for women at all levels. By having senior leaders actively advocate for and champion women's career growth, we can create an environment where visibility, guidance, and meaningful opportunities are consistently provided. This proactive support would not only accelerate progress but also ensure that women have the resources and advocacy needed to break through barriers and thrive in their careers.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
Stepping into the role of Black & Allies ERG Co-Chair at Groupon was driven by my commitment to fostering meaningful conversations around diversity and inclusion. I wanted to challenge barriers by asking the necessary questions, pushing for transparency, and ensuring that real change was taking place. In this role, I worked to create a safe space where colleagues felt empowered to voice their experiences, concerns, and ideas. By facilitating open dialogue, we not only provided support but also identified key areas where the company could adopt change. Whether it was advocating for equitable policies, amplifying Black voices in leadership discussions, or creating opportunities for professional growth, my goal was to make a lasting impact where I could. Being in this position allowed me to drive change from within, ensuring that diversity and inclusion remained a priority and not just a conversation.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
Diversity brings new perspectives, creativity, and problem solving approaches, which are essential in a fast paced, customer focused business like Groupon. Inclusive teams make better decisions and drive innovation by understanding a broader customer base and responding to market needs more effectively.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
My mother is the woman who inspires me most. As an immigrant, she courageously moved to the UK to build a better life for our family, facing countless obstacles with unwavering determination. Not only did she navigate these challenges but she also excelled in her profession as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, becoming an expert in her field while dedicating her life to improving the health and well being of others. Her relentless commitment, strength, and sacrifices have shaped my values and perspective, teaching me the power of resilience, compassion, and the importance of pushing through adversity to create a better future for myself and for others.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
As an HR person, it is super crucial for me to actively challenge and address gender biases in our everyday life. We live in a world that is constantly evolving, and all of us should contribute in making sure that everyone plays an important part in making sure that every voice is heard. It is a common effort, and change should come from all of us first, starting with small gestures.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
Definitely Women in Tech initiatives we held some time ago in Dublin. We had the privilege to have guests like Barbara Weisz, Marie Havlickova and Emilie Bouvier visiting us and providing very interesting insight and their career journey. When I was based in Dublin, It was great to see lots of women in P&E + also in managerial roles. It confirmed to me that Groupon is the best place for everyone, no matter their background, gender to grow and be part of something.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
It’s again creating the amazing feeling of being part of something vibrant and exciting!! Groupon needs to attract talent, people who bring something new to the table. It is a moment to be bold, to try new things. It is a great time to be here.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
Many! Being Italian I can think of scientists like Rita Levi Montalcini or Margherita Hack, who were the first to challenge the status quo in such a traditional and still somehow old fashioned country like mine. More recently I can think of Samantha Cristoforetti who was the first Italian woman to go into Space. If I need to look closer, of course my wife 😊. She is a strong, fierce, role model to me and always encourages and motivates me.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
For me, accelerating gender equality begins with conscious, intentional action from within. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in labels and societal expectations, but real change happens when we can look past those distractions and see people for who they are. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, not because they meet some external standard, but simply for existing. This isn’t just about specific actions, but about consistently living out equality and inclusivity in all we do. This translates into creating a safe space where all voices are heard, encouraging the sharing of ideas, however big or small, because every contribution matters and we all must start somewhere.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
Over the past couple of years, as Groupon has expanded its global presence, we’ve made a clear shift toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Our transformation is opening more opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to contribute, collaborate and grow. I think of it as our ‘rehabilitation era,’ where we’re rebuilding, reflecting, and reshaping our vision, with equal representation and opportunity at the forefront. Personally, I’ve seen an exciting rise in women stepping into high-visibility roles, reflecting our progress. These successes not only highlight our advancement, but also have the power to inspire women to aim higher. Our recognition efforts, such as the Transformer Awards and Employee Spotlights, contribute to this momentum by celebrating hard work and elevating the voices of those who lead by example. By bridging gaps across global teams and embracing diverse cultures and experiences, we’re cultivating greater transparency and inclusivity, creating an environment where growth is essential.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
From my perspective, gender equality at Groupon plays a key role in fostering an inclusive environment that directly contributes to innovation, talent acquisition and growth. Diversity should be inherent in how we operate, not just a checkbox to prioritize. Gender equality at Groupon is about recognizing and valuing the unique contributions each individual brings to the table. By creating a space where everyone, regardless of gender or how they identify, feels valued, seen, and heard, we invite diverse perspectives that are crucial for driving innovation. When we prioritize collective strengths over individual egos, we unlock the full potential of our teams and ideas. This inclusive approach not only attracts top talent but also builds more resilient, trusting teams, enabling us to adapt and thrive in an every-evolving marketplace.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
A woman who has deeply inspired me is my Grammie. She was always my safe space, a place free of judgement, especially growing up in a non-diverse suburb of Massachusetts, where I felt like I didn’t quite fit in. Being adopted from China by a single mom, with a Polish last name and a first name that’s frequently a conversation starter, I often felt torn between two worlds, not belonging to either. While my mom has always been a constant example of strength, with my Grammie, I never felt like a statistic or an adoption story. She saw me simply as her Marika. Her unconditional love and acceptance helped me feel seen, even when the world around me seemed full of misunderstanding and assumptions. She sadly passed away right before I began my journey here at Groupon, but she did know I accepted the job offer here! 😇
This is why I believe you can never truly know someone’s story, everyone faces adversity in some capacity, and it’s not our place to be the cause of judgement.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
I believe that something that goes a long way, especially in a corporate setting, is to not cut off women when they are contributing to a meeting or in general. I also believe in making my presence an “unsafe space” to say misogynistic things. Just because we might be a group of “boys” doesn’t mean it should be ok to say certain things.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
I am still very fairly new at Groupon, but I have joined the ERG Task Force and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together! Amongst other things I look forward to seeing how we can take a look at topics through an intersectional lens.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
It contributes to the ultimate goal of making everyone feel as comfortable as possible at Groupon no matter the gender/ orientation/religious background. As a result, the potential talent pool becomes even broader.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
Having grown up in a women only household and surrounded by mostly girls all my life, there are many who constantly inspire me. However, one will always take the cake: my mother! Her being a Colombian immigrant in the US is a story within itself. She gave up so much and constantly sacrificed a lot of things to help me and my siblings succeed. She taught me to be hardworking, take smart decisions and many more helpful things for succeeding in life. Furthermore, she also taught me to value my cultures, roots and heritage. So many things shaped me into the person I am today and I am very thankful and proud of her for that.
Accelerating gender equality is a collective effort. What’s one concrete action you take—or believe more men should take—to help drive meaningful change?
One impactful action is actively creating opportunities for diverse talent to grow—simply through making sure all voices are heard in decision-making. In a fast-moving environment like Groupon, it’s crucial to ensure that talent is recognized based on impact, not just visibility.
Have you seen or been part of an initiative at Groupon that helped foster inclusion or create more opportunities for women? What impact did it have?
Small actions, like redirecting conversations to those who are often overlooked or advocating for balanced team structures, create a ripple effect that leads to long-term cultural change.
Companies that prioritize diversity tend to perform better. From your perspective, how does gender equality contribute to Groupon’s ability to innovate, attract talent, and grow?
Diversity and inclusion bring fresh perspectives, challenge groupthink, and drive creativity—all of which are essential in a competitive, customer-driven business like Groupon. Teams with varied backgrounds are more likely to identify new market opportunities, create more relevant products, and adapt to changing customer needs. A diverse workplace isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more innovative company.
Who is a woman—past or present—who inspires you, and why?
I am inspired by my daughter. Watching her grow, question the world, and push boundaries reminds me every day why progress matters. She approaches life with curiosity, determination, and a sense of possibility that is truly inspiring. She doesn’t see limitations—only opportunities—which is exactly the mindset we need to foster in every environment, including the workplace.
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