This International Women’s Day and throughout March, ARC’s women-focused employee resource group, Women Empowered at ARC (WeARC), is celebrating and supporting women by hosting skill exchanges, a panel discussion on defining moments in the panelists’ lives, and donation drives to N Street Village and Laundry Project.
Below, members of WeARC explore the theme of International Women’s Day 2026 – Give to Gain – by sharing their experiences supporting and being supported by women.
Cecile Burton – Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives and WeARC Co-Chair
“I have a small group of friends that comes together quarterly to share our wins and get advice and feedback from each other on topics like big-picture thinking, our careers and parenting, among others. We originally came together when we realized that we were all driven women who want to be the best versions of ourselves and are constantly growing. We support and cheer each other on as our lives change.
Throughout my career, I have met women who urged me on and helped me recognize strengths in myself that I had not realized. With their guidance, I have been able to grow, take risks and try new things. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Being co-chair of WeARC isn’t just a volunteer role for me. It’s one of the most meaningful leadership spaces I hold. I get to support and encourage other team members by hosting “empower hour” conversations where women can talk candidly in a supportive setting about goals, careers, confidence, imposter syndrome, life and mothering.”
Paige Blunt – Senior Manager, Direct Connect and ONE Order
“I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career — many of them women — who helped shape my confidence, expand my sense of what was possible, and illuminate clear paths to achieving my goals. Today, I’m committed to paying that forward by mentoring other women.
To me, mentorship goes beyond career guidance; it’s about helping someone become the best version of themselves through affirmation, thoughtful personal and professional goal setting, and genuine praise. Watching someone grow in self-confidence and take the next step in their career is a powerful win for them and for those who support them.”
Nicole Chowning – Director, Customer Management Operations
“I am a board member of the local chapter of Young Men’s Service League (YMSL). YMSL is a service-based organization for mothers and their sons that offers service opportunities and time together to nurture relationships and instill a love of helping others. In addition to the service portion of the program, YMSL teaches leadership and life skills to help young men develop into capable, confident and compassionate leaders.
An understated part of the program is the time we get to spend with other moms and the support that this structure provides. We meet five times each year (plus monthly for those of us on the board) and have speakers and activities designed for every stage of motherhood.
YSML lets us spend time with our sons but also provides a built-in mom network. I’ve met other moms that I might not have met otherwise. We connect on topics like sending kids to college, work, and, for some of us at that point in our lives, menopause! This connection is such a vital part of engaging with YMSL.”
Marvi Domigpe – Manager, Accreditation
“I’m deeply grateful to have three of my high school classmates living nearby. We all came to the U.S. as immigrants from the Philippines. Having them close has been such a blessing.
We support one another through everything — life, family, work and especially our health. We remind each other to make appointments, drink water, take our vitamins, rest and breathe. When life gets overwhelming, we help each other find balance.
There’s something special about women looking out for one another out of love. We celebrate each other’s progress, check in when someone goes quiet, and gently guide one another back to self-care when we forget it.”
ARC gives its employees the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the workplace while expressing themselves and supporting their colleagues.
Want to learn more about ARC’s culture, our available ERGs and other benefits? Check out Life at ARC.