Building power through connection at FCT

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), FCT brought this year’s theme, Give to Gain, to life through a panel discussion featuring remarkable women whose voices reflect the breadth of talent and leadership across the organization. Together, they explored what it truly means to give, to uplift, and to create space for one another to grow.

Ahead of FCT’s IWD panel discussion, we asked each of the panelists to reflect on this year’s theme:

For Ann Bidner, Director of Total Rewards & Workforce Analytics, Give to Gain aligns naturally with FCT’s Values. “When we Row Together, we lift each other up and support one another. The reward is not only intrinsic but shared with those impacted by our approach,” Bidner said.

Natalie Paonessa, Senior Legal Counsel, emphasized the importance of leaders moving beyond traditional mentorship to actively create opportunities for growth. “Leaders can actively advocate for others and create space for them to contribute, lead, and be seen,” Paonessa shared. “Encouraging stretch assignments or engagement in high profile projects creates visibility and access to opportunities.”

Real sponsorship involves sharing networks, resources, and guidance to help others navigate the broader organization. It’s also an investment that enables people to shine and strengthens FCT’s leadership pipeline.

Mentorship has also been a defining part of Martina Robinson, Director of Operations, leadership journey. “Sometimes the most valuable thing a mentor can do is help someone see potential in themselves before they fully see it on their own,” Robinson said. “When we invest in someone else’s growth, it strengthens individuals, teams, and the organization as a whole – whether they advance into senior leadership or grow stronger in their current role.”

When asked how sharing power can actually strengthen one’s own influence, Jennifer Alessio, Director, Financial Planning and Analysis offered a perspective grounded in collaboration and learning. “Sharing power creates space for different perspectives. By learning from others and embracing diverse viewpoints, I gain new insights that help me influence more thoughtfully and effectively,” explained Alessio.

Jennifer’s response highlights the idea that influence grows not from control, but from openness. By elevating others, leaders become more informed, more adaptable, and ultimately more impactful.

Collaboration also took center stage in Maria Fiordalisi, Manager, Compliance and Chair of the Thrive employee resource group’s reflections on this year’s theme. “I've rarely achieved anything meaningful on my own,” explained Fiordalisi. “The moments that stand out in my career all involved other people. Holding onto knowledge or opportunity doesn't make you more powerful. Sharing it does. Collaboration has been one of the greatest amplifiers of my impact throughout my career.”

For Naureen Pethani, Director of Business Intelligence and Data Governance, empowerment goes beyond offering support – it requires sharing trust, tools, and autonomy. “Support without sharing tools, knowledge, and exposure can unintentionally create dependency,” Pethani explained. “Empowerment means trusting people to do things on their own while creating a safe space for them to try, learn, and even make mistakes.”

Across all panelists, one message was clear – giving is the catalyst for growth. When we share time, trust, opportunity, and encouragement, we create a workplace where people feel safe to stretch, bold enough to lead, and supported to succeed.

This year’s International Women’s Day celebration reminded us that connection is a powerful force at FCT.

When we lift each other up, we all rise.