March is #WomensHistoryMonth, and throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting the women in leadership at the City of Chandler whose achievements have made a measurable impact on the community and those around them.
March 1: City Manager Marsha Reed
It only seems fitting that we kick-off this series by taking a look at the accomplishments and career of City Manager Marsha Reed, who after serving the City for six years is retiring on March 4.
Q: In what ways has being a woman made an impact on the success of your career?
A: My career has been different than most. I have worked in a "man's world" all of my career. I still remember sitting in my first engineering class on my first day, and the professor said, "I just want you to know half of you will flunk my class, and if you wear a skirt, you will definitely flunk." Those words still ring in my ears after nearly 40 years. I firmly believe anyone can be successful in any field, no matter if they are a man or a woman.
Hard work is the key to success in any career. I have always worked hard, and I have been noticed and recognized for my hard work both with promotional opportunities and with accolades. My constant focus is on how to get the job done and how to do it the best way possible. The men and women I have worked with over the years have always respected my opinion and looked to me for advice and for leadership.
Q: What advice do you have for other women seeking to run for leadership roles in local government?
A: Local government is one of the best jobs, as you get to help people, guide policy and actions. My advice to other women would be to work hard and look for opportunities to take risks to some degree. You have to learn to make decisions and be OK with those decisions, even if it doesn't work out sometimes. You learn from it and move on. First and foremost, be a great listener, and be honest with yourself and everyone around you. If you're not listening, you don't know what the crux of an issue really is and if you can't give an honest opinion. Sometimes you have an opinion not everyone wants to hear, but honesty is what can make you a good leader. Last, but not least, have fun!
Thank you, Marsha, for your service, we wish you the best as you embark on your next adventure.
March 3: Bhavika Bhakta
Bhavika Bhakta is the Pre-Treatment Supervisor in the City’s Wastewater/Water Quality Division and has been with the City for 8 years. We asked Bhavika what advice she had for other women seeking to make a career in the world of Public Works & Utilities.
“Have confidence in yourself. In order to want it, you have to work hard for it. Historically, careers in the Wastewater/Water Quality world have been male-dominated. However, over the years, women have slowly evolved into these essential roles, making waves for the future. Taking the time to learn and educate oneself, shows the dedication and determination you have to impact the wastewater/water quality world to meet the standards and protecting our water sources for the future years to come.”
March 7: City Attorney Kelly Schwab
Q: In what ways has being a woman made an impact on the ongoing success in your career?
A: I am the first college graduate and attorney in my family. I have conquered many firsts and have had to learn how to adapt to different environments that were foreign to me and sometimes not always friendly. I began my legal career in a courtroom where women were encouraged to only wear skirt suits and were cautioned to not be too aggressive in front of the client or the juries for fear of being misunderstood or perceived as mean. I am happy about the progress society has made. As a woman in what has been a male-dominated profession, I believe my communication, empathy and skills of adaption have been paramount in my success as a City Attorney. I believe these particularly came easily as a woman navigating education and then the professional world. I am more adaptable when I am trying to negotiate, advise and opine on matters of the law to help the City Council and City staff develop and implement public policy.
Q: What advice do you have for other women seeking to make a career in your field in the future?
A: I love the diversity of Municipal law and how it is applicable to all of our everyday lives. I am constantly learning in this role and I appreciate the team that assists in navigating the legal waters. Every day we address legal issues that relate to the development and governance of our community. I may start my day speaking with planners on how to annex property into the City, then meet with HR staff on adopting policies governing City employees, to then provide legal advice on regulations relating to the development of the community over the next 100 years in a way that ensures sufficient infrastructure and sustainability. That is only one possible day in the week because tomorrow could include issues in employment, water, land use, public safety, litigation or housing law. In the end, it is all done for the benefit of the community in which I reside. I am both proud and humble to have that kind of influence in my community.
I would strongly encourage women interested in pursuing public sector law to shadow an attorney in this field, learn more about being a government lawyer and discover how they can personally make a difference in the lives of their community. They need to pursue excellence in their academics and I recommend undergraduate studies that focus on writing and analytical skills, as all good lawyers need those skills. I also recommend that they take one day at a time as they get through their studies. Law school is meant to be endured and not always enjoyed. Practicing law is very different than studying it and in the end you will find yourself using every mundane theory or confusing analogy that you studied in law school. Those aha moments make the job enjoyable and make you value your education.
March 11: Battalion Chief Suzy Vargo
Suzy Vargo is a Battalion Chief with Chandler Fire Department and has been with the City for 19 years. We asked Suzy to offer insight and advice for other women hoping to pursue a career in the fire service.
"The fire service has been known as a traditionally male-dominated field, and while this continues to be presently true, women have made a definite impact in this line of work. Although I believe my gender has not been a sole contributing factor to my success, it has certainly contributed to my diverse point of view and empowered me to voice opinions that may not have been considered.
A quote that has stuck with me through different challenging times: 'Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't.' This is advice I would offer to other women hoping to work in this field."
March 13: Library Manager Rachelle Kuzyk
Rachelle Kuzyk is a new addition to the Chandler Public Library. She began her position as Chandler's library manager in 2020 after relocating from Canada. In celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth, she shared her perspective on being a woman in a position of leadership working in the library field.
"While I certainly don't want to diminish the talents of my male counterparts in either library or government work, I believe that as a woman, I bring the ability to multi-task, to listen and respond with empathy, and to show kindness to my colleagues and employees. Most other skills can be learned, but these qualities are innate and have been important for me to be successful.
The educational certification to become a professional librarian requires six years of university studies, including two at a Master's level, so it certainly requires commitment. Library work is more than "reading books all day" (a common remark). It involves a high level of customer service, often under difficult circumstances, an interest in technology, and a passion for upholding intellectual freedoms, among many other aspects of the work. Women seeking to follow this path should be prepared to become involved in their community, and to work hard to make a difference."
March 13: Cultural Development Director Kim Moyers
Cultural Development Director Kim Moyers is our next feature in celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth. Kim has been with the City for almost seven years and has made a tremendous impact on the growth of Chandler's arts, culture and downtown (re)development.
Kim shared advice to women looking to rise to positions of leadership in local government and elsewhere.
"Women are master multi-taskers. The ability to prioritize, tackle multiple projects and meet deadlines is crucial in this type of fast-paced work. These are skills women have honed all their lives. Having other women in my life who have mentored me and been a great role model has also made a big impact. I pay it forward as much as possible and enjoy mentoring other women in the City.
Find women who can mentor you, give you advice and offer you 'real' talk. Always work hard, never pass an opportunity to do something you have never done before (that's where the true growth is), and be fearless."
March 19: Assistant City Manager Deb Stapleton
Chandler's Assistant City Manager Deb Stapleton has been with the City for 22 years. She rose to citywide leadership after starting in the Human Resources Department. She shared advice for women looking to find their own definition of success in their careers.
"In my earlier years working for the private sector before I came to the City of Chandler, I was often the only woman at the table with men whose backgrounds were mostly in chemical engineering. Although I was a woman and never even took a chemistry course much less an engineering course, I was able to obtain credibility and respect with them by asking questions and offering, at times, a different perspective to the discussion at hand. I had a great mentor who pushed me outside of my comfort zone and that helped me build confidence and credibility that stuck with me throughout my entire career. 'Success' is different for everyone. For me, it comes from within powered by high work ethics, resilience, collaboration through relationships and always staying true to my values all along the way.
Find a mentor. Embrace opportunities to learn and accept that you may not always have the answer to everything. Build resilience; it will have a positive impact in all facets of your life. Define what success means to you and stay true to yourself, even when no one is looking. Finally, do what you love and have fun along the way."
March 21: Police Sergeant Jacquelin Mead
Sergeant Jacquelin Mead has been with @chandlerpolice for 16 years. For #WomensHistoryMonth, we asked her about her success and the advice she had to anyone looking to pursue a career in law enforcement.
"Although I am a woman in law enforcement, it is not what defines me or has caused my success. My success comes from hard work, standing for what is right and my desire to push past obstacles to be the best person I can be. In return, this is what makes a positive impact and continued success.
Grit and determination is the key to success. Always improving yourself by challenging your mind and body. 'Be the wolf: The wolf is relentless, never quits and doesn't look back' - Vishnu Singh."
March 25: Water Program Manager Lori McCallum
Lori McCallum, Chandler's Water Program Manager, has been with the City for 25 years. Lori McCallum, Chandler's Water Program Manager, has been with the City for 25 years. She says having the support of other women in the field and in the workplace has been an important factor in her achievement.
"The ongoing success in my career is due to having other women as allies. We amplify each other’s ideas and progress. We share in our personal and workplace challenges. I believe it’s advantageous for women in the workplace to support each other."
She shared her wisdom for other women who struggle to find their voice in their roles.
"Being a quiet person, vocalizing self-promotion doesn’t come naturally for me. Fortunately, there are other ways to show your areas of expertise if you feel yourself being overlooked for having a soft voice. You can demonstrate your knowledge by preparing well-thought-out reports, memos, updates on projects, and slip in your accomplishments that way. You will still need to speak up at times. Prepare and rehearse what you want to say prior to meetings and presentations to help build your confidence. "She says having the support of other women in the field and in the workplace has been an important factor in her achievement.
"The ongoing success in my career is due to having other women as allies. We amplify each other’s ideas and progress. We share in our personal and workplace challenges. I believe it’s advantageous for women in the workplace to support each other."
She shared her thoughts for other women who struggle to find their voice in their roles.
"Being a quiet person, vocalizing self-promotion doesn’t come naturally for me. Fortunately, there are other ways to show your areas of expertise if you feel yourself being overlooked for having a soft voice. You can demonstrate your knowledge by preparing well thought-out reports, memos, updates on projects, and slip in your accomplishments that way. You will still need to speak up at times. Prepare and rehearse what you want to say prior to meetings and presentations to help build your confidence."
March 27: Councilmember Christine Ellis
Q: In what ways has being a woman made an impact on your ongoing success in your career?
A: There have been so many ways being a woman has impacted the ongoing success in my career. It is a fact that being a woman makes my experiences broader, and I do bring a different perspective to many issues.
Where many might see being a woman a roadblock, I see it as a way to create a new pathway. As a woman, it is easier for me to show my compassion for others without being seen as weak. I also know it is acceptable for me to show strength and determination without being seen as aggressive.
I am a wife and a mother of two, which means that I am a fierce negotiator. Problem-solving is easier to navigate because of my experience of having to read other people’s minds and decipher their needs and wants. That kind of experience really comes in handy when working on resolving conflicts.
There are some great advantages to being a woman in my career, and I intend to cultivate them and advocate for more. As a society, we have made great strides for women's rights. I also believe there is a lot more that can be done, specifically in the areas of equal pay and promoting more women to high-level leadership.
Q: What advice do you have for other women seeking to run for office one day?
A: Just do it! In the words of so many who have come before us, "If you know in your heart you are chosen for this path, by all means, start walking." If your path is to win a race, have an unshakable conviction! Having your ducks in a row will only get you so far.
Say yes to the idea of running your race with everything you got, heart, soul, mind and body. After that, start doing your homework, and align yourself with one or two people who believe in you at all costs. Then stay the course! Maintain the attitude that you are a winner, no matter how the race ends. And always remember, prayer changes things.
March 27: Engineer and Project Manager Alisa Doll
For Alisa Doll, an engineer and project manager in Chandler's Public Works & Utilities Department, being a woman in a male-dominated field has been a learning experience. She shared advice to women who may be hesitant to follow a career path that may be seemingly reserved for men.
"Engineering is a male-dominated field, and as one of the few women in the field, I have always felt the need to prove that I not only belong but that I am also an excellent engineer. In my perseverance to prove myself I have gained self-confidence, which in turn has helped me to become a strong leader among my peers.
My advice would be to find mentors and then strive to learn everything you can from them. Being able to understand each discipline will help you become a well-rounded engineer and open up more career opportunities."
March 31: Presiding City Magistrate Alicia Skupin
Chandler's Presiding City Magistrate Alicia Skupin has been with the City of Chandler for more than six years. She shared her advice to working women and mothers in the field of law and beyond.
Q: In what ways has being a woman made an impact on the ongoing success of your career?
A: As a career woman, wife and mother of four, I have found that I have been most successful when I have been able to help others around me be successful. I sometimes use my 'mom skills' and parenting muscles at work, and as a judge, I use my courtroom demeanor and law training at home with my family. It seems to all balance itself out, except when my husband threatens to wear a 'Don't judge me' T-shirt.
Q: What advice do you have for other women seeking to make a career in your field in the future?
A: For any professional area, law or otherwise, I would tell women that there is a seat at the table. Remember to not undervalue or underestimate yourself in your career. My personal work advice would be, 'Don't work late on family birthdays, Valentine's Day, Pi Day or Halloween.'