Championing Gender Equity: Our Commitment for Women’s History Month and Beyond

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." – Gloria Steinem  

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we reflect on the progress women have made in shaping industries, driving innovation, and leading businesses to succeed. But we also recognize the work that still needs to be done in achieving true gender equity—not just in words, but in action. 

At Five9, we are committed to creating a culture where women are empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive. Studies show that organizations with gender-diverse leadership outperform their peers in profitability, innovation, and employee engagement. Yet, women—particularly women of color—continue to face barriers in leadership representation.  

We believe in challenging these disparities and fostering an inclusive environment where women’s contributions are recognized, their voices are amplified, and their career paths are limitless. 

“Progress towards gender equity doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when we accelerate action. As a leader, I have the responsibility and privilege to amplify women’s voices, champion their achievements, and drive real change toward a more inclusive and equitable future.” – Niki Hall, Chief Marketing Officer, Five9 

Empowering Women, Elevating Voices 

Gender equity is about action, not just words. It means championing policies, creating opportunities, and driving change that ensures equitable access to leadership roles. 

At Five9, our leaders take immense pride in leading by example—advocating for inclusive hiring practices within our teams, supporting via mentorship programs, and leadership paths that support and empower women. But this work doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s the collective effort of our teams, partners, and leaders that drives meaningful change. 

“We all benefit when women have a seat at the table and a voice in decision-making. As a proud 'girl dad' to two teenage daughters, I am committed to accelerating action for gender equity—both in the workplace and the world they will lead. It’s on us to break barriers, create opportunities, and ensure a future where all women thrive.” – Andy Dignan, Chief Operating Officer, Five9 

Building a Culture of Belonging 

Equity goes beyond representation—it’s about fostering a culture where women feel valued, heard, and supported. That’s why we invest in and encourage programs like leadership development initiatives, sponsorship opportunities, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). As an example, Five9 has hundreds of members in its Women in Technology (WIT) ERG, with a mission to advance the women of Five9 through a variety of support, leadership development, networking, education and mentoring opportunities. 

“Creating a workplace where women feel empowered means building an environment where they can bring their full selves to work—without bias, without barriers, and with every opportunity to lead. I am committed to accelerating action by fostering a workplace where women thrive—through equity, opportunity, and unwavering support." – Tricia Yankovich, Chief People Officer, Five9  

We also understand that allyship is critical in driving progress. Research from Harvard Business Review highlights that men who actively champion gender equity through mentorship and advocacy play a significant role in closing leadership gaps.  

Looking Ahead: Turning Commitment into Action 

While we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, we know there’s always more work to be done. As we continue to drive meaningful change, we encourage every leader, every colleague, and every ally to take action—whether it’s advocating for a peer, challenging unconscious bias, or ensuring that the next generation of women leaders has the support they need to rise. 

“I am committed to accelerating action by advocating for policies, protections, and practices that drive equity and empowerment for women. A just and inclusive future starts with action. When we do that together, we create a future where everyone can thrive.” – Tiffany Meriweather, Chief Legal Officer, Five9 

The 2025 IWD theme, "Accelerate Action," is a challenge to all of us—leaders, allies, and changemakers—to push for faster, more impactful change. So this International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, let’s not just reflect, let’s take action. Let’s champion the women around us, push for equity in every space, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed in our workplaces.   

Join Five9 on March 28 at 8 am PT for a dynamic Women in CX Roundtable: The Power of More with CX thought leader, Jeannie Walters, alongside Five9 leaders and inspiring female leaders from our customer community.