Happy Women’s History Month! We’re shining a spotlight on the amazing women on the dream team at Ward Law. We sat down with Phylise Wilson, our top-notch Office Supervisor and Legal Assistant, and asked her a few questions about what Women’s History Month means to her and the female role model who had the biggest impact on her life. After working with many of our attorneys for over two decades, Ward Law is thankful for Phylise’s dedication, professionalism and loyalty.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you and why is it important?
While it’s important to do this every day, Women’s History Month to me, is a time to reflect on the accomplishments and impact made by women over the course of time. I think it is always important to uplift people who have been marginalized for so long. Women absolutely fit that criteria.
What progress have you seen in gender equality at work and in your personal life?
The stats say yes and I suppose since I started my professional career in 1996 I have seen some progress. But it is a slow grind to achieving actual equality and equity.
Why do we need more women in leadership positions?
Mainly because there is a glaring disparity in the workforce vs. the workforce leadership. There is currently a total of 41 women running businesses on the Fortune 500 list, and that’s an all time high. Until that glaring difference is no more, there will continue to be a need for women in leadership positions.
Whether personally or in history, who have been your biggest female role models and what do you admire most about them?
My biggest female role model was definitely my mom. Growing up in era where professional options were very limited for women, my mother had an amazing career in the law and education field and navigated the gender disparities as best as she could.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what obstacles did you face in achieving your goals?
My mother worked in the legal field when I was growing up. I learned how important the legal field was to our society and even without having a law degree, I knew I had what it took to make a serious impact. I have worked at small regional firms and large national firms as paralegal, legal assistant and legal secretary. Today, I’m excited to be utilizing my skills as the office manager of certified woman owned firm in PA, NJ, NY and FL.
What advice do you have for young women who are interested in pursuing a career in law?
One thing no one can take away from you is your hard work. Continue putting in the hard work to be great and find the place that challenges you to become the best you.