IGS WOMEN’S NETWORK

Cindy Bissette is a different person from the one she was 11 years ago.

Quiet and reserved, she was promoted to a leadership position in a call center, but she felt alienated by the company’s culture. So she decided to leave, landing a job as a supervisor in the solution center at IGS Energy.

“I was really kind of blown away by the environment,” she says. “It just felt very positive.”

Eleven years and three promotions later, Bissette is a senior manager who supports customer operations and collections teams totaling 60 people. And she’s the leader of the IGS Women’s Network, the newest iteration of a Community that she’s been involved with since it started in 2017.

These days, it’s more likely you’ll find Bissette publicly sharing her story and leading encouraging conversations with colleagues than fading into the background.

“When I think about who I was 11 years ago and compare that person to who I am today, it’s like that person doesn’t exist anymore,” Bissette says. “IGS really has played a massive role in who I am today, in a very positive way. I feel like I have been given a space at IGS to get uncomfortable and to really grow as a leader—and as a person.”

She credits her boss Karen Rizzo, senior director of the solutions center, with playing a big role in her development.

Bissette is passing on that support to others through the IGS Women’s Network, which was formerly known as WIGS, or Women of IGS.

“The idea of giving women a voice and allowing them to connect and share personal experiences really resonated with me,” she says.

A core team of five women works together to plan events, create opportunities for connection and gather feedback. There’s a book club, a mentoring and accountability partner network, and small group discussions on topics such as leadership and supporting moms.

An event in 2022 called Stronger Together presented talks given by women on how to support each other in the workplace, followed by discussion groups. The gathering drew women, men and others who showed up as allies.

The group makes a point to acknowledge and celebrate all the intersectional identities women bring with them to work, using its platforms to amplify Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Trans Visibility Day and others.

“I think it’s important that we recognize the diversity in women,” Bissette says. “The more we learn from each other and share stories with each other, the stronger we are.”

TED Talk Recommendations

The IGS Women’s Network held a virtual event in 2022 that brought people together for a curated selection of talks given by women followed by breakout group discussions. These four highlighted talks make for great conversation.

The Likability Dilemma for Women Leaders by documentary filmmaker Robin Hauser “Women, unlike men, are rarely perceived to be both competent and likeable.”

How to Break Down Barriers and Not Accept

Limits by NCAA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker “Inside I scream, ‘I am so much more.’”

4 Ways to Redefine Power at Work to Include Women of Color by corporate refugees and coaches Rha Goddess and Deepa Purushothaman

“Women of color are corporate America’s greatest underutilized resource, and yet we could be your greatest competitive advantage.”

Want to Truly Succeed? Lift Others Up While You

Climb by ACLU Chief Equity Officer Amber Hikes

“When you climb that ladder and you get to the top, you can take a moment to enjoy the view, but you must be principally concerned with using all of your might to throw the ladder back down for those who are coming behind you.”