5 Questions with GlobalWIN Co-Founders Melika Carroll and Helen Milby

The Global Women's Innovation Network (GlobalWIN) is one of the most rewarding professional boards I've had the opportunity to serve on. Founded in 2009, GlobalWIN is dedicated to the professional development and advancement of women in tech and innovation policy, particularly women in advocacy and on Capitol Hill.

GlobalWIN cofounders Melika Carroll and Helen Milby set out on a journey 15 years ago committed to doing "fun and important things" to uplift women on Capitol Hill and in the innovation policy sector. Over the last 15 years, they've certainly done so through domestic and international congressional staff delegation trips, career and leadership retreats, professional development programming, professional headshot sessions, and networking opportunities with women in our industry and women members of Congress.

Next week, GlobalWIN will host its 15th Anniversary Gala. We will certainly have much to celebrate! A "back of the napkin" guess suggests that GlobalWIN has positively impacted the lives of more than 1600 women! I know GlobalWIN has certainly impacted mine for the better. And as Helen likes to say, "the future is bright."

And a special shout out to fellow GlobalWIN Chairs, past and present, for their stewardship in guiding the organization to what it is today: Laura Cox Kaplan, Rachel Welch, Amanda Slater, and Nicole Mortier.

I had the opportunity to ask co-founders Melika and Helen a few questions jointly about GlobalWIN's origin story, how they continue to make an impact, and what’s in store for the future.

What motivated the establishment of GlobalWIN in 2009, and what challenges were women facing in that landscape? What specific issues or gaps were you aiming to address?

One day in the summer of 2008, Melika Carroll and I (Helen Milby) ran into each other, and we talked about the fact that although we were working really hard (too hard) and doing well (not well enough), we wished we had a stronger professional network—and we had a feeling that other women, especially in the tech and innovation space, were in the same boat.

We continue to feel lucky that Joshua Ackil introduced us a few years before that moment and we joined forces with other amazing friends and supporters to launch GlobalWIN. It was an ambitious idea, but Melika had the policy expertise and the international sparkle and network that allowed us to add the “global” nature of the mission with a clarity that was easy to promote. And it still is!

How has GlobalWIN evolved over time to align with the dynamic landscape of innovation and the evolving roles of women within it? Can you provide insights into the adjustments made in goals and strategies to address these changes effectively?

Thanks to the many Board Members, GlobalWIN advisors, and Honorary Co-Chairs—too many to mention, but including YOU, Stephanie J. Peters, Esq., Rachel Welch, Amanda Slater, Nicole Mortier, Keenan Austin Reed, and Andrea Mietus, we have worked hard to evolve with the times and take advantage of any and all opportunities.

And although we have tried silos of programming that did not always work, we have stayed true to our initial mission—part of which was to use our resources to strengthen bipartisan relationships, especially with the staffers on both sides of the Hill, that has become even more important over the years.

Among the many events hosted annually (more than 40!), could you pinpoint one or two initiatives or gatherings that have propelled GlobalWIN's mission forward?

Our career and leadership development programming, available for free to women who wouldn’t otherwise have access to these resources, has had a huge and direct impact.

We have played a significant role in helping arm our allies, and members develop the tools and confidence to take advantage of key opportunities as they advance in their careers.

Our international programming is also unique and has given women experiences they could not easily gain elsewhere. We know we have helped these amazing women at various stages of their careers unlock their potential and become even better leaders.

As GlobalWIN approaches its 15th anniversary, what vision do you have for the future of the organization?

We are using the 15th Anniversary as a moment to focus on our future goals, and we are embarking on a year-long strategic planning process to collect and analyze the data of our efforts over the years and to get feedback from our various stakeholders to ensure that GlobalWIN at year 25 (2034!) will continue to be a home base and supportive network that helps women shine internally and externally.

We just need to make sure that we build on the success to date and that GlobalWIN continues to partner as successfully with the members who join today as with those who were at our first table in 2009.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women leaders?

• Make the effort and show up!

• Make sure you find/own/use your voice. It does not need to be huge or pushy, but it should be your own and, yes, authentic.

• Be ok with some silence in conversations, especially in negotiations. Learning to wait for someone to reply is better than filling the silence and likely giving away your advantage.

• We are strongest when we help each other grow.

Bonus Question: Did you expect to be a co-founder of a non-profit organization celebrating its 15th Anniversary?

Helen Milby: Definitely not. I was not a great high school or college student, and no, I did not have the best first or second job. And yes, I was fired once. My career path has been anything but linear, and I still feel lucky that I ended up with a couple of clients that became the anchors for my firm, and that I made so many friendships over the years who were willing to join forces with Melika and me to help make an idea into a serious and important organization with a very bright future.

Melika Carroll: I did not see this coming at all. I’ve always prioritized helping women one-on-one. I would not have dared think of building something this ambitious, where so many women could help each other if it weren’t for Helen and all the women who have helped us along the way. As Helen says, The Future is Bright!

Quick Hits

ChatGPT/Generative AI?

Melika Carroll: YES! For fun: best vacation destination with four teenagers and grandparents?! For work: all kinds of research; first drafts of letters and memos; or sometimes to get me out of the rut not knowing where to start on something.

Helen Milby: LOVE—I use it as a base for some overview emails and even introductions to make sure I don't miss the basics.  Have a feeling I will become more and more reliant on it.

Corporate leader you admire most?

Melika Carroll: Jean Pigott (1924-2012) She was one of a small handful of female CEOs in Canada in the 1960s. After her successful business role, she also had a great run in national politics. While her professional career was impressive, what I remember most was that she valued and actively promoted diversity throughout her career, and took the time to mentor generations of women behind her. 

Helen Milby: Going with someone I met during our last GlobalWIN delegation to NYC last month— Stephanie Kramer of L'Oreal.  In addition to being a successful executive, she is the author of Carry Strong: An Empowered Approach to Navigating Pregnancy & Work.  Stay tuned for a GlobalWIN Book Party for her in the next few weeks!

Best career advice you've ever received?

Melika Carroll: Including different points of view and experiences often yields the best results in a decision.

Helen Milby: Just go for it! You may not get exactly where you think you were going, but you will learn a lot along the way.

Most impactful books you've read?

Melika Carroll: Most recently, I read "The Worlds I See" by Dr. Fei-Fei Li. While the book is a fascinating view of some of the early days of AI, Dr Li's brilliance, hope, grit and humor are what shine through this incredibly touching autobiography.

Helen Milby: Who does not love Charlotte's Web? I am still in awe of her fierce loyalty to and friendship with Wilbur. RADIANT.