Celebrating Women's History Month with Alyssa Dowdalls

As we wrap up our Women's History Month spotlight series, we’re excited to feature Alyssa Dowdalls, a passionate advocate for inclusion and women’s growth in the workplace. From balancing career and motherhood to championing allyship, Alyssa is committed to fostering a supportive environment for all. Read more to discover how she’s making an impact and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

What does "Moving Forward Together" mean to you in the context of women's advancement?

To me this means now is the time when women and people of color need allies to step up the most. Not only do underrepresented groups need to make their voices heard, but they also need allies to amplify, support, and join forces to make diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging priorities at work and in their communities so we can all Move Forward (not backward) Together.

How do you personally contribute to educating or inspiring the next generation of women leaders?

As a mom, I think there’s a lot to learn when integrating life as a parent and life as a #girlboss. It’s easier for mothers to miss the opportunity for a promotion because many either reduce their schedules to accommodate childcare or because of the parental leave they take to heal their bodies and/or care for a newborn. My son is in daycare, so sicknesses are no strangers in my house. I miss days or important meetings because I’m taking care of my family. In the year ahead, I’m reflecting on how I can use my experience to lift up newer moms at BPM navigating work-life integration around me, so they don’t feel like they had to choose a family over advancing their career. I attend all the CRG meetings at BPM, given my role of supporting them from a Marketing perspective, but I also believe I’m an active member in all of them as well. Contributing my thoughts and experiences in conversations at the Parents & Caregivers CRG meetings not only provides my personal insights and lessons learned, but hopefully helps build a community where parents of all genders and backgrounds feel safe to share their experiences.

What inspired you to join the Women’s CRG, and what does being part of this group mean to you?

I love hearing women at all levels of the Firm share their stories. We learn so much from one another – whether it’s a conversation on the path to partnership or a women’s health talk. People can work anywhere – but people stay at organizations because they feel connected and like they belong. The WIN CRG creates that space for women to feel that belonging. They know that BPM cares about their future, their families, their journey. That’s so special!

Who is an inspirational woman in your life? What makes her stand out?

Honestly, I am inspired every day by my manager Amanda. Every meeting we have, I feel that she genuinely cares about me, my family, my work, my future. I aspire to be an empathic manager like her in the future. She radiates positivity, and she makes everyone feel secure to try new things and express their opinions. It’s also a great experience to have a manager who is also a mom, which goes to show why advancing women to leadership roles is SO IMPORTANT for women growing their careers to gain experience from mothers at the top.

What’s one commitment you’re making this year to help drive positive change for women in your community or industry?

It’s easy to stay in your lane and stay quiet, but right now is the time to be loud – for yourself, your friends, your colleagues. I’ve never been a quiet person, but I’m dedicating the next year to be louder than ever for women, people of color, folks with disabilities, veterans, and anyone else who needs an ally right now. I’ll keep attending all of our CRG meetings at BPM, because I learn so much from listening to people who are different from me and I gain real insights on how I can best support them.

To learn more about the Women's CRG and our 7 other CRGs, head to the BPM website.