What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Throughout the years, I’ve learned countless lessons in leadership. The most important lesson was, and still is, that it is okay to make mistakes. Mistakes help us learn what we do know and what we don’t know. Without them, we are just following, which does not give us the ability to learn or change.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

When I started my Master’s Degree, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to complete my degree and work. The first notable milestone came from getting my very first promotion. This still rings as one of my favorites achievements so far.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

My biggest career aspiration is to help women advance to higher-level placements and leadership roles. Statistically, women make up around 37% of leadership roles and only 11% executive roles in Fortune 500 companies. The biggest obstacle will be reducing stigma and promoting allyship.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

Working on Operation Warp Speed during the pandemic. I was able to work with thousands of others, all empowered to drive clinical trial success. Seeing countless hours of hard work on major news channels gave me a warm feeling.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

Joining the AWIS community has helped me stay informed and motivated. I am always looking to meet new people, and AWIS has given me that opportunity. Learning how different we all are brings a sense of heart and power to our community.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Transformational.

How do you define it?

The ability to drive change, make impactful decisions, remove barriers, overcome limitations and create powerful outcomes, improving overall quality of life and wellbeing.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

This word was one of the first words I used when I started working in leadership roles. I found that many people responded well to it, thanking me for speaking up in a way that opened up discussions.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS has impacted my career journey by expanding my reach within STEM. I started off as a Biology/Psychology dual major, later advancing into Clinical Research. Hearing other women’s stories keeps me motivated, even on some of the most difficult days.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I actually just bought The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups and Inspirational Leadership Quotes, Finding the Courage to Lead. When it comes to music, I am usually listening to Taylor Swift punk rock covers or Drake acoustic covers.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

A mentor once told me to take all feedback, whether bad or good, as something. Whether positive or negative, that feedback was given specifically to you, making it yours to do something with and that’s what makes it powerful.

Connecticut native Melissa Carvalho is a first generation Portuguese-American. She recently began her PhD studies in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Her career ambitions tie back to empowering organizational change by applying scientific principles, fostering growth for employees, improving workplace well-being and driving organizational success.