MELANIE REIFF
CONTENT MARKETING MANAGER, LEGAL - US

I love being surrounded by so many women in leadership. On the LexisNexis Legal & Professional marketing team, there are a lot of women who are taking ownership of major projects and pushing things forward. Their enthusiasm inspires me to continue to take chances and take on more leadership opportunities.

I have seen the company promote an inclusive environment by championing mentorship programs. I participated in the RELX mentorship program last year, and it was so great to get to connect with a woman in a leadership position who could model a path of professional opportunities. Through working with her and my managers, I learned a lot about what opportunities for growth and development are possible within RELX and I am confident that I am in a spot where I will be supported to develop in my career.

ELAINE CAO
DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIP AND INNOVATION, STM - GREATER CHINA

I have just celebrated my 15th anniversary with Elsevier. I have to say that the support I received from my colleagues and supervisors during the past years was invaluable. I felt that my contributions were recognised and appreciated, and that my voice was heard and respected. This experience has motivated me to continue to strive for success and has reinforced my belief that Elsevier/RELX is a place where women can thrive and succeed.

One of the most impactful initiatives at RELX is the presence of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on women's empowerment and gender diversity. These groups provide a platform for women to connect, support each other, and advocate for gender equality within the company. RELX has also implemented mentorship and leadership programs specifically tailored to support the professional growth of women. Finally, we have policies and practices that promote work-life balance and support women during significant life events, such as maternity leave and flexible working arrangements. This demonstrates the company's commitment to creating an environment where women can thrive both personally and professionally.

STEPHANIE GAILE FLORES-SISON
KNOWABLE CONTRACTS ANALYTICS, LEGAL - PHILIPPINES

I remember when I got the opportunity to apply for the role that I have now. It was back in 2017 when I was promoted to Operations Supervisor. It was an overwhelming feeling and a very humbling experience; my manager encouraged me that I could do anything if I set my mind to it. I felt valued and supported as a woman because even though I always thought this position was "too strong" for me and I'm the type of person that would often keep to myself, I was still given an opportunity of a lifetime. I've also been very blessed to be surrounded by strong, independent women that have pushed me outside my comfort zone and be the best that I can be.

For all the young women out there deciding if they should consider a career in RELX, I'd say go for it! I've been here for almost nine years and it only gets better.

TRACIE HAYGOOD
HEAD OF REGIONAL ACCOUNTS - NORTH AMERICA, ICIS

Winning the Women In Sales Award for 2023 Best Sales Manager in North America was for me a sense of validation in several aspects. In my 25+ year sales career, I've been told outright that I didn't have what it takes. I've been passed over time after time. I'm often lonely in the spaces I occupy since I don't see many others like me. The award is somewhat of an outward expression of what I've accomplished up to this point. It serves as proof not only that I can conquer any role I step into, but also that I can do it while bringing others along for the journey such that they enjoy the ride while living up to their own potential. So, when I heard my name called, the only Black woman in the history of the organization to win the category, I thought to myself two things: "I did that" and "let me be a torch to inspire others", because representation matters.

I'm active in multiple RELX ERGs and I'm pleased to see progress in how the organization is leaning into a more inclusive culture. The Women Connected ERG is quite active in the Houston, Texas office where I work and I've been able to participate in some very impactful activities in support of women.

MIRIÈME HILL
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY PROJECT MANAGER, RELX - UK

I travelled to New York City during the week of the 78th United Nations General Assembly to take part in a number of events on behalf of RELX. Although I’ve taken many work trips throughout my career, this trip felt significant for a few reasons. It was my first time travelling for work since the pandemic and my first work trip as a mum of two young children. It’s fair to say that I was feeling quite anxious and uncertain if I could, or should, be going. I remember having a conversation with my line manager. She listened to me describing how I wasn’t sure if it was the right time and how difficult it would be to make it happen logistically; childcare, time differences, jet lag - the list of reasons not to go seemed endless. She shared with me her own experience of finding a balance between the desire to advance a career whilst having a young family. I instantly felt a sense of relief. Relief in that whatever decision I decided to take - it would be the right one. There was also just the right amount of gentle encouragement that I needed. So I decided to go and the week turned out to be one of the most impactful weeks of my career so far.

TINA DEBOSE
MANAGER SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, LEGAL - US

Being hired as the first female Computer Technician for our company, and navigating a male-dominated workspace, gave me the chance to build a muscle of resilience and fortitude to help embrace what I could only change over time. My message at the time was and is still central to what you see in my email signature line which is “fear of change is fear of growth.”

The number of women in the technology space and in senior leadership positions has grown exponentially in my time here. And while there is still plenty of room for additional growth, the intentionality along with mentorship programs, clear goals for senior leaders, and ERGs will ensure we move forward and not stay stagnant or move backwards. Having the ability over the years to influence hiring women in technology is a long way from being the first and only for a while and something I enjoy empowering women to be a part of in a career choice.

Learn more about Tina's career journey here.

ALINNE ROSA
GVP HUMAN RESOURCES AMERICAS, EXHIBITIONS

Moving overseas from Brazil to the US with my husband and two little kids was not an easy task. We needed time to acclimate, learn how things work in a new country and understand its culture. I had full support from the company and from my manager in this journey, encouragement and flexibility to make sure I had the time to get settled and also deliver my work. My colleagues in RX are an impressive extended network, very kind, embracing, offering help to make me feel at home in a new country.

RELX has an inclusive environment and clearly offers equal opportunities for all. The company offers flexibility to manage your work, especially for parents that need a flex schedule, benefits like parental leave, giving colleagues the chance to have time invested in their families when welcoming a child. At RELX, women and men have the same chance to grow their careers and are treated as equal. I've seen women being promoted during maternity leave, after coming back from leave, and this is wonderful proof that we walk the talk and recognize our talented people in every step of their life journey.

MADISON RUSSELL
DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY SPECIALIST, STM - US

When I first started at Elsevier, one of the big recent achievements was the Complete Anatomy female model. That let me know right away that RELX and Elsevier were dedicated to making sure women were represented, not just in the company but in the field of health and medicine as well.

Working for Elsevier, I knew from the first day that there was a company culture that valued women and our perspectives. From ERGs to celebrating International Women's Day, RELX does so much to make sure that women feel empowered in their position.

Continuing to provide mentorship programs for women and taking care to recruit women to work for RELX are a great way to continue fostering an environment that values women and our accomplishments.

Discover how Madison is advocating for accessibility in this story.

CAROLINA COSTA
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, LATIN AMERICA & MULTILATERAL ENGAGEMENT, RELX - BELGIUM

As a working mom with two kids and a husband who, like me, also has a demanding job, being available for my family is essential. Throughout my professional trajectory I would feel intimidated and disheartened when colleagues would view me as half-committed when I made time to be with my family. My experience at RELX has been quite the opposite: whether I had to leave unexpectedly to pick one of my children up from school because they got sick, or if I had to start my workday at bit later RELX has always given me the support I need, making me feel valued, respected and supported as a woman and as a professional. And for that I am quite grateful to the RELX family.

I firmly believe that mentorship programs benefit both the company and employees to advance diversity, inclusion and make a positive and long-lasting impact on company culture. Moreover, mentorship opens up opportunities for skills development, as well as networking with different colleagues who share different backgrounds, stories and learning experiences. The RELX mentorship program is just that and, as a woman, I feel the program helped me tremendously in various ways.

CARMEN D JACKSON
DIRECTOR QUALITY ENGINEERING, RISK - US

The moment that truly inspired me at RELX was when I felt truly seen. Despite receiving positive feedback on my performance, I felt like my accomplishments were acknowledged, but not the person behind them. However, as I got more involved in initiatives beyond my usual tasks, I met people who genuinely supported and encouraged me to grow. This sense of belonging motivated me to keep pushing forward and evolving as a person.

RELX actively promotes inclusivity for women through programs like the Women in Technology mentorship program, gender-focused ERGs such as Women in Tech, Women Connected, and Women in Identity, support for women-focused celebrations like International Women's Day and Ada Lovelace Day, and advocating for female employees to apply for higher-level positions.

MEGAN WILLIAMS
GLOBAL HEAD OF DIGITAL PRODUCT PROPOSITIONS, EXHIBITIONS - UK

I was encouraged to apply for a new role in the company while pregnant. I interviewed, got the job and started the role at about seven months pregnant; I worked for six weeks including recruiting my maternity cover and then went on maternity leave. The experience was incredibly positive; I was treated no different to any other applicant and was being actively encouraged to keep moving forward with my application. It could have been seen as a hindrance that I wouldn't be working for multiple months but instead my manager saw it for the long-term win of getting the right person in the job.

I came back from maternity excited to get stuck in and excited to grow my career at RX. Since coming back from maternity leave, I've been given great opportunities to grow and develop, and most importantly enjoy the role I am in. My advice to others is don't waste your energy feeling worried about how it may hinder your chances. Focus on the job, how qualified you are to do it and how much you want it.

SOWMYA NAGARAJAN
PRINCIPAL QUALITY TEST ANALYST, RISK - US

I volunteered at the Dayton Regional STEM School Career fair representing LexisNexis Risk Solutions to share information about Risk's products and services and explain how these products are used in various industries, including law enforcement. This gave me an opportunity to share how technology contributes to solving complex problems or improving community safety and inspire students to consider STEM careers. It also helped me to network with other volunteers and industry experts and open doors for valuable connections that may lead to future collaborations or mentorship. This also helped in promoting community engagement as students gain insight into how businesses contribute positively beyond their core operations and foster a sense of social awareness.

The RELX Women In Technology (WiT) program offers educational workshops, networking events and mentorship programs focused on developing skills in leadership, negotiation, communication and upskill technical skillsets. The RELX Women Connected Dayton Chapter also offers programs for women through mentoring, education, networking and leadership development to enable women to build rewarding and sustainable careers, contribute to the success of the organization, and make a positive impact on society. These programs help me in my professional and personal growth and development.

BETH KILIAN
SVP SALES, BUSINESS SERVICES, RISK - US

Being involved in the creation of our Virtual Women Connected Mentorship program has been a very fulfilling experience for me. We created an environment where women across the globe can participate in meaningful conversation and work with a matched Mentor for a 12-month timeframe. This allows the relationship to develop and thrive. We are in our fifth year of offering this program and am proud to say that we have over 400 participants in the program this year. It is inspiring to see so many employees wanting to engage in meaningful dialogue with each other to advance their careers.

I have been inspired by our progress in programming and mentorship to all employees over the past five years. We also have wonderful leadership and allyship programs that allow all employees to learn and grow.

I came to LexisNexis Risk Solutions inspired by the professional women that were so successful on the sales team back in 1996. I believe we need to continue to pay it forward and create an environment where all employees feel a sense of community and belonging.