Open Up, Level Up: Celebrating the women of Pinterest

This Women’s History Month, Pinterest’s Women@ Pinclusion Group (employee resource group) hosted their 7th annual internal conference to promote career growth, skill-building and community connection. Local employees attended in-person activations at Pinterest’s global offices and live-streamed virtual options allowed all Pinterest employees the opportunity to build their own schedule. 

The theme “Open Up, Level Up” was chosen to highlight the importance of balancing openness and vulnerability with strength and resilience in leadership to explore and empower personal and professional growth. By attending keynote sessions, interactive workshops, volunteer activities and more, employees were able to connect, learn and grow together. This year’s conference was filled with many learnings and insights; conference organizers, speakers and attendees joined Life at Pinterest to share the inside scoop. 

Conference Co-Chairs 

Stacy Kelsey, Sr. Performance Solutions Partner, San Diego

It was an incredible experience to co-chair this year's Women@ Conference, leading an exceptional communications team with LeShaun Jones and Shannon Austin to develop cohesive branding, messaging, positioning and strategic outreach that engaged employees around the globe. With invaluable contributions from internal branding experts, we created an event that empowered attendees with practical tools for building resilience and authentic connection. It left Pinterest employees inspired, motivated, and prepared for future personal and professional development.

Alexa Siegel, Sales Training Partner II, New York

As a co-lead for the Open Up, Level Up Conference by Women@, I spearheaded the Speaker Committee, guiding our efforts to curate a lineup of inspiring speakers. This role allowed me to connect with and learn from a diverse group of talented women, whose stories and insights were both motivating and enlightening. The experience was incredibly rewarding, offering personal and professional growth!

Sarah Kurzrock, Sr. Client Partner, DE Enterprise Sales, Emerging, Hamburg

In my role as a co-lead for the Open Up, Level Up Conference hosted by Women@, I had the privilege of leading the Activations Committee, including creating the decor for our event spaces in San Francisco, New York City, and Dublin, as well as coordinating with vendors for various activations. For me, the Women@ Conference this year was truly about connection. I had the opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with wonderful participants both in Dublin and virtually, and to connect with all the dedicated volunteers and team members who made this event possible. Engaging with such an inspiring group of women, whose stories and insights resonated deeply with me, was an incredibly enriching experience. 

Sarah Kurzrock, Sr. Client Partner, DE Enterprise Sales, Emerging, kicking off the conference at Pinterest Dublin. 

Speakers & Attendees

Judith David, Sr. Director, Sales Enablement, New York

The opportunity to lead a session at the Women@ Conference was both an honor and a deeply fulfilling experience. During my session, I emphasized the critical importance of two key elements for women aiming to achieve leadership positions: cultivating a strong Personal Board of Directors and securing Executive Sponsorship. By actively cultivating both of these elements, women can significantly enhance their leadership potential and pave the way for career success. I deeply appreciate that Pinterest allows us the space to have these critical conversations and reinforces the importance of supporting one another as we grow. It also sends the signal that career development is a priority.

Giorgia Galuppo, Safety Specialist II, Dublin

I’m so happy to have supported the Women@ Conference again this year! It was a pleasure to help moderate a session. Not just conference day, but every day, I’m reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by women who constantly encourage me at this stage of my life and career. Different ages, backgrounds, roles, and countries, but each offers support in their own, unique, way, and I couldn’t be more grateful. To all the women in my life: thank you for being role models!

Madison Conrado, Corporate Affairs Specialist II, led our volunteer activity – building baskets for new moms within the community.

Natasha Karmali, Sr. Product Manager, Seattle

As a newer employee at Pinterest, I found the Women@ Conference incredibly insightful and motivating. Each session had a great balance of inspirational content (hearing people's stories, how they overcame challenges) and practical content I will use in my everyday life. My favorite session was on imposter syndrome, where the facilitator provided cognitive behavioral tips to reframe negative self talk into positive affirmations.

Happy Women’s History Month from the Women@ community at Pinterest! 

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