As Women’s History Month unfolds, the stories of women in leadership take center stage, offering lessons on resilience, confidence and the power of voice. At Passport, an e-commerce solutions company that champions innovation and inclusivity, women in senior roles are not just leading, they are shaping the culture and future of the organization.
They have a Ladies of Passport channel that provides a place where they can get together, share insights, or just fun things happening in their lives.
We asked six women leaders at Passport to share their most rewarding experiences and advice for those looking to advance in their careers. Their journeys are distinct, yet a common thread runs through them. The thread of trust, opportunity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Building from the Ground Up
For Casey Bright, Senior Director of Marketing, leadership is about trust and autonomy. “When I started, there was no formal marketing strategy, and the website hadn’t been touched in a while,” she recalls. “Leadership valued my perspective and fully supported my vision to rebrand the company and overhaul our website. They trusted me to build a team and deliver results — and we have.”
That trust, she says, has been the most fulfilling part of her journey. It’s a lesson in the power of ownership, “When leaders empower their teams to take charge, real growth happens.”
Traci Fisher, Senior Manager of Global Compliance Ops, echoes this sentiment. “The most rewarding part of my journey has been the trust and support in building the Compliance Ops team from the ground up. Over the years, our team of five women has refined processes, elevated our skills, and contributed to the international growth of our brands.”
For Fisher, leadership is about being trusted to make an impact and proving that trust was well-placed.
A Culture of Support and Visibility
Leadership is also about creating an environment where others can thrive.
Luci Kosloski, Head of People Operations, takes pride in shaping a workplace where performance speaks louder than bias. “From equitable hiring practices to measuring career progression and pay equity, Passport relies on data to ensure opportunities aren’t just available, but accessible. To me, leadership isn’t just about holding a title — it’s about advocating for those who may not always have a seat at the table and ensuring their voices are heard.”
Kosloski’s advice to women looking to grow is to be intentional. “Seek feedback, track your progress, and advocate for yourself with data. Surround yourself with mentors who challenge and champion you, and never underestimate the power of speaking up, even when its uncomfortable. Your seat at the table isn’t given, it’s claimed.”
Kelsey Mackendorf, Head of Customer Experience, knows firsthand the importance of visibility. “Being a woman in leadership, I tend to get praise for soft skills such as empathy and team morale. While I appreciate that, at Passport, it has been rewarding to have other skills recognized as well. Being seen as someone who is data-driven or who can make processes more efficient makes me feel seen.”
Mackendorf’s advice is actionable, “Don’t second-guess yourself. Don’t let imposter syndrome get in the way. Apply for that role. Ask for the raise. Let your voice be heard, and don’t apologize for it.”
Leadership Beyond Gender
For Preeti Kashyap, Senior Director of Product Management, leadership is about impact, not labels. “The most rewarding part of my journey has been recognizing myself as a leader — without the qualifier of being a ‘woman’ leader,” she says. “At Passport, leadership is about vision and results, not gender.”
Kashyap’s message to aspiring leaders is straightforward, “Your voice is just as powerful as anyone else’s. Use it with confidence, advocate for yourself, and seize opportunities to lead. Passport fosters an environment where every voice holds equal weight, ensuring that women in leadership are heard, respected, and empowered.”
Kat Sun, VP of Operations, shares a similar outlook. “Building a high-achieving team has been the most rewarding part of my journey at Passport, especially with five out of six functional leads being women. It’s not just about representation; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to lead and grow,” she says.
Sun believes success starts with self-awareness. “Take the time to reflect on what you truly want in your career. Be honest about what’s missing, and take intentional steps, whether it’s asking for help, standing your ground, or seeking out opportunities.”
Empowering Women to Lead
Passport fosters an environment where women don’t just lead, they thrive. From mentorship programs to inclusive decision-making, the company’s culture is built on the belief that leadership should be based on merit, not gender.
Bright sums it up best saying “Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take up space and lead with conviction.”
