As we celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March, we’re excited to spotlight the remarkable lives and achievements of a few of our incredible women leaders here at Longbridge in our “Ladies Who Lead” blog series for the fourth consecutive year!
The 2025 theme for Women’s History Month is, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme, set by the National Women’s History Alliance, seamlessly aligns with our initiative to honor women who foster environments where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and accepted.
Our first featured leader in our 2025 series is Stephanie Kramer-Vega, AVP of Marketing Strategy and Analytics. We met with Stephanie to discuss what Women’s History Month means to her, her advice for women navigating male-dominated industries, and the advice she would give to her 20-year-old self. Let’s get into the Q&A!
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A: As a woman raising two little women, Women’s History Month is profoundly significant to me. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the countless achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strides we have made towards equality and underscores the ongoing efforts required to achieve true equality.
Q: How could you contribute your wisdom, expertise, or ideas to empower other women?
A: I’m a big believer in the transformative power of mentorship and collaboration. By offering guidance, creating opportunities for women to work together, and sharing my personal and professional experiences, I aim to foster an environment where we lift each other up. Empowerment comes from support, solidarity, and the shared commitment to each other’s success.
Q: How does Longbridge set a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusivity?
A: In my experience, the culture at Longbridge is rooted in respect, where every voice is heard, valued, and appreciated. We are dedicated to creating a supportive environment that empowers individuals of all backgrounds to thrive and succeed.
Q: Who is your female role model?
A: My female role model is Renee West, the former President of a Las Vegas Strip resort at MGM Resorts, where I previously worked. She was the first woman to hold such a position, and her inclusive leadership style was truly inspiring. Renee’s ability to remember everyone’s name, regardless of their role, reflected her genuine care for people. She prioritized developing and empowering her team, fostering an environment where everyone felt seen, valued, and motivated to succeed. Her leadership style continues to inspire me.
Q: What is one piece of advice to all women who are juggling between home and work?
A: My biggest piece of advice is this: never hesitate to ask for help when you need it! True balance is not about doing everything on your own—it’s about team effort. Focus on building a relationship with your partner that’s rooted in mutual support, so you can work together as a team to navigate life’s challenges and triumphs.
Q: What advice would you give women struggling in a male dominated industry?
A: Stay confident in your abilities and never shy away from making your voice heard. It’s essential to seek out mentors and allies who can guide you through and help you overcome challenges. Remember, your perspective is valuable, and your contributions are critical to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity.
Q: Any tips for women who are looking for a mentor?
A: My recommendation is to observe the leaders around you, both at work and in life—those who inspire you or represent qualities you aspire to emulate. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back from reaching out to potential mentors. More often than not, great leaders are more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences when you take the initiative to ask.
Q: What do you think helped you get this far in your career?
A: Having a partner who believed in me even more than I believed in myself has been instrumental in my career journey. Additionally, being a goal-setter has profoundly impacted my career growth. Setting 3- and 5-year goals has kept me focused on the bigger picture, providing a clear roadmap and direction for my professional journey.
Q: Do you believe you’ve achieved everything you wanted to?
A: While I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, I know there’s still so much more I want to learn and achieve. My journey is ongoing, and I am driven by a continuous desire to grow and make meaningful contributions in new and impactful ways.
Q: What would you say to your 20-year-old self?
A: I would tell my 20-year-old self to believe unwaveringly in my abilities, embrace risks, and never be afraid to seek help or guidance. Stay committed to your goals, and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process—as long as you learn from them! Every misstep is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your experience with us and for being a great role model for women everywhere, especially those in or working toward leadership roles!
About Women’s History Month
The celebration of Women’s History Month has its roots in 1981 when Congress authorized President Jimmy Carter to proclaim “Women’s History Week.” This was a significant step in recognizing the vital role women have played in shaping American history. By 1987, following persistent efforts by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), the observance was extended to the entire month of March. Since then, every March, the contributions and achievements of women across various fields are honored and celebrated. This month-long recognition is crucial as it highlights the progress made towards gender equality and inspires future generations to continue advocating for women’s rights and representation.
To learn more about Women’s History Month, NWHA, and this year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” visit nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org.
