Our “Ladies Who Lead” series celebrating Women’s History Month continues!
Every year in March we spotlight the talented women across Longbridge who help drive our culture, strengthen our teams, and shape the future of our organization. Their experiences and perspectives highlight the many ways leadership can take shape — through mentorship, resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to lifting others up.
This year’s theme from the National Women’s History Alliance, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” shines a light on the ways women today are driving meaningful change and shaping the future for generations to come.
Our next featured leader is Niki Siewerd, Funding Manager at Longbridge. We spoke with Niki about what Women’s History Month means to her, the importance of listening to women’s stories, and the lasting influence of strong role models. Let’s get into the Q&A!
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A: Women’s History Month is a meaningful time to honor and celebrate the incredible achievements of women across the globe. It’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize the progress that has been made while pausing to reflect on the journey that brought us here.
It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come, but it’s equally important to remember that there is still work ahead. Moments like this encourage us to continue supporting one another and striving for greater inclusivity — both within the workplace and in our communities. Together, we can keep building a future where everyone’s contributions are recognized and valued.
Q: Which women’s stories throughout history need to be heard and supported more?
A: I truly believe every woman’s story deserves to be heard. When I reflect on the lives of the women in my own life, it’s clear that each of them has faced adversity in one way or another. The resilience that grows from those experiences is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination that exist within our communities.
We have a tremendous opportunity to learn from one another, but that journey begins with a simple and essential step: listening. By opening ourselves to the stories of others, we gain a deeper understanding of both their challenges and their triumphs. When we make space for those stories, we build stronger connections, greater empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the experiences that shape each and every one of us.
Q: How does Longbridge set a culture of equality and inclusivity?
A: It’s clear to me that Longbridge is truly committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. During my time here, I’ve felt genuinely encouraged, challenged, and inspired, never limited in my career or professional growth.
Longbridge stands out as a company where everyone is empowered to have a voice. That supportive, open culture fosters meaningful dialogue and welcomes a wide range of perspectives — something that I’ve found invaluable. Knowing that people are respected and heard has made my experience at Longbridge even more rewarding.
Q: Who is your female role model?
A: My mother has always been my biggest role model. She was a true pillar of strength for our family and never hesitated to roll up her sleeves to get the job done. Her unwavering determination and resilience were incredibly inspiring.
She instilled a tremendous amount of confidence in me and constantly challenged and encouraged me to achieve things I never thought possible. Her belief in my abilities has been the driving force behind many of my accomplishments, and I owe so much of who I am today to her guidance, support, and love.
Q: Any tips for women who are looking for a mentor?
A: I highly recommend intentionally surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to grow. Some of the most impactful mentors I’ve had were those who pushed me to think beyond conventional boundaries and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone.
Their guidance often meant stepping into unfamiliar territory and taking on new challenges, but the growth that came from those experiences was always worth it. If you’re not being challenged by people in your life, you may be unintentionally holding yourself back from reaching new levels of achievement. Embracing that discomfort and seeking out people who push you to grow can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives you might not have discovered otherwise.
Q: What would you say to your 20-year-old self?
A: If I could go back and give my 20-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be to be patient and kind to myself. It’s easy to feel like you need to have everything figured out right away, but life unfolds in its own time — and it’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers.
Mistakes are inevitable, and instead of fearing them, it’s more important to focus on how you learn from them. The way you grow and move forward after a setback is what truly shapes your journey.
So remember, take a deep breath, be gentle with yourself, and trust the process. Things will work out — even if you can’t see the full path yet.
Thank you, Niki, for sharing your perspective and for the thoughtful leadership you bring to the Longbridge team. Your positivity and encouragement are truly inspiring!
About Women’s History Month
The celebration of Women’s History Month began in 1981 when Congress authorized President Jimmy Carter to proclaim “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, following efforts led by the National Women’s History Alliance, the observance was expanded to the entire month of March.
Each year, Women’s History Month recognizes the countless contributions women have made across industries, communities, and generations — while inspiring continued progress toward equity and opportunity for all.