Since 1911, International Women’s Day has marked a time to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also serving as a reminder to advocate for gender equality. It’s important to acknowledge the impact women have in shaping the way we live, work, and innovate, not only today, but every day.
At PayCargo, women are a core part of our culture. Their contributions and expertise drive real impact not only for our business, but for the larger logistics community. On International Women’s Day and every day, we honor the problem-solvers, innovators, doers, and leaders who bring passion and purpose to everything they do. We invited several women across PayCargo to share their advice, inspiration, and how their experiences have shaped their careers, and this is what they had to say:
“Confidence is built through preparation, follow-through, and consistently delivering when it matters most. Trust is earned quietly, and over time, it expands your influence. Move beyond completing tasks and take ownership of outcomes. Learn the business, anticipate risks, and solve problems early. That reliability becomes your reputation — and positions you as someone others turn to when decisions truly matter.”
Stephanie Toyos, General Counsel
“I hope to be a reminder that you’re in charge of your own story. Your path doesn’t have to be linear, and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Your goals and dreams may change over time, and that’s okay. What matters is that you allow yourself to pursue them…they may take different forms, but each one matters.”
Anita Shivraj, Marketing Manager — International
“Be courageous. In leadership, the stakes are always high. When you step into a senior role, you carry a constant spotlight—both inside and outside the workplace. Your words, decisions, and behaviors are amplified, and they shape culture more than you may realize. Thoughtful leadership requires visibility, active involvement, responsibility, and genuine care for people. It also requires intentional balance. Leading an organization while nurturing a family brings real demands. Be true to your values.”
Marta Ramirez, Chief People Officer
“I encourage women to be unapologetic about their ambition. Some of the most valuable perspectives come from those who challenge assumptions and bring a different way of thinking. Building real relationships matters more than trying to prove yourself constantly. When people trust you, they naturally want to work with you and support your growth. Your perspective, your voice, and your way of thinking are exactly what make you valuable.”
Deniz Ozturk, Director of Sales — North America
“I want to show women that you can be a leader by becoming the bridge between technology and people. I’ve seen how much impact you can have when you truly understand how a business connects. I hope to inspire the next generation to take ownership of the systems they manage and see them as a path to leadership.”
Carolina Badia, Salesforce Administrator, Information Technology
“Back yourself in rooms where you may be the only woman. Freight and fintech are traditionally male-dominated industries, but commercial leadership is not about gender — it’s about value creation. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Early in your career, you don’t need to have every skill — you need the willingness to learn and take responsibility.”
Simone Peacock, Sales Director — APAC
“In the tech world, there are so many people sharing knowledge for free: courses, communities, talks, newsletters, repositories… Take advantage of all of it; learning has never been so accessible. Get out there, ask questions, meet people, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The only way to really learn is by practicing and experimenting.”
Irene Buceta, Software Engineer
“I want to flip the script on what it means to be an Assistant. The CEO’s assistant is far more than a support role; you’re the air traffic controller for the entire leadership team. I hope to show women that you can be the backbone of a company and have a massive impact on its success by being the person who keeps the wheels from falling off behind the scenes.”
Betsy Palomino, Executive Assistant to the CEO
“Start where you are and take the first step. No matter your age, background, or current situation, begin working toward your goals today. You don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. Progress is built through consistent, small actions — whether that’s learning a new skill, raising your hand for a project, or expanding your network. PayCargo has shaped how I think about leadership. Strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about supporting your team, creating space for them to think and grow, and building trust along the way.”
Carolina Demi, Chief Financial Officer
“Trust your voice and take up space confidently. You don’t have to know everything before stepping into a new opportunity. Growth happens when you’re willing to learn in real time. Build strong relationships and ask questions without hesitation. Showing up prepared, curious, and solution-oriented every day sets you apart. When women see other women leading, problem-solving, and shaping strategy, it reinforces the idea that they belong in those spaces too.”
Roxana Martinez, Customer Experience Representative
