Having an environment where people flourish is rarely accidental
Have you ever worked in a workplace where the culture and mission felt fully aligned? A place where people thrive, where collaboration flows naturally, and where the work feels deeply connected to a greater purpose?
When you find yourself in such a place, it may feel like it “just happened.” But the truth is, it did not. Environments where people flourish are rarely accidental. They are the result of deliberate choices—with visionary leaders who recognize that for the mission to succeed, the people carrying it forward need to feel safe, respected, and empowered.
International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of women today, but of those who paved the way before us. The policies we rely on, the supportive workplaces we cherish, and the cultures of belonging that we experience all exist because someone before us stood up to adversity. Someone made the uncomfortable choice to challenge the status quo. Someone decided that enough was enough.
I knew a woman who embodied this truth. She was kind, passionate, and an exceptionally talented fundraiser and leader. When she entered a new workplace, she encountered a toxic culture. She didn’t want to be an advocate for others. She simply wanted to do her job and contribute to the mission.
Circumstances forced her to make a choice
This woman had to advocate for herself. It was hard. It was uncomfortable. It was not something she wanted to do. Yet, by standing up for her own dignity and values, she also stood up for others. Her actions helped to shift the culture of the organization.
Years later, that same organization is a thriving, sought-after employer. Staff members speak of how much they love their work and how connected they feel to the mission. They may not know the woman whose courage helped pave that path, but they benefit from it every single day.
That is the quiet legacy of so many women who came before us.
They may not have been seeking recognition. They may not have wanted to lead a movement. But when pressed, they acted—and those actions rippled forward to change workplaces, communities, and lives.
On International Women’s Day, let us remember that the thriving workplaces we inherit are built on the vision, resilience, and courage of others. Let us also recognize that we carry that same responsibility today: to make deliberate choices that create cultures where the next generation will not just survive, but thrive.
Marla Smith, CFRE, is the Director of Foundation & Communications at Pathstone Foundation, where she leads fundraising and communications efforts to advance mental health services in Niagara. With over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she is passionate about fostering trust, transparency, and meaningful donor relationships through ethical and strategic fundraising practices. An active sector volunteer, Marla serves on the Board of the AFP Foundation for Canada and is a CFRE Ambassador. She also chairs National Philanthropy Day and Education for AFP Golden Horseshoe, championing professional development and philanthropy across the sector. msmith@pathstone.ca
