Celebrating Women’s History Month

Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month! We honor the strong pathfinders and trailblazers who came before us and those who continue to push for a more just, equitable society. While International Women's Day was first celebrated on March 8 in 1911, Women's History Month grew from a Women's History Week, first celebrated in 1978. Two years later in 1980, March was designated Women's History Month.

This whole month is a time to recognize the strides Women have made throughout the years and continue to make across the world. We had the amazing opportunity to connect with a female leader here at Palo Alto Networks, Montre Bhiwandiwala. She wants to share her experiences and advice with all of you. Montre continues to inspire others in the workplace, and we are excited for you to learn more about her.

Montre Bhiwandiwala - Global GTM and Enablement team lead under Strata CS Global Strategy and Enablement OrgLIVEcommunity Team: Hi Montre! Could you talk a bit about your experiences being a woman in your field?

Montre: I feel like my professional journey has gone through different phases since the time I began almost 20 years ago. In a nutshell, it has been a great roller coaster of a journey in the tech industry. I have had my highs and lows, but what has been consistent is the inner confidence and optimism which got me through everything. Today it is a complete delight to be in this industry whereby we get the opportunity to serve so many of our customers, and I wouldn’t want to do this anywhere else but here at PANW. I think we women are built a certain way which is with more resilience and strength, so we take a lot in our fold with grace.

LIVEcommunity Team: How do you think women have shaped and changed the workplace?

Montre: I think women have worked hard and worked smart over the years to shape and change the workplace. I think a lot of good work by our seniors, mentors and all the men who have supported us through this has helped us pave the way and build an environment where women not only work, but are thriving in their respective careers. Inclusion plays a huge role in redefining our workspaces — for not only us but for everyone today.

LIVEcommunity Team: Who are the women you look up to? Who do you see as mentors?

Montre: One woman that has been a constant inspiration in my life has been my mother. Since the time I was a child I was amazed at her strength, courage, resilience, and unconditional love, along with her intelligence and patience. One of the most important things my sister and I learned from her was to keep everyone together through life and help empower each other. Which I try imbibing in my daily life! One other woman that I am motivated by is one of my current leaders, DeAndra Jean Louis [VP of Customer Success]. She has shaped our organization with grace and her attention to detail is impeccable.

LIVEcommunity Team: Are you involved in any women's’ organizations or groups? If so, tell us more!

Montre: I am a part of a local dance and fitness organization that is led by a very dear friend of mine, Mona Khan, and what’s unique is that it is completely led and supported by women. It is an all-women organization.

LIVEcommunity Team: Where will we find you on a Saturday morning at 10 a.m.?

Montre: Most likely on my Yoga mat or spending time with my family.

LIVEcommunity Team: What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Montre: Live in the moment and do not take life too seriously.

The End!

We want to thank Montre for taking the time to answer a few questions about her life and journey here at Palo Alto Networks. We are inspired everyday by the amazing and hardworking women we are surrounded with day by day.

Happy Women’s History Month!

We want to wish all of you a happy, productive and prosperous Women’s History Month (as it winds down) and we look forward to all the opportunities we have as the year continues to engage with everyone on the LIVEcommunity Discussions area and, of course, here on our blogs!

Hopefully today's blog provides you with insight into just one of the fearless women leaders who make Palo Alto Networks as great as it is. Thank you for taking the time to read and please leave a comment below, hit the Like (thumbs up) button or subscribe to the LIVEcommunity Blog area.