In honor of International Women’s Day, we celebrate three more women of IMS, Jaclyn Mosley, Tara Ray, and Ashley Ahn, who share how they #choosetochallenge, advice for women interested in working in the legal services field, and more.
Jaclyn Mosley
Manager of Contract Services
Q: Why did you choose a career in the legal services industry?
A: Like most military veterans, there was a lot of pressure to find that "perfect job" after leaving the military. For me, I knew that whatever field I was drawn to would meet my professional and personal goals of steady career progression with a strong work-life balance, so I decided not to focus on one field but to be open to all opportunities. IMS was appealing to me because of the culture of the company. After working at IMS for one week, where every day was different, interesting, and challenging all at the same time, I was impressed and have enjoyed being a part of the Expert Witness Services team for one and half years.
Q: As a woman in the legal services industry, what are some experiences you’ve had on the job that made you feel empowered?
A: Working with so many talented and strong women at IMS who enjoy what they do and are willing to mentor other women makes me feel empowered. If I have questions or need advice on a project, I know that the women around me are there to assist.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are working or interested in working in your field?
A: Don't give up. Things may not happen when we want them or as fast as we want them, but keep working toward your goal. Write down your goals, review your goals often, and ask for help to achieve them.
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Tara Ray
Manager of Engagement Services
Q: Why did you choose a career in the legal services industry?
A: I enjoy meeting new, accomplished, and interesting expert witness professionals and building solid partnerships with them. I thrive on the mental stimulation when tackling any challenges. I am passionate about discovering and cultivating the talents and strengths of those individuals who are on my team.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are working or interested in working in your field?
A: Regardless of the industry, my advice is that women should uplift one another, embrace and inspire one another, and be happy for each other’s successes. Relish in sisterhood and camaraderie.
Q: Of the many women throughout history who broke down gender stereotypes, who do you admire most and why?
A: I admire and have an appreciation for just about any woman who “breaks the mold.” A personal example of that kind of woman would be my paternal grandmother. In 1955, and at the age of 16, she married my grandfather. In rural Iowa, she took on the role of domestic housewife and dedicated mother of four, but he ruled the home. Whenever I hear the song “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” by Paula Cole, it definitely reminds me of her. She broke the mold when she independently sought out employment and successfully found work as a secretary. That was a first step of many more positive steps she took. Her former life became history! She is VERY happy now.
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Ashley Ahn
Senior Trial Consultant
Q: What are some challenges you experienced as a woman in your field?
A: I think the biggest challenge I have faced (and not just in the legal industry) is that I worry about whether I am being heard. I have a personal fear that if my thoughts and ideas are not perfectly buttoned-up and my delivery is not perfectly executed, I may be taken less seriously than my male counterparts. To navigate around this concern, I always make sure to exert myself in client meetings, to look my colleagues in the eye when I communicate, and to command the attention that I know I deserve.
Q: Of the many women throughout history who broke down gender stereotypes who do you admire most and why?
A: This may seem a bit unorthodox, but a woman I have always admired and respected is Joan of Arc. At seventeen, she was able to assemble and command an entire army and lead them to victory, accomplishing a feat that every man before her had failed to do. I could write pages about Joan, but Mark Twain's "Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc" does a good job of describing her life and her triumphs.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are working or interested in working in your field?
A: Before a concert, my conductor would tell us, "The first note leaves an impression, the last note leaves an opinion." Don't be afraid to stumble because that will happen. Take every experience and encounter as a learning opportunity. Don't be afraid to thrive.
