- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
National Women's Day (August 9) celebrates the remarkable contributions of women across various fields. At the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), we are privileged to work alongside extraordinary women leaders. Among them are Undersecretary of OCABR Layla R. D'Emilia, Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) Commissioner Sarah R. Wilkinson, and Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) Commissioner Karen Charles. Here are some of their thoughts on their career journeys, accomplishments, and leadership insights.
Journeys of Dedication and Inspiration
The paths that led these women to their current roles are as diverse as they are inspiring.
D’Emilia was appointed as Undersecretary of OCABR in April 2023 by Governor Healey, after a long-standing career in public service with leadership roles in DOL, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and Jane Doe Inc. She also served on the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Commissioner's Task Force on Campus Safety and Violence Prevention. "I subscribe to what Sheryl Sandberg says, which is, ‘our careers are not ladders; they’re jungle gyms.’ I am a lawyer by training, and my legal training has opened a variety of career opportunities over the last 25-plus years," said D’Emilia.
Wilkinson's path was shaped by a deep commitment to public service. "I have a very unique journey and resume. I have a background as a lawyer, a business owner, and a law enforcement officer in multiple states." These roles equipped her with a broad skill set enabling her to tackle unique challenges and make significant contributions in each discipline.
Charles recalled how mentorship played a crucial role in her career development. "Very early in my career, I knew I wanted to give back to others, and working in the public sector allows me to fulfill that goal. When I was offered the opportunity to run my own government agency, it checked off a box on my list of professional goals." Her story underscores the value of setting goals and seeking fulfilling work that impacts others, demonstrating how personal motivators can help shape one's career.
Proudest Achievements and Influential Mentors
Each woman takes pride in the community-focused aspect of their careers. For them, achievements are not just personal victories but also reflect their broader impact on society and the communities they serve.
In the realm of public safety, D’Emilia cites her involvement with passing Massachusetts’ Criminal Harassment Law, which helps provide justice for those suffering substantial emotional distress due to the malicious actions of others. "This is a lesson in persistence for those of us that worked on this incredibly important law. It took about 10 years, but the positive impact this law continues to have on victims of harassment was well worth the effort, and the main reason I consider this a great achievement,” said D’Emilia.
Wilkinson values supporting others. She shared, "I am proudest when someone who works for me is growing and succeeding. Even when people leave to take on different or larger roles, I consider that a compliment." Reflecting on her own journey, she draws inspiration from her grandmothers, "one, a public-school teacher in the 1920s who had to quit her job to marry, and the other, an immigrant who had to leave medical school in Europe due to the war but later opened a salon to support her family." Her stories of perseverance reinforce her dedication to helping others realize their potential and overcome obstacles.
Charles's dedication to broadband policy development became particularly evident during the pandemic, a global catastrophe that widened the already existing digital divide. Reflecting on this, she noted, "The pandemic made us all very aware of the importance of high-quality broadband for all the residents of the Commonwealth." Connectivity is crucial, especially during times of crisis, and her work underscores the need for everyone to have access to support.
Mentorship has also been a guiding force for Charles, both as a mentor and mentee. This support system "is very important for women as the guidance we can provide each other is an invaluable support." All three women agree on the importance of mentorship in both personal and professional development, whether as a leader or community member.
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Leadership often involves navigating a landscape filled with obstacles, especially for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. These challenges require not only resilience but also adapting to change. Finding a strong support system is essential in any industry.
“The many shifts in your career are easier to navigate with a support system. It’s critical to surround yourself with people, in my case, it’s a group of women and men, that you can trust and go to for advice. I refer to my group as my "personal kitchen cabinet.” These are women and men who I reach out to about my career, about challenges I’m facing in the workplace, or any number of professional topics where I need a sounding board,” D’Emilia shared.
Similarly, Wilkinson reflects on her experience. "I had to learn how to find my supports, and my connections. Partly, that required gaining confidence in being who I was in any situation." She also emphasized the need for empathy and responsibility. "Leaders lead from the front. Be engaged and be empathic. I firmly believe that leaders should try to run a democracy, but ultimately must be able and willing to make the hard decisions. They also must be willing to take responsibility for those decisions, and not pass the blame to their teams," said Wilkinson.
Another important tip these women leaders emphasized includes staying authentic. "Stay true to who you are and don’t try to mimic how you think a man would perform in the role," said Charles.
Moving Toward an Equitable Future
Reflecting on the evolution of women’s roles in leadership, it’s clear that while progress has been made—evidenced by more women in major organizations and political office—significant challenges remain. Gender bias and systemic barriers continue to affect how women advance in their careers and are perceived in leadership roles.
"More women have assumed leadership roles in major organizations. More women are running for elected office. We are seeing changes in companies and in government due to this. However, the pay rates are still not equal, and many ceilings remain unbroken,” said Wilkinson. "Women are still expected to work twice as hard as their male counterparts and are often paid less for the same job,” said Charles. To advance gender equality, we cannot just increase the number of women in leadership but also need to address underlying issues.
With all this in mind, D’Emilia advises that “as women, we are often too self-critical. Give yourself some grace.”
These stories and insights highlight the impact that women leaders can have in shaping the future of their fields. In celebration of National Women's Day, find inspiration from women everywhere and continue to support and uplift women striving to make a difference. Everyone has a role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.
