March 8, 2026 marks 115 years of celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD). This year’s theme, Give to Gain, is a reminder to expand the way we think about what drives meaningful and lasting progress. The IWD 2026 Give to Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration, emphasizing the power of reciprocity and support. Whether it’s through donations or sharing experiences, time and visibility, when we intentionally build environments that support women’s growth, we help create a more interconnected world where everyone is empowered to thrive.   

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2026, we asked several women from across Itron to share one piece of advice they’ve received that continues to influence how they work and lead today.  

Read their reflections below and watch a video compilation of their insights here. 

“Don’t shrink to fit the room. Expand it.”  

- Nicole Thomas, Attorney; Austin, TX 

“Lead and listen with integrity. Your level of integrity should not change depending on your role—it should be what stays with you and what you consistently show regardless of your roles or organization. Along with integrity, have respect for the individual regardless of the role they’re in. Respect is something you deserve to have but also need to remember to give.  

The other piece of advice I received is to try to be one of the smartest people in the room, which requires preparation, curiosity and tenacity. I was told to pass that advice down, so as I continue through my 25 years or so in my career, those are the things I always remember and now pass on to my daughter as she begins her own career in the next couple of years.”  

- Karen Smith, Vice President, Global Quality; Oconee, SC 

“Keep learning, keep working and believe in yourself as a woman. Make your voice heard and never stop moving forward.”  

- Elisabeth Le Mezo, Director, Labor & Employee Relations; Meudon, FR 

“Speak up and be confident. Confidence comes from knowledge, and knowledge grows with continuous learning. Never, ever stop learning.”  

- Ruchika Mahajan, Senior Manager Product Development, System Development; Bangalore, IN 

“Life is 1% what happens to you and 99% how you react to it. You have the power to control your response and not much else, so in the meantime, just be kind, give yourself grace and let the rest go.”  

- Becca Jones, Director of Sales Enablement, Outcomes; Raleigh, NC