This March, Solomon Page is proud to celebrate Women's History Month by recognizing the incredible contributions and achievements of women professionals. Beyond celebrating these successes, this month is also a meaningful reminder of the vital role diversity and inclusion play in fostering innovation and progress. The theme for National Women’s History month this year is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations”. This topic celebrates women who have inspired generations through their leadership, mentorship, and education. To honor this occasion, we’re highlighting some of the inspiring women leaders at Solomon Page as they share their experiences and insights.
Having been at Solomon Page for almost 10 years, how have you seen the role and influence of women evolve within the company, and what positive changes do you hope to see in the future?
Rachel Tigges, Chief Marketing Officer, Corporate Marketing: I have seen the role and influence of women play a substantial role in company’s success since I joined almost 10 years ago. From its inception over three decades ago, Solomon Page has recognized and championed the power, leadership, and contributions of women, fostering an environment where they can thrive. A key part of this commitment has been prioritizing workplace flexibility—an approach that has empowered countless women to excel both professionally and personally while balancing multiple responsibilities with grace. As a leader within the organization, a new mother, and a stepmom of three, I am experiencing the impact of this support firsthand.
Looking ahead, I hope to see even more opportunities for women to advance—not only in executive and senior leadership roles but also in mid-tier positions, where emerging leaders can grow and develop. I would also love to see continued investment in mentorship programs and leadership development, ensuring the next generation of female leaders has the resources and support to thrive. By fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives, we can ensure that women remain at the forefront of our company’s growth and success.
What inspired you to pursue a career in clinical recruiting, and how has your experience as a woman in the industry shaped your approach to connecting professionals with the right opportunities?
Vickie Stumpf, Managing Director, Clinical Resource Network: I believe having a mentor is essential for young women starting their careers. I was fortunate to have two strong female mentors who shaped my path. My aunt, a young entrepreneur of 20 years old back in 1946, founded her own staffing company, and both she and my mother encouraged me to follow in their footsteps.
For me, recruiting was a natural choice—I thrived on the fast-paced environment and the thrill of making placements. The energy was contagious, and I’ve never looked back. Beyond the adrenaline rush our industry provides, nothing compares to the satisfaction of helping a young woman just out of school find the right career path. Making that perfect connection—one that sets someone up for long-term success—is the most rewarding part of my journey in staffing, and it never gets old.
What advice would you give to someone looking to break into financial services executive recruiting, and what key lessons have you learned from your own experience in the industry?
Lissa Rosenthal, Managing Director, Financial Services: I had a long career in the financial services industry prior to pivoting into executive search. However, there is no one path to breaking into a career in financial services recruiting. I have found whether it’s a first job out of college or a second career, there are a few key common attributes to success in this field: an interest in financial markets, a natural ability to forge relationships and build professional networks, and a tireless commitment to serving your clients and candidates.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as a female executive recruiter is the immersive value clients place on women in the industry who are transparent and committed to building long-term relationships. In an industry that can at times have a less than pristine reputation, those firms and search professionals that operate at a different standard can truly set themselves apart and are invaluable to their clients.
As a woman in tech recruiting, how have you navigated the challenges of sourcing and retaining top talent in such a competitive industry, and what strategies have you found most effective in building diverse and inclusive tech teams?
Jen Burns, Managing Director, Technology: As a woman in tech recruiting, I’ve spent over 15 years placing top-tier talent in one of the most competitive industries. Throughout my career, I’ve seen gender disparities in tech hiring and the challenges underrepresented groups face in advancing their careers. Recruiting isn’t just about finding top candidates, it’s about creating an inclusive hiring process that fosters retention and builds diverse, high-performing teams.
Being a woman in tech and recruiting has given me a unique perspective on both the barriers that exist and the opportunities to break them down. I’ve had to navigate male-dominated spaces, advocate for my own seat at the table, and help other talented women do the same. This fuels my commitment to purpose-driven recruiting, where I don’t just match candidates to roles—I help shape the future of tech through inclusion, innovation, and meaningful change.
How have you seen the talent landscape evolve during your career, and what advice would you give to candidates looking to stand out in today’s job market?
Jennifer Coners, Vice President, Accounting & Finance: I’ve seen the talent landscape evolve significantly since I began my recruiting career. The rise of remote work and hybrid schedules has transformed hiring processes, making the job market more competitive nationwide. To stand out in today’s job market, candidates should answer the phone (you never know who is calling), actively network within their field, tailor their resumes for each role, and stay connected with a recruiter to stay informed on market trends and new opportunities.
The candidates I’ve supported in securing job offers share key traits that include thorough preparation, dedication, and gratitude for the opportunity. I've had the privilege of crossing paths with many ambitious women in accounting and finance, and what stands out most to me is not just their expertise but also the dedication, appreciation, and deep sense of respect they bring to the table in every aspect of their work.
This Women’s History Month, we recognize the power of a strong, inclusive network that uplifts and empowers others. Our leaders emphasize the importance of fostering an environment where diversity thrives, and both client and employee relationships are valued. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the contributing leaders.
