Amy Nelson is the Founder and CEO of The Riveter, a national membership network of community, content, resources and co-working spaces, built by women for everyone. We are so excited for Amy to join us at our conference, Get Money Get Paid 2019 on the panel, Diversity Is Not a Buzzword. Get to know Amy!

What is the best career or money advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever gotten is to always cultivate relationships. It’s how I’ve gotten as far as I have in building The Riveter. People I’ve met along the way — even decades ago — have proved infinitely helpful, in everything from connecting me to investors, recommending a hire, or scouting locations for a new Riveter location. Because I was advised to do this early in my career, I’ve been relentless about keeping up with contacts and bringing them along in my journey. It’s proved invaluable.

What’s a moment in your career that you’re really proud of?

The day I was able to provide health care for my employees. Offering benefits to the first employees of a new company feels next-to-impossible, but it’s been a priority for me from the beginning and something that we’ve worked really hard to achieve. I’m incredibly proud to offer health care, 401K enrollment, and a 4 month parental leave policy for employees of The Riveter.

What is one thing you hope the attendees at the conference will take away from your story?

I hope that my story inspires attendees to break through biases about what they can or can’t do. I founded The Riveter with two small daughters while pregnant with my third (I now have four!). Every fundraising pitch, every investor meeting, the fact that I’m a mother comes up and I’ve learned to own it. Because motherhood is not a distressed asset — it’s a strength. Mothers can and do accomplish amazing things in the workforce.

Who is a woman you admire (living or dead)?

Michelle Obama! She’s a highly accomplished professional and activist and such a powerful voice for working mothers. She shows us everyday how to lead with integrity. I admire her so much.