March is Women’s History Month, and International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world on March 8. It is a day to celebrate social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. So, Da-Lite is taking a moment to honor our founder, Adele De Berri, and share the thoughts of women shaping and leading the brand today.

110 years ago, the 24-year-old Ms. De Berri struck out on her own, starting a business in an abandoned Chicago church selling metallic paint for the walls of Nickelodeon theaters. Inventor of the Silver Screen, she pioneered a business that has grown to become the leading producer of high quality commercial and residential projection screens globally.

We asked Da-Lite leaders to reflect on how Adele De Berri inspires them and on this year’s IWD theme, #BalanceforBetter. Here are their responses…

Christina Hunter, Da-Lite Director of Sales

On how Adele De Berri has inspired her career:

Adele De Berri is extremely inspiring, from the moment I heard her story of overcoming insurmountable objections to become as successful as she was, and to have the legacy she does has been a huge motivation for me and aspiring to do more with my career. She had determination and dreams that were bigger than ever thought possible and she was positive and pushed forward.

On what it means to #BalanceforBetter 2019:

This year I have taken on new challenges and that can be overwhelming in your career as you have a lot of ramping up to do. In spite of this, I have learned throughout my career that you must find balance so you don’t burn out. This year, balance means to me quality time and better planning for the months ahead, so I can make sure I am there for my kids as they take on new experiences as well.

Melissa Rone, Da-Lite Regional Brand Sales Manager

On how Adele De Berri has inspired her career:

Adele De Berri, our brand and colleagues have inspired and challenged me to define success differently. We are inundated with imagery and lifestyle propaganda that can mold our belief that success has only one look, one definition. How boring life would be if that were the case. I don’t think Adele was focused on fitting in. She lived on the edge, pushed boundaries, and was not deterred by expectations of her age or gender. I wish I would have figured that out at the age she was when she started the company.

On what it means to #BalanceforBetter 2019:

For me it is simple: I will be a bridge in the divide I see around me. No one benefits from unequal treatment. No one benefits from guilt over the past. It’s about moving forward together in a positive way. For a long time, I thought I had to be less feminine to be successful. I’ve grown up. I see the value that women and diversity bring to the workforce when we don’t manipulate who we are to fit in. We are all responsible for leaving this life better than we found it. I believe our success lies in each of us finding the intersection of two things:  

- What is unique to my situation that allows me to add value; what direction does that point me?

- Where do I see the greatest imbalance? Where is the greatest need?

Whatever lies at the intersection of these two trajectories is the place where we can create meaningful change.

Wendy Cox, Da-Lite Director of Product Management

On how Adele De Berri has inspired her career:

I look at what Adele was able to accomplish 110 years ago and feel the responsibility to keep that spirit of innovation alive for Da-Lite. She did something that had never been done and 110 years later, we are still doing it!

Sarah Baum, Da-Lite Senior Manager, Product Marketing

On how Adele De Berri has inspired her career:

Adele De Berri was a pioneer who built a business around connecting people, through the varied emotions and data processed via two-piece projection. Whether you’re in a conference room, house of worship, classroom or other venue, she set the stage for the long-standing platform in which we absorb information. Her fearless approach and innovative spirit drives me to achieve excellence, surrounded by like-minded peers.

On what it means to #BalanceforBetter 2019:

Balance is about awareness, asking the right questions, leading by example, and being authentic. Whether that means being a bright light through inspiring our local youth through charity work, seeking continuing education, maintaining a healthy body and mind, and/or surrounding yourself with supportive mentors, leaders and healthy relationships, bettering yourself yields great example and a platform to ignite change.

Ann Ewoldt, Da-Lite Marketing Manager

On how Adele De Berri has inspired her career:

Regardless of one’s gender or generation, starting a business is a daunting prospect. To do so at the turn of the 20^th century, before women had won the right to vote nationally or single women could independently own property, made what Adele did even more extraordinary. It took bravery, cunning and skill. Where would Da-Lite and the AV industry be without her and that first spark of imagination to cover a theater wall with cookware paint? I aspire to carry her legacy forward with the same confidence.

On what it means to #BalanceforBetter 2019:

I believe a business can achieve balance and greater success through diversity. When everyone brings different life experiences to the table, there is better diversity of thought and invention.

Join us on social media to share your thoughts on Da-Lite, Adele De Berri and how to #BalanceforBetter in 2019.