TextNow

We're closing out #IWD2025 month by highlighting the amazing woman behind our TextNow blog, Valeria Dulava (she/her), our Content Editor. TN: How long have you been at TextNow? VD: 9 years TN: iPhone or Android? VD: iPhone TN: What are you most proud of? VD: There isn't anything specific to point out, but rather any time/moment where I let go of the fear of failing and tried something anyway. When I was younger, this fear crippled me in many ways – sports aspirations that went by the wayside, university applications that felt safe and didn't stretch me. In a funny way, starting at TextNow was the first leap I've made where I stepped out of my comfort zone for the promise of an unknown opportunity, and what do you know, it paid off. Michael Scott quoting Wayne Gretzky said it best: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." TN: What's a big goal you're working toward? VD: I've held various titles and dabbled in various Marketing formats, but I'm really excited to hone in on my first passion: writing. Merging editorial writing with a more growth-focused SEO strategy is a big professional challenge, and one that I'm excited to pursue in order to diversify our teams' efforts (The theme of not being afraid to try new things is coming back – a big barrier that TextNow helped me break over the years!) On a more personal note, I challenged myself to finally, after years of talking about it, finish my first novel by the end of the year. TN: If you could give advice to young people starting out in their career, what would it be? VD: Be ok with making mistakes. Mistakes are going to be inevitable and unavoidable – it's important to be equipped with the skills to know how to move on from a mistake (and use it to your advantage next time), rather than stay bogged down by the emotional and mental burden of it. See all of Val's great tips and tricks on the TextNow blog: https://lnkd.in/g72uUkx3

Our next inspiring woman at TextNow is, Maryellen Furusho (she/her), our Ad Ops Specialist. #IWD2025 TN: How long have you been at TextNow? MF: 3 years TN: iPhone or Android? MF: Android TN: What are you most proud of? MF: I’m proud to have achieved the biggest goals I set for myself as a teenager, even though the road was bumpy and not always easy. I have an amazing, joyful family, and even after becoming an immigrant in Canada, I’m still working in the same career path I loved and started back in my home country, Brazil. TN: What's a big goal you're working toward? MF: My big goal is to achieve better physical and mental health. As women, we have so many responsibilities in this world, and it often gets heavy on our shoulders when we're trying to balance everything. For a while now, my body has been asking for some help and a break. I started this journey some time ago by changing a few habits, like making wiser choices about what I nurture my body with when eating. But now, my focus is on learning how to relax (haha, yes, I'm an anxious person), to enjoy, treasure, and learn from each day as it comes. I'm also trying to find a sport or activity that brings me joy and can easily become a habit. After some trials, I think pickleball is the one! TN: What advice do you have for young people starting out in their career? MF: Find something you love and invest your time in improving your skills in it. When you do what you love every day, there’s no such thing as a boring or tedious day. Also, be kind—kind to yourself during your journey of learning and becoming an expert. It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. And be kind to those around you. It’s so much better when we’re in tune and cheering for each other.

She might be new to the team, but she's already making an impact! Our next #IWD2025 highlight is the fabulous Tali Fischer (she/her), our Head of PR and Social. TN: How long have you been at TextNow? TF: 3 months TN: iPhone or Android? TF: iPhone TN: What are you most proud of? TF: Career-wise? Proud of having worked and succeeded in video games and tech for so long and watching the industry grow and evolve. It hasn't always been easy but I wouldn't trade it for the world. In life - Proud of the person my kid has grown into and know I had a part in making him a smart, thoughtful, and empathetic human who believes in changing the world around him to make it better for all people - especially those who are marginalized. I'm also proud of the people in my life and how hard we all work to make sure we are always there for each other. A great network/village is the key to happiness. TN: What's a big goal you're working toward? TF: Being happy and confident and not letting my imposter syndrome bring me down all the time. The voices in my head are loud and rising above it is my forever challenge. TN: What advice do you have for young people starting their career? TF: 1. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they happen. Learn and grow from from them and share that wisdom with people you work with. 2. Being laid off is not personal. It hurts and feels awful but all businesses need to make difficult choices and it is not a reflection of the people impacted. Take the time to mourn those moments but don't let them knock you down. 3. You don't get time back and there is no prize for sacrificing for work. People talk about work/life balance but we most often sacrifice personal for work. In the long-run, you never get those personal moments back and no company will truly appreciate the sacrifice. So prioritize you and your happiness. 4. Not everyone is a manger. That is a skill set that some people have and some don't. You don't need to manage people to move up in the world and in your career - so choose what is right for you. 5. Everyone needs positive feedback. No matter how senior or junior someone is. It lifts us up, reminds us what people appreciate and need from us, and reinforces what we are good at. Don't be afraid to ask for it and don't be afraid to give it.

Our People & Culture team had an amazing time at the Transform Conference in Vegas last week! 💡 They came back inspired and full of fresh ideas on integrating AI into HR, made some new connections and—best of all—got to enjoy some adorable puppy cuddles. Fun fact: We’re big pet lovers at TextNow! We even have a dedicated Slack channel for sharing our favorite animal pics. 🐶 💜 #transform2025 #HRconference #PeopleandCulture

We've got more talented women to highlight for the last week of #IWD2025 month. Next is Jelena Markovic (she/her), our People & Culture Generalist, who always brings her bright, cheerful energy to TextNow! TN: How long have you been at TextNow? JM: 5 years TN: iPhone or Android? JM: iPhone TN: What are you most proud of? JM: I am immensely proud of my three boys and the beautiful family my husband and I have built together. Watching them grow into remarkable young individuals is one of my greatest joys and achievements. In my career, I take pride in my willingness to step beyond my comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and continuously grow and evolve along my professional journey. TN: What's a big goal you are working toward? JM: I wouldn’t say I have one big goal, but rather many small ones that guide me both personally and professionally. In my personal life, I strive to be more present with my kids, cherishing every moment with them. In my career, I aim to ask more questions, seek new learning opportunities, and continuously grow to be the best version of myself. TN: If you could give advice to young people starting their career, what would it be? JM: In the hustle of building a career, remember to stay grounded in your values and passions—true success is most fulfilling when it aligns with who you are. It’s okay not to have all the answers about where your career will lead; embrace the journey, stay open to new possibilities, and trust that every path holds its own opportunities.

Some would say Maria Santamaria (she/her) is an OG at TextNow and they'd be right! Maria is our UX Researcher, who expertly handles customer feedback with care and takes action to implement improvements. TN: How long have you been at TextNow? MS: 9 years TN: iPhone or Android? MS: iPhone TN: What are you most proud of? MS: In my personal life, I'm most proud of being able to retire my parents at 55! In my career, I'm most proud of my growth as a TextNovian and researcher. I've had a lot of roles at TextNow and now my colleagues see me as a trusted resource when it comes to knowing our customers and I love that. TN: What's a big goal you're working toward? MS: I'm working towards being an active member of my local community - I really need to get out there and volunteer/donate/support. TN: What advice would you give to young people starting out in their career? MS: Tinker! Some of my best and most useful skills I learned through trying things on my own and being curious. Don't be afraid to fail or make mistakes - it's all part of the process. As Chance the Rapper once said "Turn those L's into lessons"

Continuing our #IWD2025 celebrations by featuring one of our superstars at TextNow, Carolyn MacDonald (she/her), our Head of Brand Marketing & Communications. TN: How long have you been at TextNow? CM: 8 years TN: iPhone or Android? CM: iPhone TN: What are you most proud of? CM: I'm most proud of living by the values I share with others— lifting others up, and showing up with kindness. Whether it's watching my kids choose kindness and show up for their friends or being a leader my team can count on, I take pride in creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. TN: If you could give advice to young people starting their career, what would it be? CM: Believe in yourself and your worth. Lift others up along the way, because collaboration and kindness open more doors than competition. Stay curious, stay humble, and never be afraid to advocate for yourself.

We’re thrilled to feature our Director of Ad Sales, Kate Killigrew (she/her). Her positivity and energy light up the workplace every day! #IWD2025 TN: How long have you been at TextNow? KK: 2 years TN: iPhone or Android? KK: iPhone TN: What are you most proud of? KK: I'm really proud of staying true to my values, no matter what. Integrity and authenticity mean everything to me, and I always try to lead with both—especially when things get tough. I believe that when people support each other and stand strong in who we are, we create real change. TN: What's a big goal you're working toward? KK: A big goal I’m working toward is growing into a Senior Director role. I’ve been really focused on leveling up my leadership, driving impact, and making sure I’m creating opportunities not just for myself, but for my team and the people around me. It’s something I’ve been intentional about for a while, and I’m excited to keep pushing toward it. TN: What advice do you have for young people starting out in their career? KK: Your network is just as important as your skills—build genuine connections with people who inspire and support you. Seek mentors, learn from others, and surround yourself with those who challenge you to grow. Lifting each other up creates more opportunities for everyone. And don’t wait for opportunities—go create them. Speak up, take on responsibility, and own your impact. The people who stand out aren’t just the ones who do what’s expected, but the ones who take bold steps forward and bring others with them.

Our People Business Partner, Elle Brasher, MBA (she/her), plays a vital role in providing HR support and having the tough conversations that help make TextNow a better workplace. She's our next feature for #IWD2025 month! TN: How long have you been at TextNow? EB: 2.5 years TN: iPhone or Android? EB: Android TN: What are you most proud of? EB: The relationships I've built, both personally and professionally. That folks I care about are comfortable reaching out to me when they need help, whether that's just an ear to listen or to offer advice. TN: What's a big goal you're working on? EB: Professionally, become certified as a mediator. Personally, a kitchen remodel! TN: What advice do you have for young people starting out in their career? EB: Take every opportunity to learn as much as you can. Offer your help to others, even folks outside of your team & department. Take on things that seem scary, even if you've never done them before. Don't be afraid to ask for help yourself!

🎉 30,000 Followers! 🎉 For 16 years, our mission has been clear: break down communication barriers, democratize phone service, and give everyone access, regardless of income. A huge THANK YOU to each of you for following, engaging, and sharing in our journey. We love showcasing the people, culture, and values that make TextNow special. Stay tuned for more insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments. Let’s keep growing together! 💜 #ThankYou #TextNow #30KStrong