As we wrap up our International Women’s Month blog series, we’re excited to feature three more inspiring women at ABBYY who are driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and leading with purpose. These leaders share their career journeys, advice, and thoughts on what it means to thrive in a truly inclusive workplace. Let’s dive into their stories and celebrate their contributions to ABBYY and the tech industry.
Jump to:
Elisabeth Trease, Senior Manager, Global Sales Enablement
Gina Ray, Senior Director, Corporate Marketing
Diana Higginbotham, Head of Pre and Post Sales, North America
Elisabeth Trease – Senior Manager, Global Sales Enablement
Elisabeth Trease is the Global Senior Revenue Enablement Manager at ABBYY, based in Nashville, TN. Her role involves leading the development and execution of global programs for ABBYY’s revenue teams. A recent highlight for her was leading the global Sales Kick Off in Lisbon, where nearly 200 colleagues gathered to align on 2025 goals through high-impact workshops and sessions.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self?
Elisabeth’s advice to her younger self is to seek out mentors. “Mentors have played such an influential role in my life, both personally and professionally,” she says. “I would tell my younger self to always reach out, because you never know what kind of growth is around the corner.” She believes that learning from those who’ve walked the path before you can open doors to new perspectives and accelerate your development.
Elisabeth’s emphasis on mentorship underscores the value of building relationships and learning from others’ experiences.
In your view, how can women support each other in becoming role models and leaders in their fields?
Elisabeth believes in the power of women supporting each other. “It starts with recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths each person brings to the table,” she says. “Support also means challenging each other to dig deeper, ask tough questions, and keep learning so that we can make an impact, leading with service and purpose in our respective fields.”
Her perspective highlights the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual empowerment, where women uplift and inspire one another.
Gina Ray – Senior Director, Corporate Marketing
Gina Ray is the Senior Director of Corporate Marketing at ABBYY, leading a talented team in public relations, digital marketing, content marketing, social media, and creative design. “Together, we promote all the innovation ABBYY is doing and the successes our customers are having with our Document AI and Process AI solutions,” she shares.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self?
Gina’s advice to her younger self is to be confident. “You were hired for your experience and/or education. Lean on those experiences, yet be confident enough to not be afraid to ask questions to better understand your company, its market, competitors, and new tools that can help you meet your goals better,” she says.
What qualities or skills do you think are essential for women aiming for leadership roles?
Gina believes competitiveness, continuous learning, and a passion for helping others are essential qualities for leadership. “You want to outperform project goals, get the awards and recognition, and be known for getting it done,” she says. She also emphasizes the importance of professional development. “I frequently attend conferences outside my area of expertise to broaden my knowledge,” she shares. Most importantly, Gina highlights the value of helping others achieve their goals. “I volunteer with an industry association to promote professional development for communicators,” she adds.
Gina’s leadership philosophy is rooted in ambition, lifelong learning, and a commitment to empowering others.
Diana Higginbotham – Head of Pre and Post Sales, North America
Diana is the Head of Pre-Sales and Post Solutions for North America here at ABBYY. Her role involves leading and managing the region's Pre-Sales and Technical Success Management teams, focusing on delivering exceptional customer experiences, driving strategic solutions, and supporting overall business growth. “My goal is to ensure customers can be successful with ABBYY solutions and optimize them for future growth,” she shares.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self?
Diana’s advice to her younger self is to embrace every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. “Although it may sound cliché, everything happens for a reason,” she says. “Don’t let challenges or setbacks discourage you. Instead, view them as opportunities to refine your skills and navigate your career with greater confidence.” Diana also emphasizes the importance of listening to feedback. “Appreciating and applying feedback is crucial for continuous improvement and professional development,” she adds.
Diana’s perspective is a reminder that resilience and adaptability are key to long-term success. Her advice encourages us to see challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles.
How do you define success in your role, and how has that definition changed over time?
For Diana, success is defined by the growth and achievements of her team. “My approach has remained consistent, but it has evolved in terms of how I support my team,” she explains. “I view my role as one of mentorship and collaboration, where I not only share the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired but also learn from my team’s unique perspectives.” Diana’s goal is to empower her team with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to succeed while remaining accessible and supportive.
Her leadership philosophy highlights the importance of fostering a collaborative and empowering environment, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
In what ways do you see the landscape changing for women in tech in the future?
Diana is optimistic about the future for women in tech. “As more women take on leadership roles, they serve as mentors and role models, helping to break down stereotypes and inspire the next generation of female tech leaders,” she says. She also anticipates more initiatives focused on increasing accessibility, such as scholarships, training programs, and networking opportunities specifically designed for women in tech. “As organizations prioritize diversity and inclusion, workplaces will become more welcoming and supportive of women, encouraging them to stay and thrive in the field,” she adds.