Some people step into leadership because they want to serve. Others step into it because they want to settle a score, sometimes against doubt, other times against invisibility and often against a past version of themselves that was overlooked or dismissed.

Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator at Eastern Communications, didn’t pursue leadership to prove anything. The standard she held herself to came from much closer to home.

“I am mother to a daughter, and my greatest challenge has been becoming a role model for her and showing her a future of possibilities,” she tells The CEO Magazine.

That question – what does my work show my daughter is possible? – became the lens through which Regio makes decisions at Eastern Communications. It shapes how she approaches responsibility, how she handles doubt, and how she thinks about success beyond her own role.

It’s also why her recognition in The CEO Magazine’s Women of Influence spotlight resonates. Her leadership story is practical, personal and rooted in the long game, where she’s building something that lasts and leaving the door open behind her.

Stepping into responsibility

A decade ago, Regio was asked to step into an executive role at Eastern Communications. Like many, she describes feeling imposter syndrome creep up.

“I had my doubts,” she admits. “But I took on the challenge by building a strong community of trusted managers and leaders to grow the company alongside me.”

Rather than trying to carry the role alone, Regio focused on building a leadership group she trusted. She wanted people around her who would challenge her, share responsibility and grow with the business.

“It has become one of my proudest achievements and, at the same time, serves as a living testament to my daughter that she can accomplish her goals with the right support, a positive mindset and never-ending grit,” she says with pride.

Making inclusion practical

That same ethos carries over to how Regio approaches gender parity at Eastern Communications. In her view, inclusion must be operational – not just aspirational.

“As part of our initiative to reach gender parity in the workplace, Eastern Communications has worked on closing the gender gap among employees and adopting an unbiased hiring process where all genders receive equal opportunities,” she reveals.

The company has seen an increase in female representation in recent years, but Regio is clear that hiring is only one part of the equation.

“In order to foster gender equality, we have initiatives in place, such as the full implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and Safe Spaces Act in the workplace and equal capacity-building opportunities,” she confirms.

For Regio, progress depends on whether people feel safe, supported and able to stay.

“Eastern Communications is committed to making this vision a reality, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape,” she insists.

Lessons in leading

Reflecting on her career journey, Regio says her leadership style hasn’t been shaped by one single mentor. Instead, it’s evolved through exposure to a multitude of leaders, each providing different lessons along the way.

“I have been fortunate to have several bosses who influenced my leadership style in different ways,” she reflects. “From them, I learned clarity, resilience, empathy and the importance of empowering people.”

Those influences resulted in what she describes as a people-first, purpose-driven approach. It’s one that weighs decisions not solely on business outcomes but also by their impact on employees, communities and the entire country.

Looking at the broader telecommunications and tech sector, Regio believes gender parity won’t happen without intention.

“Achieving true gender parity requires a focused attack on the entire career pipeline, from education to the executive suite,” she explains.

That starts with early exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for girls; continues with safe and flexible workspaces that retain women; and requires deliberate leadership development for senior technical and board roles. Regio’s advice to the next generation reflects that same realism.

“We’re not determined by our past experiences but by the meaning we give them,” she points out. “The future is not predetermined but is an amalgamation of our choices and our actions.”

This International Women’s Day, she encourages all women to remember their strength.

“Never let your background or environment – or your gender – box you into a certain mentality. We women, are stronger than we give ourselves credit for,” she says.

“I implore you to never stop learning about your craft. Be a sponge at all times, gathering as much knowledge as you can. Continue to maintain that student mindset and don’t seek perfection, but seek enlightenment always.”