Celebrating Women’s History Month: in conversation with Frances Ellis

Celebrating Women’s History Month: in conversation with Frances Ellis

International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month are global events celebrating achievements of women and raising awareness of challenges that women across the world still face.

To mark these events and open up conversations within our team, we invited various members of the Vortexa team to share their journeys, the meaning of these celebrations and women they find inspiring. This week we sat down with Frances Ellis…

31 March, 2023
Jessica Irvin
Jessica Irvin, Head of Operations & People
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself, your role at Vortexa and what led you to the role you are in today?

My name is Frances and I’m a Product Specialist in the Americas. I have a background in commodity market analysis and scheduling. After almost a decade of working on trade floors, I was interested in moving closer to the tech industry and working at a company that merges analytics, commodity markets, and technology. It’s great to work at a place that is exploring what the future looks like and how to create it.

In your opinion, why is it important to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month? What do these annual events mean to you?

I work with and have learned from so many amazing women throughout my career. I also aim to inspire and mentor women coming up in their career. I think International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month are great reminders that we’re all in this together and to lend a helping hand to each other. 

Which women inspire you? 

My grandmother! She grew up during the Nazi occupation in France during WW2 and was the most positive, loving woman. She made everyone feel at home around her no matter where she was. She had a huge impact on my childhood and I aim to be as nurturing, caring, thoughtful, and kind as her every day.

What was the most important piece of advice you’ve been given that you’d like to share with other women?

Life is not a dress rehearsal; it’s the real deal. 

Jessica Irvin
Head of Operations & People
Vortexa
Jessica Irvin
Jessica is Head of People & Operations at Vortexa and is responsible for hiring, learning & development, culture, engagement, performance management and leading expansion plans.