Christie Quarles, Clinical Product Marketing Manager at Revvity Signals, found her path when a brilliant woman in science believed in her before she fully believed in herself.

Her journey hasn’t been without barriers, including being denied education support because she was “only going to get married and have kids.” Instead of shrinking, Christie doubled down - choosing resilience, defining herself on her own terms, and stepping boldly into the arena.

Her advice? Keep showing up. Don’t wait for permission. And remember: curiosity, courage, and integrity will take you farther than perfection ever will.

Read more from Christie here…

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What has been your career defining moment as a woman in business?

Meeting Dr. Loraine Meisner at the University of Wisconsin was the turning point in my career. She was Professor Emeritus, brilliant, compassionate, and deeply respected in the field of genetics.

She encouraged me to pursue genetics seriously and became an extraordinary mentor. Her belief in me shaped both my confidence and my career direction. It was the first time I saw what a woman in science could truly be - confident, curious, capable, and it changed my life.

Personally, and professionally, she represented what was possible.

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome as a woman in business?

One major obstacle came early in my career. I worked at a company that offered education reimbursement benefits.

After testing and being accepted into an extremely competitive graduate program at Georgetown University, my manager denied my tuition support - telling me, “You’re only going to get married and have kids, so it’s not a good investment.”

"Define yourself before someone else does it for you."

In that moment, I realized how critical it is to define yourself before someone else does it for you. I kept going and it cemented my belief that resilience is often the most powerful tool we have.

What advice would you give to a younger woman looking to join your industry?

Remember the Roosevelt quote: “It’s not the critic who counts… but the man in the arena.”

In this case - the woman in the arena.

That quote matters deeply in this industry because science, innovation, and leadership don’t happen from the side lines — they happen when you step into the arena, take risks, and allow yourself to be seen.

The critic is always safer than the doer — but progress only comes from the women who are willing to try, to experiment, to lead, and sometimes to fail publicly and still rise.

"No one gets to define you but you."

You will encounter people who question your readiness or underestimate your capability — but their voice is not the one that builds your future. No one gets to define you but you.

Believe in your abilities more than anyone’s doubts — including your own. You don’t have to know everything on day one.

You just have to keep showing up. Curiosity, resilience, and integrity will take you farther than certainty ever will.

Over time, you’ll learn that we can overcome most obstacles in life except the ones we create for ourselves — fear, hesitation, comparison.

So keep moving forward. Ask questions. Invite feedback. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you. The goal is not perfection — it’s progress.

And most importantly:

You don’t need permission to belong here. You already do.

If you could do one thing to accelerate the pace of change for gender equality, what would it be?

Create access to mentorship, sponsorship, and actual decision-making power. Women don’t just need inspiration; they need opportunity.

When one woman rises, she must open a door for another. That is how acceleration - not just progress - happens.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

Panelle creates an environment where real conversations happen - conversations about leadership, confidence, opportunity, and impact.

I wanted to be part of a community where women are not just seen but truly heard. That is rare and it is powerful.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

"Take up space and build things that matter."

Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait to feel “ready.” And don’t shrink yourself so others feel comfortable. Take up space and build things that matter.

What’s your go-to advice for preventing burnout?

Burnout often comes from operating in isolation. Ask for help early. Build community. Find mentors and peers you can speak honestly with. And remember, rest is not a reward, it is part of resilience.

Why do you think it’s important for women to help other women win?

Because no systemic change has ever happened through individual effort. Women supporting women isn’t optional - it’s essential.

When we advocate for each other, share opportunities, voice ideas, and normalize ambition, we change the entire landscape. The rising tide must lift all boats.

Finally, please put the spotlight on another woman in business who either inspires you or has pulled out the seat for you.

I want to spotlight my former manager at a COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer. She gave me enormous responsibility during a critical time and trusted me to lead at a high level.

She created space for me to grow, handed me opportunities that stretched my abilities, and treated me as a leader before I fully saw it in myself.

That kind of belief changes careers and it changes people. I’ll always be grateful.

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