Women’s History Month Interview Series: Theresa Nadachowski & Diane Shoemaker

1. Reflecting on Women’s History Month, how have you seen the role of women in law evolve during your career?

Theresa Nadachowski: Years ago, the culture of life was more geared to women being “stay-at-home mothers” and  “homemakers”.  They were expected to prioritize family and maintain the household, limiting them from furthering their education, seeking employment and also the ability to participate in public life.

Women have more opportunities to work full-time with more support at home with spouses sharing responsibilities and family assisting with childcare responsibilities, etc. Women are given the opportunity to make more choices today than years ago, which is more accepted and encouraged in society today.  Women today seek more advancement in their careers proving their ability to be equal.  Also, employers are supportive and taking actions to ensure advancement of women with their careers.  Companies now offer paternity leave.  This, in turn, allows women to balance life at work and home.  As you now see, men are taking more responsibility in the home life, and are enjoying spending more time with their families as well.

Working for MacElree Harvey for numerous years, I have had the pleasure of seeing Legal Assistants and Paralegals work full time, attend Law School, along with have a family at home, achieve getting their law degree, become attorneys, and some even opened their own Law Firm. 

Although life has changed a lot for women in the work field, the areas that I believe still require attention and improvement are some employers need more mentoring for women, be conscious of workplace discrimination and inequalities, increase awareness in changing the perception of gender roles, allow women to explore diverse opportunities and pursue their dreams, and be conscious of the gender pay gap by adjusting salaries to ensure women are compensated fairly.  Also, there is a need to provide women with necessary resources and access to education.

Diane Shoemaker: I joined MacElree Harvey in 1987. From the very first day, I considered myself lucky to work for a firm that recognized and appreciated my knowledge of my position as a Legal Assistant.

Being a member of the MH family for 37 years, I have seen the firm grow into a wonderful place to work. Over the years there have been changes in leadership and structure and women have been incorporated into higher level positions, which has made a huge difference with the culture of the firm.

Being a woman, married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren, family is very important to me. I am grateful that MH understands and supports those values.  

2. Growing up, was there someone in your life that inspired you to become who you are today? Who was it and why?

Theresa Nadachowski: Growing up in Philadelphia years ago, what was then called the “secretarial field”, was a field that more women were persuaded or mentored by our parents and family to pursue.  It was also more accepted in society at that time.  My mother inspired me to move toward this field and follow in the footsteps of the women in our family.  Schools also offered specific classes regarding this field.  I studied secretarial studies at Cardinal Dougherty High School and Manor Junior College.  After college, I worked as a Judicial Secretary for the Honorable James C. Crumlish, Jr. until his retirement.  I then had an opportunity to work at a Law Firm in Center City, and eventually joined the MacElree Harvey team, where I have been working for the last twenty years.  At MacElree Harvey, my title changed to “Legal Assistant” as I believe the firm felt we were more than just a secretary.  Now we are moving towards being paraprofessionals.  I do enjoy all aspects of this field, especially helping clients through the emotional journey of life changing events, and am blessed working for MacElree Harvey, my “second family”. 

Another person who inspired me throughout the years is Michelle Foster, CEO of MacElree Harvey, whom I have known for the last twenty years.  We joined MacElree Harvey months apart, and shortly after meeting, we realized our paths have crossed before.   Michelle has supported, influenced, and mentored me throughout the years.   I am truly blessed to know and work with Michelle at MacElree Harvey.

Diane Shoemaker: My mother was my biggest influence.  She worked nights as an operating room nurse but was always there for my dad and the four of us girls.  She took care of all of us, the house, etc. proving that a woman can work outside of the home as well as inside the home.   She is the reason I strive to do the best for my family both at home and at work. My mother taught us to treat others and you would want to be treated and I apply that to both my personal family and work family.

3. What female public figure, past or present, inspires you and why?

Diane Shoemaker: While not a “public” figure on a large scale, but rather a public figure within the firm, Michelle Foster as our CEO has inspired me. She is an amazing role model for all women.  She does a wonderful job for all of us here at MH and is a true advocate for the staff.  She has an open-door policy, and truly understands what all of us do on a daily basis. She is a caring and kind-hearted person, and you feel comfortable talking to her about anything and everything.

4. What is one thing others can do to empower the women in their lives?

Theresa Nadachowski: I believe in supporting all women and encouraging women, whether it is a family member or other women I may come in contact with, which will empower them to seek new opportunities.