At The Dorm, we have a long history of empowering women at every level of our organization. Today, women make up 78% of our team, contributing to care in countless ways—from our President and Chief Clinical Officer to our clinicians, health and wellness providers, admissions, and operational staff. We know that our culture and community are stronger because so many women’s voices are at the table.
In celebration of this Women’s History Month, we’re proud to share perspectives from five team members across different departments. Read on to discover their reflections on women who inspire them—both in their work and daily lives.
Delaram Saidi, President
As a female entrepreneur, company president, and mother of three, I am committed to fostering a culture that uplifts women. I stand on the shoulders of generations of strong Iranian women, who made immense sacrifices to create a better future for their families and communities. Foremost among them is my mother—a trailblazing businesswoman and first-generation immigrant—whose resilience and values have shaped who I am today.
From a young age, she led by example, showing me the importance of generosity, compassion, loyalty and working hard. In Farsi, she would often say, “approach with curiosity, support with love, and strive to achieve something remarkable”—words that continue to guide me in my work and in my commitment to supporting the next generation of women on my team.
Valerie Donaldson, MS, CASAC, Senior Clinical Community Manager
I’m continually inspired by women who have been outspoken advocates for women and minorities. One such trailblazer is Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first African American woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States in 1972.
Her autobiography, Unbought and Unbossed, captures her unwavering spirit and lifelong commitment to justice—one that carried her through an incredible seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Favorite Quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” – This line from Marianne Williamson’s poem Our Deepest Fear continues to resonate deeply with me.
Amie DiTomasso, LICSW, MPH, Director, The Dorm, D.C.
My grandmother was a strong, intelligent, warm, and caring woman. The youngest of 14, she was born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy. She herself had seven children and took in many foster children including two with special needs. She was one of my earliest examples of how compassion, kindness, and connection can truly impact others.
She always encouraged me to use my voice and taught me to be confident in who I am and in the gifts I have to share with the world. Her words of wisdom have stayed with me, reminding me of the importance of hard work and of enjoying life because it is short and precious.
Taylor Garlow, MS, RD, Assistant Director of Admissions & Outreach
I am continuously inspired by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, the co-creators of Intuitive Eating, a groundbreaking approach to nutrition. Their work has redefined the way we approach food and health by moving away from diet culture and promoting self-trust. As a dietitian, their philosophy has shaped how I support my clients in building healthier, more peaceful relationships with food.
Their commitment to creating a world where nourishment is no longer tied to shame or restriction continues to inspire me to embrace a weight-inclusive, compassionate approach to nutrition.
Favorite quote: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou.
This quote resonates deeply with me as it highlights the importance of agency and mindset. In both my professional life as a dietitian and my personal journey, I’ve learned that we often can’t control every circumstance, but we always have control over how we respond! Embracing this mindset has helped me overcome challenges, stay resilient, and maintain a positive outlook, especially in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder that change often starts with a shift in perspective!
Andrys Tavarez, Senior HR Generalist
The woman who inspires me most is my mom. She immigrated to a new country, learned a new language, and became the first in our family to graduate college and pursue higher education—all while navigating countless challenges. But what I admire most isn’t just her perseverance, it’s her kindness.
No matter how much stress she’s under, she leads with warmth, patience, and non-judgment. She’s taught me that strength isn’t about control, but about trust and trusting yourself, the process, and the power of showing up with love. Her resilience and grace remind me daily of the kind of person I strive to be.
Favorite quote: “The moment we choose to love, we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love, we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.” – Bell Hooks
