She Steps Up: Juliana Christina Conte

She Steps Up is a monthly recognition series that shines a light on women in the footwear industry. The theme for this month’s spotlight is “Working Caregivers: Women balancing caregiving and career with strength and flexibility,” and the spotlight centers on Juliana Christina Conte, Senior Product Development Manager at Marc Fisher Footwear.  

Juliana Christina Conte

Title: Senior Product Development Manager

Company: Marc Fisher Footwear

Tenure in Industry: 10+ years 

How Juliana balances caregiving and career with strength and flexibility: 
“As a Product Development Manager, I balance the fast-paced demands of the footwear industry with my role as a primary caregiver for my daughter, who lives with TSC, [a rare genetic disorder],” said Juliana. “This dual responsibility has sharpened my resilience and forced me to master the art of high-stakes multitasking. The problem-solving skills I use at work are deepened by the advocacy and care I provide at home.” 

Juliana’s connection to the fashion industry began early. Inspired by her mother’s career in apparel, she was introduced to the industry at a young age before eventually discovering her own interest in product development. Eager to explore that path, she enrolled in a program at FIT, an experience that helped shape the career she has today. 

As a first-time working mother to a child with special needs, Juliana has learned to navigate the demands of caregiving while continuing to grow professionally in a demanding role. Her experience speaks to the balancing act many women across the industry are navigating every day. 

“By sharing my experience, I hope to honor the strength and dedication of all working caregivers who contribute to our industry’s success,” Juliana said. 

Nominate a Colleague or Friend

Our next spotlight theme is, “Team Builders: Women who create trust, collaboration, and momentum within their teams.” If someone comes to mind, please consider nominating them, or yourself, using the form below. The deadline to submit is June 15. 

About She Steps Up  

She Steps Up is a monthly recognition series from Two Ten’s WIFI Community that shines a light on women in the footwear industry whose leadership, creativity, and impact are shaping our community in meaningful ways. Whether they are driving innovation, mentoring others, making bold moves, or doing the often unseen work that keeps teams strong, these are the stories worth celebrating. 

Each month, the series features individuals from across the industry who exemplify leadership, collaboration, and community. Nominations are welcome across all roles, experience levels, and sectors of the footwear industry, including design, HR, production, marketing, retail, administration (such as finance, accounting, and legal), and beyond. While the series centers on uplifting women, we also welcome nominations for individuals of all gender identities whose work reflects these values.