I come from a family where a strong work ethic is important; but so is having a good work/life balance. As a first-generation American citizen, I embraced that philosophy while pursuing my professional goals and throughout college while earning multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees. The next step was to get to a position of always wanting to learn, embracing it and surrounding myself with people that support that same goal. You must be willing to take risks. I started in the industrial sector and worked in software distribution, mergers and acquisitions, banking, the toy industry, and finally, at Foundever.
I was very fortunate early on to establish a very close relationship with a strong business leader, who eventually became my mentor in my business and personal life for over 20 years. I credit my mentor’s advice as a key reason for staying in a role or changing career paths. My mentor challenged me to expand my skills into different disciplines – helping me understand the value of work/life balance.
My success comes from a collective and joint plan with my husband of 39 years. We have raised four daughters together; four daughters who understand the value of work/life balance and have chosen to make our hometown, their hometown. We made the choice because I loved what I did, and my husband loved being at home with our daughters. We may have chosen a different, less traditional path, but it was the right path for us.
I have been fortunate in my 27+ years with Foundever to oversee a wide range of departments, including Operations, Real Estate and Market Expansions, General Management, as well as working with global account teams and supporting client initiatives. Each role has taught me valuable knowledge – and in turn, I know I have brought value to the role. Today, as the Senior Vice President of Americas Business Support, I feel fortunate to be in a position to lead a team and share these lessons.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the bold and powerful women of Foundever, celebrating that we’re all different, but equal. These are their stories of diversity, balance, success, gender equality and about leading the change you want to see.