Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. This celebratory week soon grew into a month-long celebration that has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. (sources: history.com, womenshistory.org)
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is Women Providing Healing and Promoting Hope, which is closely aligned with one of our Who We Are values, Caring. Some of our employees share what Caring in Action looks like and something they’ve learned from a woman at Wegmans.
Sous Chef, 9 years of incredible service
“As a woman in the culinary industry, more often than not you are the “odd man” out. Wegmans has done a great job to help provide an arsenal of women who work, all over the stores, that embody caring. There are quite a few women who have made a difference by Caring in my career: Cheri B, Erin B, Meg R, Caitlin C, Megan F, Wendy G, to name a few. All of these women have taken the time to mentor me and work with me to become not only a better leader but also to work towards being the best person I can be. They all ask how life is both inside and outside of work and if I have an issue offer genuine advice. These women and more have made a difference in my career and life in both big and small ways, whether they know it or not. These women have paved the way professionally for me and have shown me I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. They are always there if I need something, a phone call, email, or text away. I’m not sure if thanks is enough.”
Pharmacy Area Manager, 21 years of incredible service
“After discovering developmental delays with my son when he was 5, my manager at the time, Tuyen, gave me the time, space, and flexibility to schedule and attend appointments and coordinate services. Because she took a personal care and interest in making sure I could dedicate my time to my family when needed, I was able to be focused and successful while at work. This was my first defining experience of care with a female leader, and I carry it with me as I continue to move within the company. While this is one example, I’ve lived through so many more and see it every day.”
Merchandising Area Manager, 18 years of incredible service
“A few times in my life, I have had the pleasure of working for Ayana D. During each of those times, Ayana displayed a level of caring that we don’t experience often; it was genuine. I know that when I spoke with Ayana I had her full attention and support. The unprompted interactions, conversations, and support have stayed with me. Now, I appreciate that when I see her, it’s just that simple to fall back into place! Another way that Ayana displayed caring was through her honesty. Ayana always provided honest and well thought out feedback that was meant to help the employee in their role and future.”
Divisional Safety Champion, 49 years of incredible service
“Beth B is a sincere, caring woman. Beth is often performing acts of caring and kindness. Recently, I was working at a store with her and a heavy rainstorm rolled in. As we walked towards the store entrance, we saw a woman with a baby in her grocery cart and a young child. She had just reentered the store and was wet, along with her son and all her groceries. She had misplaced her car keys and had to return inside the store to figure out a solution. Beth approached her and asked if she could watch the kids and her groceries for her while she went back to retrace her steps. In addition to that, Beth obtained dry grocery bags to re-bag her groceries and replaced those items that were damaged. This was a random act of Customer Caring.”
Divisional Merchandiser, 38 years of incredible service
“The caring woman at Wegmans that comes to my mind first is Gina G. In 2018, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, and I was a Grocery Manager in training. When I went to my own store, it became more difficult for me to be my dad’s advocate. It was then that I told my family that I could no longer help get him to treatment, but I could still try and attend some doctor appointments. I felt terrible that I had chosen work over my family, knowing that there was limited time left for my dad. I finally went to HR to talk, as it was now starting to affect me at work, carrying around all that guilt and the pressure to have to choose, knowing that I needed to keep my job as well. I am not sure if HR contacted Gina, but the next thing I knew I was being reassured it was OK to take the time to go to appointments and treatments. I was also able to take days off to spend quality time with him when he was having a good day! Gina came and spoke to me personally. She also told me to let her know if there was anything else I may need. My dad passed two days before my daughter’s wedding. Gina made me feel comfortable enough to take the time I needed to pull myself together and celebrate my daughter as well as take some additional time to grieve my dad’s passing. Gina and so many others came to my dad’s calling hours, and I really, really felt like I meant something and was not just a number.”
Employee Advocate, 12 years of incredible service
“The woman who comes to mind for me is Latisha M. Latisha has been my mentor and now manager for a couple years as I started my journey in Human Resources. New to my role as an Employee Advocate, I remember an evening shortly after the Tysons store opened. A new employee who was hired for our Grand Opening came up to Latisha and me and shared that he was struggling financially. Latisha told the employee to grab a shopping cart and find enough items to tide himself over until the following Thursday. When the employee returned 10 minutes later, his shopping cart only had 4 or 5 non-perishable items. Latisha encouraged him to continue shopping. She and I then started going around to different departments and grabbed additional items for him: a couple pasta bowls, a premade salad, a ready-to-cook entrée, some bagels. While the employee was humble and looked for low-retail items, Latisha wanted to make sure he had some warm meals that would be easy for him to reheat and enjoy. She showed me that Caring and Empowerment go hand in hand; we’re empowered to do the right thing for our people who are struggling and show that we truly care.”
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