Women’s History Month is a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating women who have changed, shaped and impacted our world. This month, we are highlighting women of Flagship who are paving the way and making history in their own ways!
YOLANDA R.
Operations Manager
Flagship Employee Since: 2008
Which woman/women have influenced you the most in your professional life?
My mother. She taught me the power of inspiration, courage, and independence. She made me the person that I am today by always supporting me and challenging me when needed.
What has been your most significant contribution to Flagship’s history?
My dedication and commitment to doing what was needed to ensure IFM’s operations functioned efficiently, which enables our growth.
What mark do you hope to make at Flagship?
When I joined Flagship 14 years ago, I wanted to be the go-to person. The person people go to when running into issues or when help was needed. My mark is not to be a person of success but the person of value.
MARISA C.
Senior Director, Human Resources
Flagship Employee Since: November 2018
Which woman/women have influenced you the most in your professional life?
I grew up surrounded by strong, confident, and nurturing women. I was able to see those qualities modeled by my mother and both of my grandmothers and they have certainly influenced the type of woman that I am today. I was also incredibly lucky to be mentored by strong and vibrant women throughout every step of my career. I reported to them and worked alongside them. They influenced who I am as a professional but have also influenced who I am as a mother and as a person. Having women who had walked in my shoes and understood the struggles and growth that I experienced was vital for me as I was trying to find my place in this profession. I will always be so grateful for them!
What has been your most significant contribution to Flagship’s history?
I joined the company as the culinary business was growing. And it was growing fast! I’d like to think that I had a hand in the successful growth by helping with people strategies. Putting processes and best practices into place that will continue to help us as we grow!
What mark do you hope to make at Flagship?
I really relate to our core value of caring. I believe that you can be a strong effective leader, while also showing the employees/teams that you care about their work experience and well-being. I hope that the mark that I can make at Flagship is an example of what a strong and caring leader looks like, and for others to follow suit.
REIHANEH K.
Senior Pastry Chef
Flagship Employee Since: May 2015
Which woman/women have influenced you the most in your professional life?
Mary Turner: She was my first employer in the US. I got my first pastry baker job in her restaurant and she was the first person who trusted me. My education was outside of the culinary world and I did not have professional experience at the time. She is someone who I still look up to and learn from today.
Shanon Griffin and Yoomi Hur: Our client's pastry chefs who have been great role models of female executives since I started at Flagship. They taught to be strong and sympathetic, dedicated and resilient, focused while also expanding my vision and knowledge.
What has been your most significant contribution to Flagship’s history?
I’m not sure if I did anything significant. I just follow my values which are very close to Flagship values. I do my best to say what needs to be said and share my thoughts and ideas even if it is challenging.
What mark do you hope to make at Flagship?
I am so proud of the Employee Resource Groups and the other steps we have taken toward diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are just at the beginning of this journey and I’m hoping that with upper management’s support and team effort we can consistently take further steps to get to the point where our employees see the difference.
KRISTIN H.
Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing
Flagship Employee Since: September 2020
Which woman/women have influenced you the most in your professional life?
My first professional influence was my mom Janet, a teacher and grant writer. She was widowed when my brother and I were young and worked hard every day to provide for us and show us how to prioritize the important every day.
My entire career has been shaped and influenced by women colleagues and leaders! They’ve been my coaches, mentors, peers, touchstones, and cheerleaders! My Army battle buddies, Melissa Parrish, Patricia Giera, and Katie Falato. In my civilian career Anne Ross has by far been my biggest influence and continues to be my peer mentor, touchstone, example, and cheerleader too. While I was at Lennox Laura Gram, Olivia Leskinen, Lanessa Bannister, and Leslie Mensching taught me lessons that I use at least once a week when I lead my team or move projects forward at Flagship.
Here at Flagship, I’m inspired every day by Michelle Kleiber-Viglione’s leadership and subject matter expertise, by April Lucier’s passion for operations support through finance, by Courtney Wright’s focus and drive, by April Alonso’s dedication, Cathy Keller’s growth mindset, and by Maria Madrigal’s professionalism and expertise.
What has been your most significant contribution to Flagship’s history?
I’m really proud to say that my team stood up for our Supplier Diversity program. We spend 40% of our direct spending with certified diverse suppliers! I’m proud of my team and proud of Flagship.
What mark do you hope to make at Flagship?
Deliver expert services and outstanding value for consumables and supplies through a best-in-class program that the field trusts, suppliers choose through contracted partnerships, and Flagship associates join as part of a defined career growth path.
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