As we commemorate International Women's Day on March 8th, we are not only celebrating the extraordinary women within our StorQuest Self Storage community but also recognizing the unwavering support and commitment our company extends to empower and uplift women on a broader organizational scale. From fostering an inclusive work environment where every voice is valued to providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement, StorQuest aims to serve as a pillar of support for women at every stage of their careers. Join us in honoring some of the diverse and inspiring women who contribute to the success and vibrancy of our community, as we shine a spotlight on their remarkable achievements, inspirations, advice, and experiences at StorQuest.
For Stacie Converse, Senior Digital Marketing Manager, International Women’s Day represents a chance to challenge stereotypes and dismantle any preconceived notions or boundaries previously set for women. Inspired by her grandmother's unapologetic authenticity and passion for sports, Stacie credits her for instilling confidence and breaking barriers. At StorQuest, she finds a supportive and inspiring community that extends beyond the workplace, fueling personal growth and wellbeing. Ultimately, Stacie is driven by the opportunity to create positive change and make a difference.
Natasha Deckman, Senior Accounting Manager, reflects on the importance of International Women's Day in elevating voices and experiences that have historically been ignored. Since working here, she has been impressed by the support of top-level executives and their commitment to the growth of StorQuest employees. She has made sure to carry that same mentality in her own leadership to make sure her team always feels seen and supported.
For Sharon Kasai, Human Resources Generalist, this monumental day symbolizes the remarkable strides made in gender equality, diversity, and empowerment. She reflects on her own personal journey, overcoming cultural and traditional barriers to pursue higher education and empowerment. Sharon draws inspiration from influential figures like Gloria Steinem and Arianna Huffington, as well as her own mother. Her advice to women building their career is to stay true to themselves and remain passionate about their pursuits. Through her experiences at StorQuest, Sharon has utilized her valuable leadership skills, particularly in building trust, confidence, and transparency within her team. She strives to continue to bring these qualities to all aspects of her life, from her family and friends to her work environment.
Kejo Thomas, Senior Call Center Team Lead, reflects on the progress women have made in leadership and the empowerment that comes with being heard and valued. She draws inspiration from her mother's courage and advocates for self-expression and confidence in the workplace. Kejo is excited for the future of women in storage and vows to play a pivotal role in training and fostering excellence among StorQuest's employees.
For Paula Vandell, Manager of Talent Acquisition, Women's History Month is a significant celebration as it coincides with her mother's birthday, a woman who exemplifies the American Dream through her resilience and selflessness. Paula draws from her mother's example to encourage women to find their unique gifts and dare to dream big. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and inclusion at StorQuest, where women are valued as equal contributors to the company's success. When asked about how she envisions the future of women in storage, she says, “I envision them to be leaders, pushing the envelope forward to not only continue the company commitment and reach goals but also help our stake in sustainability and reinforce our awesome brand voice.”
Brooke Wiegand, Vice President of Marketing, is inspired by her mother's trailblazing career, the way her grandmothers always challenged the status quo, and the strong female leaders and mentees she surrounds herself with. In order to fully support women at the workplace, she recommends developing focused resource groups around celebrating women, diversity and inclusion. As for advice she would give to those wanting to reach new heights in their career, she recommends being kind, curious, open-minded and to always hire talent on the team that is smarter than you and thrive best in a team environment. Through her work, Brooke has gained leadership skills that extend beyond the workplace, leveraging lessons to elevate various aspects of her life.
McKenna Wilson, Senior Human Resources Manager, underscores the importance of inspiring inclusion and recognizing the diverse perspectives of women from all backgrounds. She draws inspiration from influential figures like Carol Dweck, Maya Angelou, as well as Alyssa Jankowski, our very own Senior Vice President of Real Estate. McKenna celebrates the strides made by women at StorQuest, including the representation of women in major leadership roles and initiatives aimed at continuous improvement.
Did you know that StorQuest Self Storage boasts a workforce predominantly composed of women? We are deeply appreciative of the multitude of exceptional women within our organization, who not only leave an imprint on the storage industry but also effect positive change in the world. As we continue to highlight these inspiring narratives, let us celebrate the invaluable contributions and triumphs of women today and every day.