Throughout March, we honor and celebrate Women’s History Month – a time to recognize women’s numerous contributions and achievements throughout history, while also looking forward to the trailblazing work being done by women today across all fields and industries.

Shweta, VP, Front End Development, Digital Experience

I have been working as a Digital Transformation leader with over 15 years of experience in building omnichannel ecommerce solutions across web and mobile. In my career I have delivered complex digital products for various markets and have experience in rolling out Agile and DevOps globally. I have a passion for diversity and inclusion and have led multiple inclusion councils. In addition, I enjoy building a culture of innovation through Hackathons and Ideathons which empower Team Members to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.

Women empowerment to you is..

Women empowerment is very dear to me, and I believe it is something that is very essential. Regardless of any country, women have historically been denied freedom and opportunities. It is important for all women to understand their rights and make a place for themselves in the world. Empowering women to be financially independent and not be dependent on anyone is very important to me.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.

Growing up in India, I have seen a clear difference in the way women are treated in comparison to men. I grew up in a family where daughters were always treated as equal to sons. This has really helped shape my thinking that I should be an advocate for women so more women can have the experience that I had as a kid and not be a victim of discrimination.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?

I would like to tell my fellow women Team Members that they shouldn’t look at themselves as any less than men. They should always stand up for themselves and not be afraid to challenge anything that they see as offensive or discriminatory. Having women support groups that one can join and be a strong voice will help bring more attention to women’s needs in all walks of life.

How do you give back to the community?

For almost 10 years now, I have been supporting the “Save The Children” Foundation where I am funding the education of girls in different countries where the family income is low and they can’t afford education. Through this foundation I am helping raise awareness on importance of sending girls to school and helping build their skills in different streams so they can be more confident of themselves.

. . .

Sofia, Director, Own Brand Product Innovation

I’ve spent more than 20 years honing my skills in strategic merchandising and product innovation in the retail industry. Starting in fashion and pivoting into food about 15 years ago, I ‘cut my teeth’, in the grocery sector at Trader Joe’s Company; leading the national private brand strategy and development across multiple categories for over a decade. After a couple of years consulting for private label market/ecommerce retailers, I transitioned to the Director, Own Brand Innovation at Giant Eagle, overseeing the development and innovation for exciting, differentiated programs across the enterprise

Women empowerment to you is..

The awareness that I am in control of the choices I make – where I work, how I interact with others and how I prioritize what’s important in my day to day; work, family, self. Knowing that I am in control and have the power of choice empowers me to make decisions that are right for me and my family.
Sharing ideas and expressing my passion, creating a positive, open environment.
Advocating for myself and acknowledge this in others. It doesn’t always come easy for some and it’s a sign of strength and confidence.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to take time off from work with my kids. It was scary and exciting and fulfilling, and it helped me identify my future needs when returning to work. I realized that I didn’t have to or want to sacrifice home for work or work for home and it gave me the insight and confidence to pursue the flexible lifestyle and work life balance I desired with those companies that valued that.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members

Women can and SHOULD have it all. Be passionate and productive, but not sacrificial. Prioritize what’s important in your world and strive to achieve it.

How do you give back to the community?
As a firm believer in supporting the local community, I’m an active member of Codman Farm Community, a non-profit agricultural enterprise, focused on sustainable farming methods, as well as our town Family Association and After School Extended Day Program. In addition, my family and I are involved in our Orthodox community and church.

. . .

Sheena, Executive Store Leader

I started with Giant Eagle when I was 18 years old in the Eagle’s Nest. Through college, I completed Giant Eagle’s internship program and was hired after graduation. I have held many different leadership positions in Columbus, Indianapolis, and now, Cleveland. I have been a store leader for 4 years and love every second of it!

Women empowerment to you is..
I joined Giant Eagle’s Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity (IE&D) Committee about a year ago. Since being a Chair on the Talent Committee, it has really opened my eyes to tapping into the female talent we have within the organization. I try to empower the females around me and let them know what they are capable of.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
I moved to two different cities for my career. Both times I was scared to death. Looking back, I am not sure what I feared. I realized that to grow you must be okay with being uncomfortable.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
At Giant Eagle, there are so many supportive, strong female leaders. Surround yourself with as many as possible!

How do you give back to the community?
For the past three years, I have been the champion in Market District for the Harvest for Hunger fundraiser in the Greater Cleveland Area. These efforts provide meals to families in need. Outside of this campaign, I enjoy volunteering at the Food Bank and Muni Lot in Cleveland to help fight food insecurity!

. . .

Sandy, Store Leader

In 2003, I was ready to ease back into the workforce after leaving my accounting career to care for my young family. I did not want to go back into an office. Instead, I took a part-time job in a deli and fell in love with retail. I quickly climbed the ranks and was soon leading the deli, bakery, and prepared foods teams. In 2010, I joined Giant Eagle as a Deli/Prepared Foods Team Leader. The next year, I was leading the Prepared Foods Team through a Re-Grand opening. There, I became a Master Trainer and was very proud to have trained dozens of Prepared Foods Team Leaders.

I expanded my prepared foods knowledge by working on the SOP Specialist Team, then moved into the Senior Team Leader role. Finally, Giant Eagle’s Assistant Store Leader Program brought me into store leadership in my current role.

Women empowerment to you is..

Independence. Respect. Strength. Acceptance of and welcoming differing viewpoints.
I empower myself by pushing myself, speaking up and knowing that my voice and my viewpoint is valuable.
Sharing stories with my daughters about how different life was when I was young, when their Nana was young; not wanting them to settle for less because they are women.
Encourage education, both formal and informal.
Looking for opportunities to help women in need in our communities.
At Giant Eagle, I am honored to be on the IE&D council and a member of the Women’s BRG, both working to further empower women.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.

On Feb. 2, 2003, my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. We were expecting our fourth daughter that July. We were terrified. He couldn’t work, and we didn’t know when, or if, he could return. In that moment I changed. Thankfully, treatment was successful, but it still changed me. I decided then that I needed to teach my girls to be independent. To prepare for their future, to encourage them, to inspire them. It has been an exciting journey watching them grow into beautiful, successful, independent young women that will have the tools they need to endure the hiccups in life.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
Get to know YOU! Put time into self-discovery, into understanding YOU and what drives YOU. What brings you joy? What makes you feel fulfilled and satisfied? Don’t lose yourself trying to do what you think others think you should be doing. Do YOU.

How do you give back to the community?
I give back by participating in as many company-sponsored community events as I can and inviting others along to join. In my own community, my family and I participate in a local holiday toy drive, and we look for opportunities to shop local to support the small businesses in our community.

. . .

Nikhila, Industrial Engineer Analyst

I started my career as a Tech Solutions Representative, moved on to Quality Audit roles, and then led a team of quality analysts. I changed my path to explore the role of a Financial Analyst after which I took a brief career break. Giant Eagle gave me the opportunity to resume work, and I was more than delighted to be back in the retail world, with which I mostly feel connected.

I started back as a Management Analyst, working with one of the best teams and people who have always had my back, supported me, and been the most flexible. The kind of opportunities and visibility I got across my career to be part of various company-wide initiatives and transitions gave me immense knowledge, which I feel is always my greatest achievement.

Women empowerment to you is..
There could be a lot of ways to describe women empowerment but for me, it’s about “Right to Education" and "Financial Independence". Education is one of the most important ways of empowering oneself with the knowledge and skills needed for life, and no girl or woman should be deprived of these basic rights. Following which, financial stability gives a sense of self-confidence that she could be an equal contributor towards the needs of the family. I personally encourage and guide the less privileged towards finishing a minimum college degree, which will help them secure a decent job.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
A career break in many ways is not a very optimal situation for anyone to come back to the workforce, and after two years of not keeping up with the pace or upskilling in any way, I have had difficulties analyzing what I really needed for myself from my career. And then came the golden words from one of the women I admire and look up to: "Take a step back to move forward." This shift in perspective is what I needed the most to be able to be where I am today.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
“Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

How do you give back to the community?
I have always been associated with companies that believe in giving back to communities, and through that, I have recently worked on a book donation drive for Giant Eagle’s Women Business Resource Group. Being part of that event gave me immense pleasure purely because of the overwhelming response I got from the community I live in. They have given many books to be handed over to the NGO only with the hope that they are going to help another child gain knowledge. I strongly believe in the quote below by Rick Holland: "The world belongs to those who read."

. . .

Marcy, Senior Corporate Counsel

My career path is not a ladder, it’s more like climbing all over a jungle gym and appreciating that the climb is sometimes lateral and other times upward. I started practicing labor and employment law in 2006 and went from outside counsel at a national law firm to an in-house HR leader and lawyer for a Pittsburgh professional sports team in 2015. I joined Giant Eagle in the summer of 2021 with an amazing mentor Lori Wiechelt, who recently retired from the Giant Eagle legal team.

Women empowerment to you is..
I feel empowered when I’m in an environment where there is mutual respect for different viewpoints and perspectives on a given issue and all are honored in discourse regardless of the participants’ gender, race, religion, socioeconomic background, or other characteristics that may influence their world views. I joined Giant Eagle because as I met people within the organization, I felt as though I would be supported to bring my views on issues forward and I value that the organization encourages healthy debate of ideas in a respectful manner. I look for opportunities to empower others around me to share their perspectives and have a seat at the decision-making table.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
In March 2021, my then two-year-old twins had play cell phones by their ears and were walking around my home looking at me and dismissing me with their hands saying, “Hold on. I’m mommy and I’m on the phone with work and it’s too important to talk to you right now.” It hit me in my heart. My priorities were misaligned, and I needed a change. I wanted to fill my professional cup with challenging, impactful work in a manner that allowed me to prioritize my family as well, all of which I’ve found at Giant Eagle.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
You matter! Take the time to prioritize and then talk about the prioritization of your health, your aspirations, and your goals. And, if you could use some help – just ask for it! You’ll be amazed how many people will share sage advice, make a referral, follow-up with you to see how it’s going or want to lean in to assist in some way.

How do you give back to the community?
With three young children, most of my community involvement is currently centered around volunteering for various school events and when possible, with the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. One of my personal goals for 2023 is to become more involved with Pittsburgh-based non-profits that support the development and empowerment of women.

. . .

Celebrating Women's History Month at Giant Eagle

At Giant Eagle, we’re honoring Women’s History Month by embracing storytelling. No two people share the exact same experiences. It’s our stories – stories of our experiences, hardships, and perseverance – that fully portray who we are so that others can truly get to know us. Through storytelling, we create connection and empathy. In honor of storytelling, this month’s theme is ‘I am woman, hear me roar: celebrating our truth through stories.’ The theme is symbolic of women’s inherent strength and ability to use their voices and actions to bring positive change. This month’s purpose is to honor women through education, connection, and action.

Throughout the month, we're excited to offer all Team Members a variety of ways to celebrate including guest speakers, a book club, volunteer opportunities, and much more! We'll also be internally featuring profiles and stories of women and allies within our organization who are doing tremendous work at Giant Eagle and within the community.