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. In addition to the women leaders this week, we’ll also get to know Danny, whose passion for advocating for women makes him a strong ally and supporter of women across the organization.

Hemalatha, Sr. Manager, Merchandising

I am a professional with over 15 years of progressive experience in business & digital operations, strategy development and program management. At Giant Eagle, I have been focused on helping business functions with its transformation agenda, currently with merchandising and before that as part of the Transformation Team.

Previously, as the leader of technology operations for one of India’s leading digital banks, I helped transform the technology delivery and program management platform and governance model. My corporate career also includes successful years with Target and an eCommerce start up, India Head. At Target, as one of the site leaders I had the opportunity to set up global capability center functions including merchandise, finance and eCommerce business operations support.

With a passion for folk art and craft communities, I volunteer to support digital marketing, branding, and merchandising. I am an alumnus of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, IIM, Bangalore, NEST's Artisan Accelerator Expert Network, a certified Ashoka Changemakers and continue to pursue social intrapreneurship of ASHOKA.org.

Women empowerment to you is..
It's about being true to yourself, celebrating and nurturing one’s sense of self-worth, and letting it drive us with humility, kindness, curiosity, and knowledge. An inner strength has always been within us, we need a little tap into our inner femininity and nourish it to influence change for ourselves and others.
Letting myself experience how other empowered women make me feel without being jealous or judgmental and helping create a strong connection by encouraging and inspiring one another to grow as strong individuals.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
Greatest satisfaction comes after countless setbacks. It was not that long ago that I personally and professionally lived the longest and lowest years of my life. Losing my father, followed by a close friend, and losing my corporate job, each experience coming my way became a hardship.

Remembering an acquaintance and volunteering at her non-profit organization was one of the best decisions I made during the chaos. The experience beyond words being at the grassroots, an unorganized community and its women artisans who could barely make ends meet. Immensely talented, they smiled through all challenges and shared success working together and embracing every grassroot level innovation. Realizing a powerful way to connect with one another on a human level, beyond their roles and corporate titles, I discovered a shared laughter, a bond to open-up to strangers for a shared humanity. It didn’t lessen the hardship, but helped melt away the pain, at least momentarily.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
Let your passion become the most important and powerful motivation that every desire has. Our passion deserves acknowledgement and attainable approach as they often get buried beneath the weight of everyday life and responsibilities. Stir your creative emergence to achieve them, fund them to make it happen. The magic ingredient is ‘you’.
“Everyone has the power of greatness, not for fame but for greatness.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

How do you give back to the community?
I am an independent consultant and advisor for a non-profit art revival movement empowering women artisan, creating sustainable livelihoods for the artisan communities. I also serve as an artisan mentor to support Nest Artisan Guild businesses with digital expertise.

I have also been an active participate in International Folk Art Market IFAM, representing Indian artisans at the international folk-art market, and I have worked with organizations on a variety of other outreach programs for artisans (London Design Festival, Festival of Indian Textiles, Tiverton Cultural Survival Event)

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Donna, Store Leader

I have been in retail for 28 years. I started out as an overnight stocker for HBC, worked my way to assistant manager in several different areas, advanced to co-manager and then on to Store Leader. I joined Giant Eagle five years ago in the Assistant Store Leader program. I have had the pleasure of running four different stores for the company. Each store is different and special in its own way. I have met and worked with many strong women and great leaders.

Women empowerment to you is..
Women empowerment to me means the ability to support each other, listening, and being a voice for each other. Helping to build self-esteem and the belief that women can do all they set their mind too. By being approachable and sharing our beliefs, we are more open to opportunities and able to challenge the status quo.

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

I come from a large family. We did not have a lot of money but what we did have were parents who taught us to believe in ourselves. They taught us to value each person and what they could bring into your life. Being part of a big family, you learn early on to use your voice and that you are an important part of a bigger plan. Whatever path you decide to choose, you will have a great support system. I try to live this way in my role as a leader for the company.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
Believe in yourself. You are awesome and have a lot to give. Whatever you want to be or wherever you want to go, you determine that! Push yourself out of your comfort zone, you will be amazed at what you accomplish. We value your thoughts and ideas.

How do you give back to the community?
I love to volunteer, it grounds me. I go with our team to the food bank and load cars with food or pack up meals for schools. I get to bring toys and art supplies down to Rainbow Babies’ Hospital. I love to work with the Salvation Army putting together toys for families during the holidays. I got to visit Dress for Success and helped organize the clothing by size to make it easy to pick out an outfit for a job interview. Volunteering may be one of the best ways to give back and help your fellow female.

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Christine, Team Member Relations Specialist

I started with Giant Eagle while going to school as a part time Team Member. I became a team leader in one of our Floral Departments for a few years. From there I moved to my career in the HR Department holding different positions from retail recruiting to in-store HR, to an HR business partner position. Most recently, I have been in my role as a Team Member Relations Specialist for almost a year.

Women empowerment to you is..
Empowered Women, Empower Women. I think that is one of the most accurate statements I have heard. Self-love is a challenging thing, but it is something we as women need to thrive. When we love ourselves, we can spread that positivity into all the other aspects of our lives. Putting my health and wellness at the top of my priority list has empowered me in so many ways. I have seen and felt a change since making that shift, both physically and mentally. When your cup is full you can better support others in your life.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
My sister had a baby at the age of 18, a few days before graduation. There were so many obstacles in front of her in that moment. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it’s true. My perspective on what was important in life changed that day. I have done whatever was needed to help however I could to ensure she was able grow into the amazing mother she is today. My nephew is almost 17 now, excelling in school and is a great person. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing that I’ve played a small part in that.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
Don’t be afraid to use your voice. Share your ideas, raise your hand, step out of your comfort zone. It can be scary, but so rewarding. I have grown so much by stepping up to try something new or challenging for myself. The reward of realizing you are capable is something that holds more value than I can say.

How do you give back to the community?
I am the Secretary for our Abilities Business Resource Group for Giant Eagle. We have had the opportunity to give back and support the community at events. Most recently, I participated in the Autism Speaks walks held in Columbus.

I work with the Portage County Board of Elections to support on election day to help create a safe and welcoming environment for voters in my local community. Also, supporting one of my favorite local charities the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation. They do amazing work supporting local women and families who have been affected by a breast cancer diagnosis.

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Catrenna, Team Member Relations Specialist

In 1996, I received my cosmetologist license while also completing a Business Management course (which I still maintain to this day). I worked for Sears and Roebuck for 21 years. I started as a part time associate and became full time a brief time later. Other roles held while with Sears were trainer, human resources manager, operations manager, and district recruiter/ HR generalist until I left in 2019. In 2019, I started as an HRBP for Midwest Medical and advanced into a human resource manager role three months later until that role was eliminated. In November of 2019, I started my role here at Giant Eagle GetGo as a Human Resource Specialist, in August of 2022, I became a Team Member Relations Specialist.

Women empowerment to you is..
Being the best woman you can be by empowering other women. Giving back to the women and people around you. Sharing my life experiences to let them know no matter how hard things get, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
When I became a mom. It made me work hard to show my daughter that nothing is impossible. Whatever she set her mind to do, she can accomplish it. Nothing is out of her reach.

Another personal experience would be when my mother suffered a stroke at such an early age, it made me look at life through a different lens. It is so important to take care of yourself and live life to the fullest. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Thank God she is still with us, but it changed my outlook towards life.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
Never look down on other women unless you are lending a hand to pull them up.

How do you give back to the community?
I am a part of the youth group at my church. I do eight hours a week at a transition home for women. Being a single mom allows me to share my experiences and knowledge on what they can do to push forward in life.

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Laura, Senior Manager, Retail Inventory Systems and Development

I began my career at Giant Eagle right after finishing college. My role was a contract employee on the product development team focusing on own branded products. Throughout the years since I have had the opportunity to grow and move departments. I have been in the Inventory Management Team for the last six years. I played a pivotal role in several significant projects. From that work and the rollout of various initiatives, I have been the recipient of two internal awards, Chairman Entrepreneurial Leadership & Innovation 2017 and Think Team 2018. I have also earned the Progressive Grocer TWIG Rising Star award in 2020 for my work. Most recently, I lead the rollout of the Flashfood application which has helped us to reduce our waste by $1.6M diverting over 1 million pounds of waste from landfills.

Women empowerment to you is..
Women’s empowerment to me means promoting a woman’s sense of self-worth and their ability to determine their own path. I believe women have a lot of societal pressures that push them to continually doubt their self-worth. When I am struggling with my self-worth, I push myself to take time and reflect via journaling. This allows me to remind myself that I control how I feel about myself and only I define me. I follow this philosophy into my work by endeavoring to provide a judgment free space for my coworkers and friends to express their emotions.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
Within a short two-week period, last summer, my husband had a major surgery and accepted a new position. That opportunity, however, would require our family to move six hours away separating us from our families and my work. In the subsequent three months I was pushed in a way I have never been before. Between navigating the logistics of moving, while working, and nursing my husband during his recovery it was the most challenges I’ve faced at one time. Up to that point I thought I really knew myself and my limits. Already being a mother of three, happily married with a successful career, I thought I had it all figured out. However, those few months pushed me to realize that I can indeed handle a lot more than I ever thought I was capable of. More importantly, it also gave me the strength to know when to reach out and seek help from the people in my community.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
Create your personal definition of success and feel comfortable with it. Being ambitious and having lofty goals is just as acceptable as being content is.

How do you give back to the community?
I have had the pleasure of assisting with the Giant Eagle United Way campaign in past years, being an active member in the PTO for my children’s school and have been a board member of the local youth soccer club. I am passionate about the children in the foster care system. I actively donate and volunteer my time with various organizations committed to helping children within the system have their basic needs met and provide encouraging supportive opportunities for them.

. . .

Danny, Senior Store Leader

I started as a cashier at Brunswick in 2009 when I was 16 looking to pay for a car and cell phone. My dream was to work in the sports industry. As I started progressing in college and my career at Giant Eagle, I started drawing comparisons between running a store and being the coach of a team. At that point I decided that I wanted to be a store leader.

I was accepted in the Intern Development Program which opened the doors to becoming a Team Leader, Senior Team Leader, Project SWAT, and Assistant Store Leader Opportunities. I was promoted to Store Leader in December 2018 shortly after my 26th birthday. I have recently been assigned the role of a certified trainer. I also am a member of the Store Leader Council.

Women empowerment to you is..
As a leader, one of the most important parts of our job is to elevate others and give them an environment to be their best. I work to create a culture where people are comfortable being themselves and have confidence to take on new challenges and opportunities. I have been surrounded by fantastic women in my personal life and Giant Eagle, so I strive to be an ally and be supportive of their goals. I am involved with the Women’s Business Resource Group to create awareness and champion their efforts.

Share with us one of your personal experiences that made a significant change in your life and your outlook towards life.
I am proud to announce that my wife and I are expecting our first child in April. She is the best person that I have met in my life. She is driven, kind, and will be an excellent mother. She has elevated me into the person that I am today. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what challenges she has faced carrying our child. It drives me to be even more supportive and appreciative of the special moments in life.

What is that one piece of advice you would like to give your fellow women Team Members?
Bet on yourself and your abilities. If you are mildly interested in advancing your career or to take on a new role, go for it. Giant Eagle gives us the opportunity to learn and grow. Find a mentor that shares your aspirations and can help you prepare for the next role.

How do you give back to the community?
Giant Eagle has given us a platform to assist our local communities and make an impact for causes that we feel strongly about. I organize quarterly volunteer opportunities for our Cleveland Area stores to volunteer at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. I have been a regional champion for the “Harvest for Hunger” campaign since 2019. For Christmas in 2022, we partnered with regional leadership to donate supplies for a Christmas Day meal to Laura’s home, a shelter for women and children in need. I also participate in community events sponsored by the Women’s Business Resource Group and Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Council.

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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.