Celebrating Women's History Month at Giant Eagle

March welcomes the celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8, both celebrations of women’s achievements nationally and across the globe. This year, our Women’s Business Resource Group invites all Team Members to explore self-care and what it means to ‘Choose YOU’. By ‘Choosing YOU’, you can be your best self and better support those around you, personally or professionally. We're thrilled to put the spotlight on several talented women leaders every week and share how they personally incorporate self-care in their own lives.

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Jennifer H., GetGo Real Estate Strategy & Development Director

Years of Service: 5

About Jen:I'm responsible for assisting in implementing GetGo’s organic growth strategy through real estate acquisition efforts. As part of GetGo’s growth and expansion, I was integral to the Ricker’s acquisition process in due diligence and harmonization efforts, which added nearly 60 stores and sites to the GetGo portfolio. I'm currently helping lead efforts in increasing GetGo’s footprint expansion in organic store growth. In recent months, we've been building a strong real estate team to create the needed resources to foster a robust new store pipeline for the GetGo business unit.

Prior to joining Giant Eagle, I held various positions at Speedway (a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation). While at Speedway, I led Speedway’s efforts in expanding its successful entry into the Pennsylvania market.

I'm a recipient of Giant Eagle’s 2019 Young Professional Rising Star Award and was a participant in Giant Eagle’s Women’s Leadership Program.

How do you practice and incorporate self-care in your life?

It is very important to balance both my professional and personal life – which includes self-care for both my mental and physical well-being. My physical self-care includes daily yoga and usually another form of exercise, which includes running in Frick Park or walking my dog Harper. In addition to physical self-care, I also make sure I take care of my mental health. This is something we do not talk enough about but is essential for everyone. One thing I would remind everyone (including myself) is to make time for self-care. YOU deserve it!

. . .

Vinolia B., HR Business Partner Director

Years of Service: 8 months

About Vinolia:

I carry over 17 years of experience in Human Resource and expertise in Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Talent Development, HR Operations and Compensation & Benefits Administration. As an HR professional, I focus on creating an environment of continuous learning and innovation and bringing operational efficiencies through organization policies, processes and HR analytics.

I have worked with both product and serviced based companies like Tyco, Johnson Controls and Sasken.

I currently lead the HR function at Giant Eagle Bengaluru, building engaged and inclusive teams focused on innovation.

How do you practice and incorporate self-care in your life?

I believe self-care is holistic-physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. I like to stay active and balance all these areas, be it playing badminton or engaging in craft or painting activities with kids or getting a bit messy and trying out a new dish. I love to learn something new. Most recently, I have picked up vocals or like trying a new hobby like gardening. These things help me stay excited and build confidence. I may not have too many acquaintances, but I stay connected with a few close friends and relatives whom I trust and lean on. My day is never complete without my time of meditation and self-reflection, which feeds my values and inner most beliefs.

. . .

Deb V., Visual Merchandise Team Leader

Location: Carmel Market District

Years of Service: 7

About Deb:

I started my career in retail more than 40 years ago with a local department store and have been doing visual merchandising for 30 years. Most recently, I worked for Macy's, before I joined the Carmel Market District team in 2015.

One of my greatest joys, other than my family, is providing our Guests with a spectacular experience, which can be through creating compelling displays in the store, around food or just by engaging personally with Guests as they shop.

I’ve helped lead the Guest Service Initiative at my location for 3 years and continue to strive for that unparalleled Guest experience that Market District is known for.

How do you practice and incorporate self-care in your life?

I exercise self-care through "garden therapy". If I can get my hands dirty, I am happy!

. . .

Annie J., Director of Communications

Years of Service: less than 1

About Annie:

I’m originally from Canton, Ohio but moved to Pittsburgh to get my master’s degree and never left. I started as a newspaper reporter before transitioning my career to public/media relations and corporate communications, where I fell in love with helping organizations tell their stories. I’ve worked in non-profit, higher ed, health care, and now retail. I always wanted to have a fulfilling career and a family. When I think of my most significant achievements, I’m proud to call myself a working mom!

How do you practice and incorporate self-care in your life?

I try to save energy for myself. With days full of meetings, school, work, and activities, it is so easy to come home on empty and not have the mental space or energy to do something for yourself. If I know I’m going to have a busy few days, I try to create some quiet time leading up to the busy days or right after to recover.

. . .

Emily B., Manager of Operations, Planning & Engineering

Years of Service: 8

About Emily:

After finishing my Masters in Industrial Engineering and my MBA at the University of Pittsburgh, I started my career at Giant Eagle as an Industrial Engineer in OP&E in 2014. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with outstanding mentors and colleagues who have taught me the ins and outs of the department and business. This knowledge and guidance allowed me to grow within OP&E from Industrial Engineer to Sr. Industrial Engineer to, currently, Manager of OP&E.

I am looking forward to seeing what my next career step will be at Giant Eagle. Most importantly, I am excited to help OP&E Team Members expand their career opportunities while also finding new ways for our department to support and enhance the Giant Eagle business and family.

How do you practice and incorporate self-care in your life?

Self-care for me is understanding what I need in terms of body, mind, and soul, and accepting that my needs might (and will!) change each and every day.

On some days, I might need a 10+ mile run to exercise my body and clear my mind (8 marathons so far!). Other days, I look forward to finishing a large meat-lovers pizza and a pint of butter pecan ice cream for dinner with my husband. Self-care is also a night out filling my soul with laughter with my family and friends. On the other hand, it is also cuddle nights-in with our 120lb golden retriever, Louie, by the fire with a good book or a 1500-piece puzzle.

Most importantly, and something that I am continually working on, self-care is learning that it is ok to say “No.” Leaving a few empty spaces on my calendar allows time to focus on myself. This, in turn, lets me be the best version of myself so I can be there for my loved ones.