This month, we have celebrated the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment. Although an important date in our nation’s history, it only allowed white women to get the vote. This fact reflects the ongoing fight for women’s equality for all, that we continue today.
One of the most glaring displays of sexism is in the corporate workforce. In 2019, the Forbes 500 list hit an all-time high of 37 companies with female CEOs - 7.4%. Although women make up 48% of entry level jobs, they narrowed down to 30% at the Vice President level.
Tricia Foody of Women to Women has some sage advice for young women trying to get ahead today. The VP of HR at a trucking company, she knows a thing or two about powering through obstacles. One of her first career obstacles was her timing. Tricia dropped college early to get married. However, she re-enrolled and earned her degree in accounting.
She attributes much of her success to her persistence, but also her natural compassion that is required in HR. With her unique practice of bold empathy, Tricia has excelled and serves as the VP of HR at Best Logistics Group in Kernersville. ( a proud sponsor of Women to Women)
With the pandemic, her job title and responsibilities have also changed drastically. Now that the workplace comes with a new set of responsibilities, Tricia is transitioning to a new definition of workplace safety to keep her employees healthy and productive.
Tricia isn’t the only one in her family whose job has become increasingly important. Tricia discussed with pride her daughter’s career in the medical field. She talked excitedly about her daughter starting her practicum to become a Registered Nurse. At first, Tricia was afraid that her daughter may not get the hands-on training she needed during COVID. However these worries were put at ease, as they gave her thorough training and are now sending her in (the trenches). Talk about practice!
As someone who has had many roles in life, her advice is: don’t give up. Use the pandemic as an opportunity to learn - challenges only make us better and give us the tools to succeed later on. Use this time to hone a skill that may provide opportunities.
Author: Carrie Little