The core of Women in Retail Leadership Circle’s mission is to build community. As such, we seek to feature content that helps you to get to know our fabulous members by learning about their career paths, ambitions, leadership styles, and more. Through Q&A interviews, videos, podcast episodes, and more, this page is designed to highlight our members.
Advice and insight from leaders and peers is something professionals always search for, but especially when they’re just beginning in their careers. And since hindsight is 20/20, there are often lessons we learn over time that we wish we could go back and share with our younger selves. Here are five learning opportunities our members...
I joined the Girl Scouts of the United States of America as a Brownie growing up in Westport, Conn. Looking back now, joining the Girl Scouts wasn’t so different from launching my professional career. Becoming a Brownie was like jumping into the workforce — unknown but fun, exciting and sure to be filled with new...
Dreamr, a specialized, full-service brand box firm founded by Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) partner Patti Hester, has launched the Gratitude Box project, a nonprofit program that enables consumers to gift care boxes to frontline healthcare heroes, first responders, and essential workers who are risking their lives with selfless acts during the COVID-19 crisis....
As retailers try to figure out how to navigate these uncertain times during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s helpful to look at the ways others in our community are responding. We asked Women in Retail Leadership Circle’s (WIRLC) members and board members what initiatives their companies have put in place to respond to the COVID-19 crisis....
Annette Gionfriddo, senior director, digital experience at PetSmart, is a Women in Retail Leadership Circle board member, visionary digital marketing executive, and retail veteran. The below is a first-person account of a day in her life at PetSmart, giving us a glimpse into her world and the opportunity to get to know her better! 4:40...
Nancy Youssef is the founder and president of Curves with Purpose, a plus-size e-commerce marketplace that curates global brands for women sizes up to 3X. Curves with Purpose utilizes a fit tool that enhances the online shopping experience by providing sizing and styling recommendations. Furthermore, the brand has a mission to break the cycle of...
Margaret Moraskie, chief marketing officer at Levenger Company, is a Women in Retail Leadership Circle board member and experienced leader within the retail industry! The below is a first-person account of a day in her life at Levenger, giving us a glimpse into her world and the opportunity to get to know her better! 6:30...
Laura Hnatow, vice president of marketing and e-commerce at Sea Bags, is a Women in Retail Leadership Circle board member and omnichannel marketing veteran. The below is a first-person account of a typical day for her at Sea Bags’ Portland, Maine-based headquarters. This is a great opportunity to get to know Laura better. 5:30 am:...
Jackie Ardrey is an accomplished business leader with 25 years experience growing multichannel, merchandise-driven organizations, including Harry & David, Oregon Home Gourmet, and Hanna Andersson. She is currently the president of Grandin Road, a designer-inspired home decor retailer, as well as a member of Women in Retail Leadership Circle. We asked Jackie some rapid-fire questions...
Celeste Risimini-Johnson is a dynamic leader, Women in Retail Leadership Circle member, and merchandising veteran who has worked for Lands’ End, Babies”R”Us, and The Children’s Place. Currently, she’s senior vice president, general merchandise manager, women’s/intimates/footwear for FULLBEAUTY Brands. We asked Celeste some rapid-fire questions so you can get to know her better! What’s the best...
