Celebrating International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month

I owe so much to the bright and beautiful women who have been part of my journey. From my grandmother and mother, I learned that strength and warmth can peacefully coexist. My four sisters and oodles of nieces have given me unwavering love and endless laughter. My strong female mentors through the years are why I am where I am. And, my fierce four-year-old daughter is a constant reminder that persistence and being present in each moment wins the day, every day. 

Tonia Misvaer, CEO

As an immigrant myself, and the daughter of an immigrant mother, I’d never fully appreciated how strong and selfless my mother has always been. Moving to a new country at a young age to make sure I had the opportunities and choices that weren’t provided for her is a type of selfless resilience and strength I can only imagine instilling one day in my kids.

Stephanie Chang, Sr. Mgr. Brand Partnerships & Events

This year celebrating International Women’s Day has taken on even more importance for me. The women in my life and around the globe have been truly tested – emotionally, physically, and financially – and deserve recognition today and every day.

Suzanne Brutocao, SVP of Marketing

All women and girls are strong, courageous, and capable. Some just need reminding. To my family (especially my daughter), friends, and coworkers, thank you for being my constant reminder.

Candice Hamilton, Sr. Content Mgr.

Women are amazing because we are absolute legends at multi-tasking. Caregivers, leaders, partners, friends, mothers, entrepreneurs, co-workers, financial providers, volunteers … the list is endless. Not to mention we birth life and live longer. 😉

Samantha Kuhr, Ambassador Relations Manager

The women in my life prove time and time again, against all odds and obstacles, that their capacity to love, overcome, create, and inspire is boundless.

Kate Keenan, VP of Digital and Analytics

My granny (pictured in the photo) has always been my inspirational hero. She trained and rode horses in a male-dominated era. She was determined to prove she was just as tough and capable. That same determination is what pushes me to be my best, regardless of society’s expectations. Strong women inspire strong women.

Felicia Alvear, Buyer

I am very lucky to have had not one but two women mentors early on in my career. They played a critical role in building my confidence, helping me carve my own opportunities, and making sure I had a seat at the table. But most importantly, they showed me the importance of putting yourself and your family first, which is often the hardest part about being a career-minded woman. I try to honor them by paying this forward to all the talented women that work with me.

Megan Hall, SVP of Finance

I’d like to celebrate my brilliant women friends on International Women’s Day. I’m so lucky to have incredibly funny and strong women who inspire me each and every day as they make great strides in their careers, personal goals, and activism.

Phi LeQuoc, Sr. CRM Manager

Even though I only had my mom with me here on earth for 22 short years, she is my hero, and I celebrate her today and every day. She always told me that regardless of your circumstances or how you feel, you get up and take on your day … even if you have to have a pep talk with yourself over your lunch break. That always serves as a reminder to me that I am strong enough to survive any circumstances and can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

Alexa Garcia, Public Relations Manager

I’d like to celebrate all of the amazing teachers who I’ve had the honor and privilege to teach alongside, many of which mentored me as well. Most of them are strong, confident, and compassionate women who molded me into the person and leader I am today. Specifically, I’d like to recognize the entire staff at Tijeras Creek Elementary who influenced my life in the most profound way. Cheers to all of you selfless, inspiring educators — you are all SUPERHEROES!

Mechaela Vardoulakis, Store Manager in Irvine

I have five strong, independent sisters who repeatedly inspire and impress me. Each of them has their own calling in life: to teach, to travel, to learn, to lead, and, most of all, to grow into the successful women we were meant to be. As we’ve all gotten older, I’ve realized how unique our respective journeys are in their own way. How impressively we’ve made it through each of our difficult paths and overcome our challenges. No matter what changes as we all continue to grow, I have no doubt that these amazing women in my life will always make me proud and continue to inspire me.

Victoria Cunningham, Wholesale Project Specialist 

I believe this particular International Women’s Day is incredibly important. Its purpose is to advocate for gender equality as well as celebrate the women who have come before us. Over the past year, the pandemic has taken a devastating toll on so many, especially women. In September alone, women left the U.S. workforce at a rate four times higher than men. I have watched so many women sacrifice themselves and their goals to assist others. This International Women’s Day, my hope is that we take time to recognize their sacrifice and celebrate these women. I also hope we continue to take a closer look at this system of inequality that has become worse during the pandemic. And I hope we begin to make strides in reversing all the steps backward we have taken so we can start the healing process.

Tori Johnson, Director of Brand Marketing