Lois Castillo shares what companies can do better in terms of DEI, how DEI leaders can navigate the complexity of their work, and more.
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Remember Rosie the Riveter?
She was tough. Independent. In fact, this iconic campaign inspired millions of women to join the workforce and take on male dominated roles and trades during World War II. While our troops were overseas fighting for freedom, back at home, Rosie represented a different kind of liberty. For the very first time, women in the workplace weren’t just tolerated – but encouraged to join.
If you think about it, Rosie was one of the original symbols of #girlpower.
Today, there are a lot of Rosies. Entire groups dedicated to empowering girls and women to not just pursue their dreams, but to be a force to reckon with – no matter their passion or profession. From Girl Scouts to Girls Who Code to National Women’s Business Council, Women in Technology International, and more, today there are thousands upon thousands of these organizations – and in case you haven’t heard, they are loud and proud.
At Centro, we’re thrilled to be a part of this movement, too. Centro Women of the Workplace (WOW) is dedicated to providing our female employees with a variety of tools to help fuel their success at Centro and well beyond. We hold regular meetings, discuss timely topics, host networking events and participate in community outreach. We collaborate. We commune. And yes, sometimes commiserate. We are a built-in support system of like-minded women pursuing professional success and personal happiness. We’re a mix of mentors and mentees. Sometimes both! Many of us are leaders while some are just getting started. We’re proud to be in technology, but know it’s a battle ground. And we’re constantly seeking training and advice from those who’ve gone traveled the road before us.
Speaking of others, over the years we’ve aligned ourselves with a few key women’s groups with the hopes of fortifying our own purpose. We often look to programs like Advertising Women of New York (AWNY), and Women Advancing for guidance and collaboration.
Beyond the support of WOW, over 50% of our management positions (supervisor and above) at Centro are women. Some of these roles include my position as senior vice president of operations, as well as:
On top of that, all female employees have access to important benefits such as:
Oh, and we also have a group that offers additional support and resources to working mothers at Centro.
I’m incredibly proud of the culture Centro has created for women – in and outside of WOW. Empowering, yes. Supportive, absolutely. The sky’s the limit here. And I can assure you, we’re all reaching for the stars.