International Women’s Day 2023: Hear the Voices of Women at PODS

International Women’s Day 2023: Hear the Voices of Women at PODS

March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD) – a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

On this day and every day, we remain thankful for all the women in our lives who build up our families, strengthen our workplace and continually challenge themselves to learn and grow.

At PODS, we pride ourselves on being a diverse organization. Across our organization you’ll find women paving the way for the next generation of transportation professionals. In honor of IWD, we invite you to hear some of the women’s voices at PODS, who inspires them and what advice they’d give women in similar industries.

		Margaret “Betsy” Comeau Market Manager I – Manchester, NH Corporate Operations *Was there someone who, by example or direct influence, inspired your career?* As children, we were told stories of how my great-grandmother and her sisters made it to America. The family booked a passage for three girls to Boston. They were to stay with family when they arrived. The oldest got sick and couldn’t make the trip so they sent my 10-year-old great-grandmother instead. One of the girls died on the trip, and they had to leave her. The two that made it to Boston were put to work. The family ran teams of horses from Boston to the Mills in Lowell, Massachusetts. They worked long, hard days running and caring for the horses. On one of the trips to the Mills three days after her 13th birthday, my great-grandmother’s uncle died. She brought the wagon back to Boston with her and took over the route. She ran the team until they could afford a truck. With that truck, the family built a trucking empire. What advice would you give to help women navigate in this and similar industries? Surround yourself with like-minded people who share your interests. Find something that makes you happy and do that. Don’t force yourself into a role that makes you miserable because others think you should do it. You are the owner of your destiny.
		Leci Forde HR Business Partner Corporate Was there someone who, by example or direct influence, inspired your career? Yes, I have been fortunate to have great examples of leadership. Early in my career, I worked for a manager who became a lifelong mentor. She taught me to lead with kindness and integrity. She challenged me to become comfortable being uncomfortable, meaning to push myself to learn more and to do more, and not to be afraid to be in the position of observer or learner. She helped me see the growth that stemmed from those spaces. The outcome is that I don’t feel uncomfortable if I don’t have all the answers. I am as comfortable as a learner as I am as a teacher, which helps me partner with operational leaders and navigate ambiguity! *What of advice would you give to help women navigate in this and similar industries?* The single piece of advice I would give is to lead authentically. Your unique qualities and authenticity can be the difference between a good outcome and a great outcome! Be You! Be Great!
		Katrina Harper Mgr I – Logistics Enterprise Operations *Was there someone who, by example or direct influence, inspired your career?* From a young age, my family instilled in me a strong work ethic and a sense of self-reliance. From stories about my grandma overcoming glass ceilings in the 1960s to watching my parents build successful careers from the ground up, I learned that anything is possible with hard work and motivation. Since coming to PODS, I have had the privilege of having my career shaped by incredible leaders. They taught me a lot about the transportation industry. However, I think one of the most lasting impressions was how they treated the people around them. They understood the value of a good employee, no matter the rank, and that, collectively, each of our individual roles played a necessary part in our overall success. *What advice would you give to help women navigate in this and similar industries?* We live in a great time where the majority do not question a woman’s right to sit at the table. It’s no longer about fighting for our place in the workforce but simply about adding our unique vision and contributions. One of my favorite quotes is, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Overcoming challenges and shortcomings are the things that shape us and make us stronger. Learn everything you can about your craft and the company that you work for because as you rise through the ranks, your knowledge will be instrumental. Foster good working relationships so that you can collaborate with other teams for ultimate success. Lastly, be yourself. You have a voice, a skillset, and a perspective that you should be confident in.
		Mirza Colina Spec – Service Solutions Sales & Service Center *Was there someone who, by example or direct influence, inspired your career?* I can truly say that at a very young age, my mother, by influence, has always encouraged and taught me to work hard, do what I love, and give my all in what I do, even when people are not looking. To find ways to make work easier than harder and learn to love it. *What advice would you give to help women navigate in this and similar industries?* The best advice I can give a woman to succeed in her future career is never to be afraid! To find people that will help her and guide her and encourage her. Learn to push herself, never look back, and know life will send a curve ball at times but learn to go with the flow of things and set goals to meet them. To be grateful and know we all get there, step by step and moment by moment, and learn to enjoy the ride of success.
		Shalina Dawson Driver - Norwood, MA Corporate Operations Was there someone who, by example or direct influence, inspired your career? Over my life and career, I have had many mentors and inspirations that have brought me to where I am today, from family and friends to teachers and instructors, to managers and co-workers. But if I had to pick only one inspiration, it would always be my mother. She has always been my biggest fan. But more importantly, she taught me from a young age that women can do everything men can, and she led by example. With that lesson, she taught me that I would need the drive and determination to want it—the willingness and patience to learn no matter how tough it is. To never be scared to use my voice, and that no question I have is a stupid question. She always told me to set myself up with a stable career, something that will always be around. With every job, find a mentor along the way to guide you to success. With all of that in mind, along with so much more, it has helped lead me to make the career choices I have, and ultimately land me in the commercial driving industry I am in today. *What advice would you give to help women navigate in this and similar industries?* One piece of advice I would give to my fellow women in the industry is to be patient while not being easily offended. We cannot allow the opinions and views of others to sway our skills and or work ethic. You know what you are capable of, and dammit, you are great at it. Do not let others make you forget it.

Click here to learn more about International Women’s Day and this year’s theme.