Whether they’re allies or mentors, advocates or volunteers, Advantage Solutions offers a deep bench of leaders and teammates who live the company’s value of putting people first.
At Advantage, women play a critical role in driving the success of the company. Women comprise 65% of the Advantage workforce, and the company is committed to creating a work environment that fosters their ambitions, helps develop their careers and support their changing needs.
Flexible work arrangements, unlimited vacation for certain roles, paid time off, pregnancy and parental leave, and childcare support are just some of the benefits the company offers to empower and support women to achieve their personal and professional dreams.
During Women’s History Month, several members of the Advantage employee resource group WIN (Women’s Interactive Network) shared their thoughts on how they inspire inclusion in the workplace for women and all coworkers, the importance of diversity and how all teammates can support each other.
Ashleigh Millar, senior vice president, on mentorship
I’ve always been very involved in mentoring people. Whether they’re people here at Advantage or those I worked with at my past agency, we really stay connected. I mentor all teammates, but I have a lot of women that I mentor and I get a ton of energy from that.
It’s a way to give back and offer advice to those younger, straight-out-of-college women who are trying to figure out how to navigate things in the professional world. When you are a woman in the workplace challenges come your way, and I like to be able to give perspective on how I’ve tackled those in my career and in my personal life to help them in any small way that I can.
One of the great things about working at a place like Advantage is that we have so many different people who have come from different careers, with different backgrounds. Getting all of their opinions to the table is only going to make us stronger.
Kysha Orozco, manager of retail operations, on welcoming all perspectives
At work we need to acknowledge our female leaders’ and mentors’ achievements and advocate for gender equality and inclusivity. Outside of work, it involves supporting and uplifting the women in your life and in your community.
All leaders and teammates should actively listen to their coworkers’ perspectives and ensure their voices are included. Challenge stereotypes and stand up against gender bias, discrimination and microaggressions in the workplace.
Standing up for what is right benefits individuals as well as the entire company. Supporting diversity brings together a multitude of unique perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more innovative solutions to problems and better decision-making. You create a positive work environment where employees thrive because they feel valued and respected.
Jeff Thorpe, senior vice president, on why allyship is personal
I was raised by my mom and grandmother, mostly by my grandmother. She was the most influential person in my life. She was a tremendous mentor to me, not just her work ethic, but also how to treat people, how to make sure that you dealt with people with respect and how to do things the right way. That upbringing gave me a set of principles that I’ve lived by all my life.
Over the years I’ve heard stories from my wife about how she may have not gotten the proper respect and opportunities in the workplace, and even today from my youngest daughter hearing that these things still happen. We need to make sure that these strong women are not disrespected in any way. So, I look at being an ally and being present every day as a mandatory thing, not an optional thing. It is just second nature to me.
You’ve got to be vocal as an ally. You’ve got to be willing to speak up when you see something that’s not right.
Amanda Albert, associate director of client services, on championing inclusion
Inspiring inclusion is about creating spaces where differences are celebrated, barriers are dismantled and everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background, identity or abilities.
That also means recognizing every individual’s inherent worth and dignity and working to build a more equitable and compassionate world where everyone feels seen, heard, loved and embraced for who they are. It is something I believe in strongly, both at work and in my everyday life. At home, I strive to impart the significance of advocacy and equality to my son by being a role model, and talking with him about why the work we do matters to create a better world for all.
Companies that fail to embrace diversity risk falling behind. Supporting diversity isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a competitive advantage that enables companies to better understand and connect with diverse customer bases and markets.
Amy Hough, retail operations manager, on ‘paying it forward’
My tenure with Advantage has introduced me to great women leaders. I’ve been welcomed and included into a group of working women of the highest caliber, and I’ve learned so much from their experiences and collaboration. I have been lucky enough to be supported by incredibly strong men and women who have guided and coached me along the way. I am thankful for those who have recognized and supported me and try to pass those qualities on and share the wonderful experiences I have had.
To me, inspiring inclusion means to be mindful of others — all others — and to be present in the moment, to offer a smile, a hand or a kind word to those around me. And to remember to celebrate differences and learn from them.