If history has taught us anything, it’s that women are unstoppable. The fight for equality in the workplace has been going strong for several decades and has made some incredible strides throughout the past few years. Women make up over 50% of the rue21 Senior Leadership team, which is something we’re incredibly proud about. But like any movement, the challenges female employees face to build their career, balance their personal life, and battle discrimination are still an everyday reality. Read more from women in leadership at rue21!
Michele Pascoe
What is your position and how long have you been with rue21?
I am the Chief Financial Officer and joined rue in June 2018
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month presents the opportunity to recognize and reflect on the great women who inspired all of us that followed them and a reminder to carry the torch for the current generation
How are you working to set an example for future generations of young women?
Leading by example. In my opinion, the current generation has unlimited opportunities for success, but we need to encourage them to take risks, be confident and be fearless. My career began in a male-dominated industry, and I had to work twice as hard, be twice as smart in order to prove myself. A lot of those barriers no longer exist today, but we still have a need to encourage women to reach for leadership positions.
Name a woman from history that inspires you today.
I have many and would not want to show favoritism. However, I was very fortunate to have a mother that encouraged me to reach for the stars and never to back down.
What do you hope to see change in the next 10 years for women’s empowerment?
I would hope that women can have the options of both career and motherhood. It’s extremely difficult to raise a family and to have a successful career. I would like to see better childcare options and more flexibility in work hours. The good news is that COVID demonstrated our ability to be flexible on how and where we work.
Name a historic milestone for women that is personally important to you and why.
Suffrage and women’s right to vote. In my mind, that started the women’s movement and opened the door for opportunity.
Ashmi Turakhia
What is your position and how long have you been with rue21?
I joined rue21 as VP of Enterprise Data and Analytics in October 2021
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s history month is a reflection of all the great accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices that women have made over the centuries. This is truly a time to celebrate women and remember the role they play in shaping our society.
How are you working to set an example for future generations of young women?
Over the years I have been fortunate to get support of my family, mentors, and employers to grow personally and professionally. These opportunities shaped my outlook and helped me rise in my career whether it was moving overseas for education or working in tech consulting. I also have 2 young girls and I want to inspire them to be confident and fearless and learn from experiences. Hence, I am always looking for ways to support the next generation in multiple ways by creating opportunities to learn from professional or personal experiences as well as mentor them along the way.
Name a woman from history that inspires you today.
I was really inspired by Malala Yousafzai after reading her book. Malala stood up to the Taliban as she wanted to give Pakistani girls access to free quality education. She used media, blogs and campaigns to create awareness and get the world to hear her voice. She survived a Taliban assassination at the age of 15 . She has continued her journey and is the founder of Malala Fund that empowers girls to achieve their potential and become strong leaders.
What do you hope to see change in the next 10 years for women’s empowerment?
I want women to thrive in every aspect and get equal opportunities. There has been tremendous evolution and opportunities for women over the past few years but there are still areas where I see gender inequality coming specially from lack of education and awareness, especially in developing countries
Name a historic milestone for women that is personally important to you and why.
There are many milestones I admire whether it was first time a women took seat on Supreme court or first women astronaut or first women to participate in combat. All these signify increasing contribution to society but also indicates bridging the gender gap in what used to be male dominated establishments. I am looking forward to the day when a well deserving woman becomes President of United States.
Mandy Merrits
What is your position and how long have you been with rue21?
Director of Construction, I started October 2021.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It is a month that allows people who identify as women to be recognized for who and what they do.
How are you working to set an example for future generations of young women?
My biggest contribution is the example I am setting for my 6-year-old daughter. My spouse and I are raising her to be a strong, independent little person. We listen to her and allow her to have her opinions, thoughts, emotions as well as meltdowns. I am setting an example with my work ethic and dedication to working hard and staying with something even when things are difficult. I teach her that she is her own person, and she has control over her body and her thoughts and emotions. She can be whatever she wants to be, and I will be there standing with her supporting her the entire way.
Name a woman from history that inspires you today.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
What do you hope to see change in the next 10 years for women’s empowerment?
I would like to see equal pay for women; equality in healthcare for anyone that identifies as a woman; normalizing women being in positions of power; things to be a little easier for my daughter than things were for me.
Name a historic milestone for women that is personally important to you and why.
It has not happened yet. I am still waiting for our country to have a person who identifies as a woman as President of the United States.
Cat Morisano
What is your position and how long have you been with rue21?
I am the Chief Merchandising Officer for rue and have been in this position since October 2019.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
I believe that Women’s History Month is a time to support fellow females while honoring brave women who fought for women’s rights.
How are you working to set an example for future generations of young women?
As a female executive, I am continuously working to set an example for young women. I encourage my merchants to strive to further their careers. Additionally, I am proudly raising a strong daughter while modeling leadership skills needed for her future success.
Name a woman from history that inspires you today.
I admire Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris for the wonderful role models and inspiration that they are to women today.
What do you hope to see change in the next 10 years for women’s empowerment?
I hope to continue to see additional equality for men and women in the workplace.
Name a historic milestone for women that is personally important to you and why.
Kamala Harris becoming the Vice President of the United States is a historic milestone for women. She is a role model who shows that women continue to make history.
We know that rue21 is in good hands with these incredibly inspirational women guiding us. Be sure to thank the women in your life that inspire you and tell them what the example they set means to you. Happy Women’s History month and stay tuned for the next blog in our series which will highlight style icons of the rue21 community.
