Our team members in the field are truly the heart of our company. They connect irl with customers and communities on the daily to represent the values of our brand through all their hard work. We had the opportunity to spotlight a few outstanding store associates in honor of Women’s History Month coming to a close. We hope this series has inspired you to continue celebrating women every day!
Amber Owen
What is your position and how long have you been with rue21?
General Manager of the Sevierville, TN location and have been with rue for 4 years.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
To me, it is a time to reflect and celebrate all of the achievements and contributions of all women who have helped give us the opportunities that we have today.
How are you working to set an example for future generations of young women?
Leading by example. Being a good role model for young women is very important to me because they are influenced so easily. I want them to feel confident in using their voice. Fight for what is right and stand up for others. I have built an amazing life and career as a single mother, and I want young women to see anything is possible if you believe in yourself and put in the work. Strive to make their ambitions reality.
Name a woman from history that inspires you today.
She isn’t from your history books, but she is from mine. My mother, one of the most influential women in my life. Coming from very little, she raised 3 girls, earned multiple degrees, made major career moves, and started multiple businesses. I have seen her fall and pick herself back up and turn it into something amazing. She has been there for other women, helping build careers, leave bad situations, and create new lives. She inspires and encourages me every single day that I can do anything I set my mind to. She taught me to work hard, use my voice, fight for what’s right and stay true to myself.
What do you hope to see change in the next 10 years for women’s empowerment?
The pandemic really shined light on issues women are still facing in the workforce. With schools doing remote learning, childcare almost impossible, lay-offs, low wages & pay gaps, PTO and sick leave limited. I would love to see better and more affordable childcare options and work-life balance scheduling for the working mother.
Name a historic milestone for women that is personally important to you and why.
When all women were given the right to vote. This opened so many doors for women to have a voice and start making the steps needed for equality and women’s rights.
Kera Johnson
What is your position and how long have you been with rue21?
I started as a full-time assistant at 1149 Citrus Park, became the Store Manager at 723 University Tampa, and am now the General Manager of 1148 Brandon Town Center.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Showing appreciation for all the women who have made it possible for me to be in the position I am in today. It is showing the power of sisterhood and the bond we will always have to show support and encouragement to one another no matter our background.
How are you working to set an example for future generations of young women?
With raising a daughter, I hold myself to certain standard because I am her example of what “strength of a woman” means. My job as a mom as well as a manager is to uplift our young women and help them find the courage to be the best versions of themselves and to never give up.
Name a woman from history that inspires you today.
There are so many women throughout our lifetime that have made a difference and who inspire myself and others. Just to name a few who have helped me through my journey: Maya Angelou- the power of her words; Eleanor Roosevelt- her fight for women’s rights; Issa Rae- shows me there are no limits on success; Michelle Obama- her poise, elegance, and leadership.
What do you hope to see change in the next 10 years for women’s empowerment?
Within the next 10 years, I would love to see equality for women and for women to know our voices matter. Growing up, my mother has always said the strength of a woman always goes unseen. We carry the world on our shoulders and many titles of so many jobs every day and sometimes we don’t realize it ourselves. It wasn’t until later in life I understood what that meant. This is our month to continue the path that has been started for us. We deserve the same opportunities and the ability to make choices and decisions that would affect all. This world would not be possible without us women.
Name a historic milestone for women that is personally important to you and why.
One of the historic milestones that has affected me personally has to be what we’ve all just experienced: Mrs. Kamala Harris becoming our Vice President. This shows our fight for equality is making an impact, as it should. I am so proud that our young generation of women including my daughter was able to experience such a historic moment in real time. To all women, anything is possible and your dream will soon become your reality.
Sierra McElhose
What is your position and how long have you been with rue21?
I am a gold store general manager of 391 Monroeville and I have been with the company for 8 years.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
A time to celebrate the courage of women in past generations and to celebrate how their efforts and bravery gave women the opportunities and freedoms they have today.
How are you working to set an example for future generations of young women?
Being able to surround myself with people that complement my weaknesses has been the key to my success. Working alongside other women has made me realize that as a girl it is important to remember other girls are not your competition. As a leader to many young women, I strive to teach them to stand with other girls, not against them.
Name a woman from history that inspires you today.
A woman that inspires me from history is Rosie the Riveter because she began a huge progression for women in the workforce that started women being accepted and encouraged outside of domestic life.
What do you hope to see change in the next 10 years for women’s empowerment?
I would like to see more women leaders as in CEOs. Being a girl in a “man’s world,” we are often made to feel average but in the words of Henry Ford, “If you think you can or if you think you can’t you are right.” You are what you tell yourself. So, tell yourself every day you are great and remember to be just that.
Name a historic milestone for women that is personally important to you and why.
A historic milestone that is important to me is the Equal Pay Act because every worker deserves to have a voice and be properly represented and protected.
We are so lucky to have all the incredible women we featured this month as a part of our community. From bloggers to employees and leaders, we have an extraordinary team of amazing ladies on our side. Though March is ending soon, we encourage you to keep celebrating the women in your life and throughout history. If the rue21 community has taught us anything, it’s that boss babes taking charge is the future.
