March 8th is International Women's Day and this year the theme is inspiring inclusion!
What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day celebrates women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. This day is not just for women; it belongs to everyone, everywhere, as an opportunity to support the continued advancement of women's equality.
How is Vibe Credit Union Celebrating?
We are passionate about forging an inclusive work culture at Vibe Credit Union. This day allows us to celebrate our female team members' achievements and further nurture our inclusive environment. We spoke with some of our rockstar women about what International Women's Day means to them and highlighted how they're inspiring inclusion in the workplace.
How does Vibe make you feel empowered in the workplace?
Stephanie Lamas, Director of Real Estate Lending - 18 Years with Vibe
Vibe empowers me to introduce new ideas, lead my team effectively, and pioneer new strategies and processes. They provide me the opportunity to mentor others towards realizing their aspirations. I encourage inclusion by understanding and respecting my team members' unique backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures, ensuring that each voice is valued and heard, even when opinions differ.
Dina O'Connor, Digital Services Representative - 11 Years with Vibe
Vibe empowers me by providing me with resources, opportunities, and motivation. I am inspiring inclusion in the workplace by being myself, giving credit and support, and leading by example.
Stacy Romancheck, eServices Branch Manager - 10 Years with Vibe
Vibe empowers me by allowing me to make decisions that benefit not only Vibe but our members. They trust in me to lead my team to success. I'm inspiring inclusion by ensuring all women have a voice and are valued and respected.
Vanessa Gonzales, eServices Specialist III - 4 Years with Vibe
Vibe empowers me by allowing me to assist members with a new membership or those who are experiencing financial hardship. You can hear the gratitude and relief that comes through the phone when we tell them their loan has been approved. That feeling makes me proud to be an team member of Vibe. I inspire inclusion by connecting with the women in my daily life. These women help celebrate your successes and help guide you with your struggles. You encourage each other by listening, giving support, finding resolutions, and being genuine.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Stephanie Lamas, Director of Real Estate Lending
International Women's Day represents our significant progress as a society and highlights many influential female figures who inspire the next generation.
Dina O'Connor, Digital Services Representative
International Women's Day is a day when women are recognized for their achievements.
Stacy Romancheck, eServices Branch Manager
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate our rights for equality and the achievements of all women.
Vanessa Gonzales, eServices Specialist III
Women’s Day gives me a chance to reflect on the women I have in my life. I think about the societal changes and opportunities that have taken place from my grandmother down to my daughter. As a woman, you want to build each other up to set a positive example and make a difference for the next generation of women.
What women inspire you the most in your life?
Stephanie Lamas, Director of Real Estate Lending
My mother is my greatest inspiration. Her dedication to her passions—baking, church, and community service—and the strong work ethic and moral principles she instilled in my sisters and me continue to guide my life.
Dina O'Connor, Digital Services Representative
My Grandma Beatrice she was the most amazing woman and was the strongest woman in my life.
Stacy Romancheck, eServices Branch Manager
All women inspire me one way or another. It’s the women who work hard to achieve success, whether it’s a job promotion, raising kids, or just simply overcoming obstacles. The women work hard to ensure they receive the same opportunities. The women who struggle daily still wake up determined to fight another day. Those are the women that inspire me.
Vanessa Gonzales, eServices Specialist III
To pick one strong woman in my life would be a struggle. I’ve been blessed with a few strong women in my life. They each have their own strengths, from faith to striving for that successful career. My mother instilled a work ethic in us by setting the example that it’s never too late to return to school while working and raising five kids. What a driven woman! My sister’s faith is unwavering, not to mention what an incredible mother she is and that she has a successful career. I could go on and on about some more women, I know: family, friends, and coworkers. To each of these women, there are things that motivate them, but they all have one thing in common: the desire to be the best version of themselves. They know that each one of us can make a difference, even if it's just with a simple smile.
Celebrating Inclusion on International Women's Day
As we celebrate International Women's Day and the theme of inspiring inclusion, the stories and insights from the amazing women at Vibe Credit Union are incredibly meaningful. Their experiences show how important empowering, including, and celebrating women is. Let's keep lifting each other, embracing our differences, and making inclusivity a part of everything we do. Happy International Women's Day!
