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Each year in March, Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to honor generations of trailblazing women who have built our nation, shaped our progress, and strengthened our workforce.

The theme of this year’s month-long observance is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

From the National Women’s History Alliance: “Women have long been instrumental in passing on our heritage in word and in print to communicate the lessons of those who came before us. Women’s stories, and the larger human story, expand our understanding and strengthen our connections with each other.”

This month, we’ve celebrated the women who inspire us.

Take a look at this photo collage with submissions from our team, who shared with us the women who inspire them!

Developing Our People is one of our Five Core Focus Areas at Village. Our most recent New to Role 10-Week Leadership Training series wrapped up last Friday with a graduation celebration!

These ambitious team members committed to challenging themselves to learn and strengthen their GREAT Leadership skills and take the next step forward in their personal growth. The 10-week session spanned the full spectrum of our business, from financial analysis to coaching and developing your people.

The CSM’S and ASM’s had two different paths, but their goals were the same; fortifying and solidifying their knowledge and learning new tools to make their workday more efficient by utilizing existing processes.

As Zendra Anthony noted, “The learners were engaged and gave a lot of feedback. We asked what information they needed, we lined up the SME’s (subject matter experts) to teach them, and now they know whom to go to for help and who the experts are.” Knowing HOW Area Leads and Supervisors can support and WHO to go for help was a big take-away from the sessions.

Friday was the final class, and a celebration was held to honor and celebrate all who participated. The associates shared what they had learned and provided feedback to improve future learning programs.

Take note: this is a win-win for all involved! As a team member, one of the key benefits of working at Village is that you can build a career here. As a company, Village benefits by investing in our people and providing them with the tools they need to build their careers and be successful each day.

Leader Call to Action: 

• Be available and on the lookout for Associates who are looking to advance their careers with Village
•  Answer questions and suggest positions in which they can learn new skills
• Connect associates to resources and other team members who can support their growth

ASM/CSM Call to Action:

• If you’re already a CSM or ASM, and would like to expand your knowledge, build your skills and create a support network, we’re planning another 10-week session soon. Reach out to your supervisor or HRBP for information. Check out Jenn, CSM at Store 453, sharing what she learned during the series.

Associate Call to Action: 

• If you’re interested in the role of CSM or ASM, talk to your supervisor, Store Manager, or HRBP about what skills you need to learn, keep an eye out for job postings, and continue to learn by asking questions of your peers and teammates

Watch the Compass and Axonify for ways to grow! Check out the pictures below from the final day and celebration, and a video here of Ali Sumas, who led the series, sharing her thoughts.

FEBRUARY 1ST – FEBRUARY 28TH

At Village, we believe that we should all be able to live and work in a society where all people have a sense of inclusivity. All five of our core values are intertwined with this mission: Act With Integrity, Respect For All, Care Deeply, Challenge Yourself, and Welcome To The Family. 

This month, we’ll highlight some leaders at Village who’ve stepped forward to share their stories, accomplishments, and how they’ve found success.

See Kendall Clark, our HR Business Partner for the East, sharing what Black History Month means to her. Thanks Kendall!

What is Black History Month?

The origins of Black History Month are rooted in the 1920s, and it came to be for two reasons: recognition and importance. The precursor to this month-long event was conceived by Carter G. Woodson, a historian and founder of The Journal of Negro History, who believed that history books and educators overlooked or even suppressed the role of black Americans. Black History Month isn’t just about celebrating the achievements and contributions of black America; it’s rooted in the idea that equality and acceptance come from mutual understanding.

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that “Black History Month” as we know it gained widespread acceptance, and Gerald Ford was the first president to recognize its importance in American culture. He called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, each American president has issued Black History Month proclamations.