WISE Junior Board
In 2021, WISE created a junior board of directors to further its mission of increased diversity and inclusion in store brands, and to provide leadership opportunities to empower our partners and members. It was created to be a diverse representation of our industry in background, skill set, gender, and ethnicity with the focus on connecting to the next generation of the store brand industry.
The reality of the impact the Junior Board brings to WISE has been so much more than what the initial concept envisioned. These individuals are committed advocates of our organization and mission. This diverse group of young professionals brings new and exciting ideas to improve connections to emerging leaders, attracts new audiences and members, and embodies the organization’s mission of diversity of thought. These members also create additional mentorship and networking opportunities through digital and social media engagement.
When outlining the structure and contributions of the Junior Board, the WISE Board of Directors was focused on creating a space where the new board members were given tools to succeed as a board member in any arena, encouraged to step up onto the WISE board in the future, and provided freedom to not only design new programs for WISE, but to also implement them. Junior Board members have:
- Opportunities to collaborate, partner and network with a diverse group of professionals, while driving the mission of WISE
- Direct influence on WISE initiatives to create a more diverse store brands industry
- A dedicated WISE BOD Mentor/Sponsor
- Exposure to BOD activities and strategic initiatives
- Opportunities to advance participation in WISE by transitioning to the BOD (after term expectations are met)
- Leadership involvement for their professional development, i.e. resume building
Over the course of the year, we’ve highlighted each of our Junior Board members so you get to know them. Now, take a minute to read some quotes from our current junior board highlighting their experience. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Junior Board, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at info@wisediversity.org and tell us why you’d like to join our WISE Junior Board.
JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
Elysia Handy – “WISE has given me the opportunity to stretch myself to try new things like being a part of the Marketing & Communications Committee!”
Bailey Furtado – “WISE has been such an amazing network to connect with outside of work that has allowed me to develop skills and grow personally and professionally, learning from amazing individuals within the Private Label Grocery Industry.”
Kyle Zofinski – “I enjoy being part of an empowering and motivational organization set forth to help change the stereotypical norms within the industry. It’s a feeling of something greater beyond just the job at hand.”
Kirsten Taylor – “WISE’s vision is something that I am truly passionate about. I love that WISE lives their vision statement in everything they do to bring their partners programming that helps develop a dynamic and inclusive workforce. WISE is also a great organization to growth your network with others from the store brand industry!”
Keri Cardenas – “The thing I enjoy the most about WISE is that there are many different opportunities to support my ongoing professional learning through formal classes and inspirational events.”
Angela Atamian – “I love the connections and support network outside of my company that I have gained!”
Alexis Herbert – “One of my favorite things about WISE is that I get to hear many different perspectives on various industry and social topics, and it challenges my way of thinking in the best way.”
Shanaz Ahmed – “My favorite part WISE is the networking opportunities I have gained outside my own organization. Also, the different perspective of the Junior BOD on different topics is very insightful.”
Mayra Buenrostro – “WISE has provided me the platform to expand my network outside my organization and work with remarkable people in our industry to tackle challenges in a different capacity.”