Celebrating the Women of RPM – Reflections from Our EMPOWER ERG

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the women who lead, mentor, support, and strengthen the communities around them. Across RPM Living, women play a vital role in shaping teams, driving results, and building meaningful careers throughout the organization.

Through EMPOWER, RPM Living’s Women’s Employee Resource Group, we invited members to share something meaningful for International Women’s Day – moments that shaped them, lessons that guide them, and experiences that influenced the women and leaders they have become.

Their reflections highlight the power of mentorship, resilience, friendship, and the women who inspire us along the way.

Women in leadership positions often face the expectation to mute their emotions. Something I wish more people understood is that bringing your whole self to the table – including emotion – does not diminish your ability as a leader.

When guided with intention, emotional awareness can build trust, strengthen teams, and create spaces where people truly thrive.

Ashley Herndon
Senior Regional Performance Manager

The greatest lesson I learned about being a woman came from my mother. She taught me to be ambitious, work hard, lead with kindness, and always remember that another woman’s sparkle never dims your shine.

There is room for all of us at the table. When we build each other up, we all rise.

The influence of strong role models was a theme echoed by many of the women who shared their reflections.

The woman who has most profoundly shaped who I am today is Ria Blake.

She modeled servant leadership long before it became an industry buzzword. Ria consistently encouraged me to show up as my best self every day, leading with compassion and understanding.

Her mentorship didn’t just teach me how to manage – it helped shape the woman and leader I am today.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson she taught me is that kindness is never a weakness. It is an intentional choice, and the energy and respect you put into the world is exactly what you receive in return.

Nicki Finne
Regional Manager

This photo represents a proud moment with my mom at my son’s college graduation in 2023.

It reminds me how fortunate I am to have such a strong woman as a role model. My mom stepped in to help raise my children so I could pursue my career, and without that support I would not be where I am today.

Moments like this remind me that women truly can do it all – especially when we support each other along the way.

Megan Shannon Rohrer
Regional Manager

Over the years, I’ve realized my personal brand is commitment, loyalty, and support.

These values guide me both as a leader at RPM and in my relationships outside of work. They weren’t lessons taught through lectures – they were modeled by my mother and grandmother through their actions every day.

Watching them lead with consistency and care shaped the way I show up for others.

Mary Hood
Regional Manager

This photo reflects more than three decades of friendship with one of my closest friends.

We have stood beside each other through weddings, the birth of children, the loss of parents, and many of life’s milestones. These are the women who show up without being asked – the ones who celebrate your wins, tell you the truth, and help carry you through the hard moments.

My advice is simple – be that kind of friend for other women and make time for them. Those relationships will carry you through every season of life.

Sierra Brantley
Community Manager

A woman who shaped who I am today is my mother.

She has overcome more obstacles than many people will ever see, yet she never allowed those challenges to dictate how she showed up for me. Instead, she modeled resilience, grace, and consistency.

From a young age, she instilled a simple but powerful belief – if you can muddle through and put your best foot forward each day, the world will eventually recognize your effort. She taught me that work ethic carries further than titles, degrees, or tenure.

When I made the decision to step fully into this industry, it was her voice I carried with me. Her words gave me the confidence to trust that dedication and discipline would open doors – and they did.

Today, as a manager, I lead the way she raised me – steady, accountable, and committed to growth.

Wendy Gherardi
Regional Manager

A few lessons I’ve learned as a woman continue to guide me today.

Use your voice – even when it shakes. Stop shrinking or changing yourself to make others comfortable. Boundaries are not selfish – they are a form of self-respect.

I have also learned that rest is not something you earn by exhausting yourself first.

Confidence wasn’t handed to me. It was built through experience, mistakes, courage, and growth. Through it all, I have realized that I can be both soft and strong at the same time.

Jessica Green
Community Manager

One of the moments I am most proud of as a woman was being promoted just three weeks before going on maternity leave.

It felt like a powerful vote of confidence in my leadership at a time when many women quietly wonder whether motherhood will slow their careers down.

When I returned to work, my entire world had changed. I was a brand-new mom stepping into a brand-new leadership role. I was learning how to care for my baby while also learning how to lead a team.

There were moments of uncertainty, but I am incredibly proud that I did not step away from the opportunity out of fear. I embraced both transformations at once – becoming a mother and stepping into leadership.

That season taught me I did not have to choose between success at work and being present at home. Navigating both roles did not just make me a stronger professional – it made me stronger as a woman.

Dana Jiles
Senior Regional Manager

One of my earliest memories is trying on my mom’s heels and feeling excited about the day I would have my own. Maybe that’s why you’ll almost always find me wearing them now.

The first time I saw my daughter try on my heels herself, it felt magical. In that moment, it wasn’t just a cute photo – it was a reminder of how confidence and empowerment can be passed down from one generation to the next.

My mom showed me what it meant to be strong and ambitious, and I hope my daughter sees the same thing in me.

It’s not really about the heels – it’s about what they represent.

Across RPM Living, the women of EMPOWER continue to support one another, share knowledge, and build a culture where leadership and opportunity thrive.

Today and every day, we celebrate the women who make RPM stronger.

Interested in joining a team where leadership and growth are encouraged? Explore career opportunities at RPM Living.

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