During the month of March, we celebrate both Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Both are an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Dress for Success Luzerne County has brought that message home to NEPA with their Women In Power Campaign, where we’ve partnered with them to highlight incredible women in our community all month long. Each woman was asked to answer five questions about work, life, and the power of representation.
Meet Marni Sherrill
Marni Sherrill is a Human Resource Manager for Hydro Extrusions North America in Mountain Top. She has 18 years experience, primarily in the manufacturing industry, with a successful career focused on strategic organizational management, corporate culture changes and employee engagement. Marni has an Associates Degree in Business Management and is a SHRM Certified Professional. She is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking and gratitude as a means of bringing success, balance and happiness into her life. Outside of work she enjoys meditation, writing, reading, music and spending time with friends and family as often as possible.
What makes a woman powerful? Do all powerful women have the same characteristics? Is there room for different kinds of power?
I do not believe there are defining characteristics of what makes a woman powerful. We are all different in our personalities, thoughts, beliefs and these areas help to define what makes us powerful individually. This year’s theme, in and of itself, outlines that there is room for different kinds of power and invites women to look within and exude that strength in all areas of their lives.
What does “inspire inclusion” mean for you and how can you use your voice to help inspire inclusion?
What this year’s theme means to me is an encouragement to women to find within themselves what makes them strong and what drives their passions. It asks that we recognize, accept and celebrate our differences and our individual strengths. Every day, I try to encourage women in my life, both professionally and personally, to believe in their worth and in what they are deserving of, to go after their dreams and be unapologetically themselves.
Who were your female mentors in your career, and how would you suggest growing leaders identify possible mentors for their growth?
I have spent much of my career in male-dominated companies with little or no female leadership above me. Much of my mentoring came from many of the male leaders I have worked for. I do, however, have an incredible support system of strong women who stand by me, support me, cheer for me, and encourage me daily. Find women who inspire you, intrigue you, draw you into their positive energy and build you up. Find women who empower you without effort in the simple daily interactions you have with them.
What barriers have you faced in your life (professionally and/or personally that you feel comfortable sharing) and how did you overcome them?
I have spent much of my career in male-dominated companies, often being the only female executive team member. It can be intimidating to be in a world surrounded by a team of men and having to prove your seat at the table. I am fortunate to have a strong and engaging personality and a refusal to take no for an answer. I earned respect with quiet confidence and my consistent contributions to the team.
As a powerful woman, what would you tell a woman who is struggling in her career and/or having a hard time finding her own voice?
I would take the time to understand her struggles and the obstacles she’s facing. I would encourage her to believe in her experience and her skills. I would also provide examples of ways I’ve overcome similar obstacles or the ways in which I have handled difficult situations and people. Finally, I would remind her that she is deserving of the role she has and the position she’s in.
About Dress for Success
Dress for Success ® is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to nearly 150 cities in 30 countries. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 2,000,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.
Since Dress for Success Luzerne County became operational in December of 2010, the program has reached 2,500 economically challenged women from the area by providing clothing, job interview support and workforce guidance. Dress for Success Luzerne County continues to create programs to enhance economic and social development, encouraging self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention.
