Women in Focus: Celebrating Empowerment and Achievements
- BY Ivan Yong
- IN Zenni News
At Zenni Optical, we are proud to spotlight our first women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), Women in Focus. This ERG is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within our workplace, offering women valuable opportunities for professional growth and development. Our mission is clear: to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every woman at Zenni can excel and reach her full potential. By prioritizing empowerment, growth, and innovation, Women in Focus is committed to fostering a culture that values work-life balance and community.
Our goal with Women in Focus is to help every woman at Zenni succeed and find fulfillment in her role. Establishing ERGs like Women in Focus is crucial for cultivating inclusivity, diverse perspectives, and a sense of appreciation within our company. Today, let’s celebrate a few of our remarkable women at Zenni by highlighting their pivotal roles and the importance of their support and inspiration.
Beth Samenuk
Director, Strategic Sales
What role do you see the women’s ERG playing in shaping the future of Zenni’s workplace culture?
I truly believe the future is female! The Women’s ERG at Zenni excites me as a catalyst for transformative change in our workplace culture. With women comprising a larger share of the workforce than ever, yet still shouldering 90% of caregiving responsibilities and 61% contributing to dual-income households, the need for progressive policies is clear. This group has the opportunity to spearhead initiatives supporting working women, particularly those balancing careers with family and other outside obligations. By creating an inclusive, efficient environment that addresses women’s unique challenges both professionally and personally, we can reshape Zenni’s workplace culture and serve as a model for other organizations, driving broader change in the corporate landscape.
Can you share a piece of wisdom or a lesson you’ve learned that has been instrumental in your career?
My best advice: take every meeting. Whether it seems promising or pointless, worthwhile or not, even when it feels absolutely counterintuitive. You never know what might come from it – and when. There’s always a lesson, an ‘aha’ moment, or something of value waiting to be discovered. Often I have found that the act of being open and willing to sit down with someone, to listen and hear them out, can result in some of the most surprising outcomes. This approach has opened doors I never anticipated and taught me that opportunity knocks often, it’s just up to you to answer the call.
Photo Credit: Beth Samenuk (left) and Rachel Nkollo (right)
Rachel Nkollo
Senior Learning and Development Manager
What does being a member of Zenni’s first women’s ERG mean to you personally?
It means being one of the first pioneers in creating a supportive community where every woman at Zenni can feel comfortable being authentic and showing up as her best self.
Can you share a piece of wisdom or a lesson you’ve learned that has been instrumental in your career?
The best advice I can offer to anyone is, do not be afraid to let your light shine. Shine brightly with your ideas and the quality of your work. Do not be afraid to ask questions, or challenge the status quo. Asking for assistance or accepting help does not dim your light, it actually makes you shine even more. Also remember, you have earned your visibility and deserve all the opportunities that come your way.
Jenny Brantner
Culture and Communications Manager, People & Talent
What does being a member of Zenni’s first women’s ERG mean to you personally?
Being a member of Zenni’s first Women’s Employee Resource Group is both inspiring and personally meaningful. This group creates a supportive community where women’s voices are heard and their experiences are valued. It offers a chance to collaborate with like-minded ladies to promote gender equality and support each other’s professional growth. I believe it provides valuable opportunities for leadership and advocacy, enabling us to influence company policies and drive significant organizational change.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how has the ERG helped you feel more empowered?
Empowerment, to me, means having the confidence, resources, and support to take initiative, make decisions, and pursue my goals. We’ve just launched the Women In Focus Employee Resource Group and are planning our first initiatives. I look forward to building new skills, expanding my network, and strengthening my voice within the company. I think that these experiences will not only foster my personal growth but also empower me to make a meaningful impact.
Photo Credit: Jenny Brantner (left) and Jessica Serafini (right)
Jessica Serafini
Category Manager, AR/VR Eyewear
What role do you see the women’s ERG playing in shaping the future of Zenni’s workplace culture?
The ERG fuels innovation by promoting diverse thinking and problem-solving approaches. With a focus on inclusivity, the ERG encourages creative solutions and fresh ideas, driving Zenni forward in a competitive landscape. With varied backgrounds in culture and experience, we as a collective are able to insight collaborations and growth opportunities for us as individuals and to the success of Zenni. The Women’s ERG is instrumental in fostering a workplace culture at Zenni that is dynamic, equitable, and forward-thinking, ultimately contributing to our overall success and growth.
Can you share a piece of wisdom or a lesson you’ve learned that has been instrumental in your career?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of embracing adaptability. In my career, I’ve found that being open to change and willing to adjust strategies in response to new information or shifting circumstances has been crucial to success. Adaptability allows us to navigate challenges with resilience and seize opportunities that might otherwise be missed. It means not being rigidly attached to a single approach or outcome, but rather staying flexible and responsive to the evolving landscape around you. This lesson has taught me that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open to different perspectives and methods. It’s a mindset that fosters continuous learning and improvement, which is essential for both personal and professional development.
