I have been a member of CSP’s Operator Advisory Council for several years and can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to learn of the creation of CSW! This first-of-its-kind development event presents a step change in how the industry develops female leaders—especially the Rising Stars.
Like all of you, I have been on my own diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and development journey and while I’m not as far along as I’d like to be, I’m proud of the steps my team and I have taken to elevate diverse voices throughout the organization. Female development is deeply personal to me.
Besides doing what is right for my current team, I am the father of a 15-year little girl who one day will be in your shoes. How will she be seen in the workplace? What type of leadership or development opportunities will she receive? How will she be treated by her male peers and leaders? My hope is that the work we do together at CSW propels all of us and creates a chance for little girls to enter a workforce that is inclusive, join teams that are welcoming, and receive development that enriches their lives and that of future generations.
It’s not about some of us … it’s about the sum of us! Looking forward to the time we spend together at CSW and the output of our work.
Jason Read is director of store operations for Wawa convenience stores, Wawa, Pennsylvania.
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