Get to know a few 7-Eleven, Inc. employees who share their thoughts on Women's History Month and their unique journeys.
Fran – Senior Real Estate Representative, Canada
Originally from the Niagara Falls area of Ontario, Fran and her husband decided to move out West 30 years ago and never looked back. Now they’ve settled in British Columbia and are working to turn their “project home” into a “forever home.” The area is a little slice of paradise for the outdoorsy Fran, husband Alan and the “world’s friendliest dog,” Joey. When Fran and her husband aren’t working (or working on the house), they love getting outside – golfing, skiing, hiking, attending baseball and hockey games (Go Toronto Blue Jays and Edmonton Oilers!) and going to concerts.
On her role with the 7-Eleven family…
“I started with 7-Eleven three and a half years ago as a Market Leader and just recently transitioned to a senior real estate role. It’s a totally different aspect of the business than I’ve been involved with previously but something I’ve always been very interested in learning more about. So, when a role came up, I knew it was the right next step for my career. I’m really enjoying the opportunity to learn new things and support the company’s growth in a different way.”
What Women’s History Month means…
“I see it as a reminder to take the time and reflect on the contributions of so many women throughout history and today. I’ve personally always been inspired by Michelle Obama and how she advocated for poverty awareness and education, launching the “Let Girls Learn” initiative to help girls around the world go to school and stay in school. I’m also incredibly inspired by a woman known as “Unstoppable Tracy.” I saw her speak at an event and was just amazed by her. She’s a motivational speaker, a humanitarian and a decorated athlete who also happens to be a quadruple amputee. Her message is to persevere and always find a way to accomplish your dreams.”
Any stories you can share to help people understand why Women’s History Month is so important?
“I was very lucky to have started my career with a large retailer in Canada that always valued diversity. As I’ve grown in my career, I realize how special that was and how lucky I was to not have experienced some of the same barriers that so many women do.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven support diversity, equity and inclusion?
“Valuing diversity, equity and inclusion is one of the things that makes 7-Eleven a great company to work for. Being able to collaborate and learn from others who bring unique perspectives is so important. I’m proud to be part of a company that not only intentionally supports DE+I but truly celebrates it.”
Favorite Quote?
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”
-Winston Churchill
Tina — Mid Atlantic Region Director, Eastern Franchise Zone
A self-confessed fan of beef tacos and action/sci fi-oriented movies—"who doesn’t love searching for Bigfoot and Aliens?”—Tina is respected throughout her region for her cheerful and caring spirit. She’s also an avid snow skier “but I haven’t been in a good while, I’m overdue,” and says her perfect Sunday is “a good book and a cup of piping-hot 7-Eleven coffee.”
On her role with the 7-Eleven family…
“My region consists of six markets with more than 700 stores throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio and Western Maryland.
I’ve been very blessed to be with this great company for 35 years! When I started as a sales associate, I was just 17 and worked the second shift. I didn’t have a driver license or a car, so I walked about a mile each way. At 19, I was promoted to Store Leader. I often say I was old enough to sell alcohol, but not to buy it. Those super-early mornings were tough, and that’s where my love of 7-Eleven coffee began. We have the best!
I became an Area Trainer and then moved into many different roles in the training department, including Field Training Specialist, Division Instructor, then Operations Training Specialist. I came back into operations as a Field Consultant/Area Leader and then Market Manager, and then on to Director of Store Communications and finally to Region Director. And I’m very grateful for each and every one of the opportunities I’ve been given.”
What Women’s History Month means…
“Women’s History Month is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much we can accomplish when we lift each other up. It’s just a great celebration of the impact of women in the workforce.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven support diversity, equity and inclusion?
“We’re all different and come from different backgrounds, different places in life. All of that adds value to a team. We can all contribute and make a difference. We have some amazing leaders at 7-Eleven that recognize this. My feeling is that, when you get up every morning, it’s really up to each one of us to choose what kind of day we’re going to have. I’ll always choose to be happy and excited as I think about what I’m going to get into today. And whenever possible, I’m going to make it an adventure! When you enjoy what you do and the people you do it with, it’s not work; it’s another day to go out and make a difference, to make life better for someone.”
Who do you regard as your role model?
“My dad was a kind and happy man who never met a stranger. We had some tough times growing up, but we knew we were loved and safe and had everything we needed. He taught me to have a strong faith, to trust God first and to love and care for everyone. It’s the way I was raised.”
Favorite quote?
“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.”
-Billy Graham
Who or what are you most proud of?
“Raising two kind and caring young men who would, and have, dropped everything to help a friend or a stranger.”
Jessica — Payroll Director
Nestled just 20 minutes southwest of Dayton, Ohio, the village of Enon (population approximately 2,500) might be small, but with its cozy neighborhoods and easygoing vibe, might remind some of the fictional TV town of Mayberry… without the high-strung deputy, that is. Buckeye state native Jessica, her husband Ryan and kids, 10-year-old Ella and 8-year-old Quaid, are more than happy to call the idyllic area home. Along with their two English bulldogs, they frequently enjoy water sports, nature hikes, off-roading trails, campfires and cookouts, where Jessica is known for her tender ribeye steaks and love of country music.
On her role with the 7-Eleven family…
“I joined Speedway almost 15 and half years ago when I graduated from Wright State University—go Raiders!—with a Bachelor of Arts in finance and accounting. I spent my first five years in accounting and was approached about an opportunity in human resources for compensation and benefits which I quickly accepted, and I’m forever glad I did. The role allowed me to greatly expand my skills and experience with a variety of responsibilities with relocations, leaves of absence, large and small acquisitions, even oversight for the corporate nurse program, which was interesting since my mom was a registered nurse. I took my current role in March of 2022 because, let’s face it, all roads lead to payroll. Today, we’re working on a huge integration project that offers lots of opportunities to learn about state-of-the-art systems.”
What Women’s History Month means…
“I think it’s about celebrating all women of all backgrounds who make positive contributions to society and recognizing we can all be modern-day changemakers.”
Any stories you can share to help people understand why Women’s History Month is so important?
“As a child, I was extremely curious and inquisitive and always asking questions. My mom never once squashed my desire for answers. That was a great example for me as I got older. I feel strongly that we need to encourage curiosity in girls and young women, because you can’t learn if you don’t ask questions.”
Any role models?
“All the women pioneers throughout history who fought for their beliefs or were brave enough to take a chance. Sacagawea, Harriet Tubman, Florence Nightengale and Eleanor Roosevelt are just a few that come to mind. On a personal level, I’m reminded of my high school volleyball coach, who was tough, but had a good way of toughness. She knew I loved the game, and still do, and would ask for more out of me. I wanted to work hard for her because her spirit made me love the game even more than I thought I could.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven support diversity, equity and inclusion?
“I think it’s interesting that the theme for 2024 is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” recognizing that women throughout the country understand that we need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions. It’s one of the reasons why I’m a member of one of our Associate Business Resource Groups called 7NEW, or 7-Network of Executive Women. There’s certainly a social aspect to it but it’s really more about getting people from all walks of life to meet, share ideas and hear about different perspectives so we can learn and grow as businesspeople and on a personal level as well.”
Favorite quote?
“Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, ‘You must do the thing you think you cannot do.’ I have the quote on my desk. At times, we doubt ourselves or maybe feel foolish at voicing an idea because we might think we won’t be taken seriously or that our title isn’t high enough. This quote reminds me that it’s always right to stay in the game, work hard and show up every day. Her words speak to how we see ourselves and to our determination and grit.”
Marissa — Director, Commercial Fleet, Irving Store Support Center
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Marissa played collegiate volleyball at the University of Findlay, which was conveniently just down the street from Marathon Petroleum’s corporate headquarters. Scoring an internship with the company while still in school, she was hired by Marathon full-time upon graduation. Marissa met her husband, Phil, at Marathon and enjoyed growing her career in the sales of a variety of petroleum products before ultimately landing in fuel. While living in Findlay, she had her son Gavin, and in 2015 he was diagnosed with autism. Getting him access to the best possible therapy and resources became her key focus – and led to a career transition to Speedway and relocation to Dayton.
When Speedway was acquired by 7-Eleven, Inc., Marissa and the family relocated once again – this time to Dallas – which has been a great place for her to continue to grow in her career, contribute to the company in new ways and ensure her son has the support he needs to thrive.
On her role with the 7-Eleven family…
“When 7-Eleven, Inc. bought Speedway, they decided to return to the Fleet business, and I raised my hand for an opportunity to return as well. I had managed that business before and the idea of supporting the company in an even greater capacity as Director, Commercial Fleet, was exciting to me. I love my team and really enjoy the fuel sales focus but there’s more to it than you might realize. There’s a unique angle of leveraging payments – the capabilities of the payments and negotiating competitive rates so that we can pass on those savings to our customers to drive traffic to our sites – that requires a lot of commercial skill. It’s a very dynamic area with a lot of tentacles to it.”
What Women’s History Month means…
“As an Autism Mom, Women’s History Month reminds me how far we’ve come. There was a time, not all that long ago, where the expectation would be for me to stay home with my son 100% of the time once he was diagnosed. The reality is that my ability to continue working towards my own dreams and finding fulfillment in my career is much better for my son than staying home with him full-time. I’m able to leverage my skills in recruiting and networking to get him the best possible resources and care. And when I feel like I can be my own whole person, with my own achievements, friends and network, I feel happier and more positive, which makes me a better mom.”
Any stories you can share to help people understand why Women’s History Month is so important?
“I’m a big believer in remembering where you came from. When Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away, I learned that her work helped pave the way for the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, which allowed women the independence of being able to purchase a home without a male co-signer. I bought my first home independently at the age of 24. The idea that someone as close to me as my own mother wouldn’t have had that same opportunity is mind-blowing to me. So, I think it’s important to appreciate how far we’ve come, and to use that as motivation to continue pushing forward and driving positive change.”
Favorite Quote?
“I came from a very competitive environment and when I think of Women’s History Month, I think of the importance of empowering others. A favorite quote that has really resonated with me is: ‘Other people’s success is not your failure.’ We should celebrate each other’s successes, especially as women, and not see them as in some way diminishing our own accomplishments.”
Meaghan — Program Implementation Leader, Corporate Eastern Zone
Moving from a small-town in Kentucky to the vastness of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex might rattle some people, but not Meaghan. She made the adjustment in 2021 with ease, aided by her support staff of three dogs, Ruger, Rossi and Remi and one feisty feline, Boo, that runs the roost. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Eastern Kentucky University in 2013 (Go Colonels!), she joined Speedway and is now in her tenth year of service. She enjoys utilizing her green thumb and doing anything outdoors, especially when it involves music. She likes to attend music festivals and concerts of all genres but has a particular interest in fellow Kentuckians Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson. At home, she likes watching “The Office,” baking cinnamon rolls and taking frequent naps.
On her role with the 7-Eleven family…
“As a Program Implementation Leader, I lead a team of six Program Implementation Managers to act as a liaison between Operations, the Store Support Centers and vendor partners in support of three strategic pillars: Merchandising, New Store Openings and Changeovers, and Special Projects. I currently support around 2,700 corporate-operated locations in the Corporate East zone which ranges from Ohio to Alabama, over to New York and down to Florida.”
What Women’s History Month means…
“It gives me an overall feeling of healing and hope. One individual can make everlasting, life-altering impacts by simply believing so strongly in something and fighting against all odds to achieve it. There are several influential women that we celebrate during Women’s History Month that truly exemplified the ‘if you believe you can, you will’ mentality and enacted growth and positive change in the world we know today.”
Any stories you can share to help people understand why Women’s History Month is so important?
“Where I come from, women were seen mostly in traditional roles such as housewives and mothers and rarely left home. While that’s fine for those who want it, I wanted something different and something more. I wanted to explore the world outside of the hills of Kentucky. My grandmother, Louise, my aunt, Heather, and my mom, Holly, are all strong women who molded me into the strong woman that I am today. My aunt and grandmother taught me the softer skills of passion, kindness, love and acceptance while my mom was the hard-nosed one who taught me about the importance of independence, working hard, ensuring my voice is heard and fighting for everything that I believe in. Here at 7-Eleven, my direct supervisor, Sandie, and mentor, Deanna, have equipped me with knowledge of the business and taught me the ways of people development, delegation and holding myself and others accountable to achieve exceptional results. I am who I am and have been able to achieve all that I have through the love, guidance and endless support of these women. These women have taught me how to make my own dreams come true.”
Why is it important that 7-Eleven support diversity, equity and inclusion?
“Recognition and career growth in our organization is based on achievement, not politics. It is not about who you know, it’s about the positive impacts and forward progression that your leadership makes on our business and those that are in it. It’s important that every professional at the company, whether entry-level or senior-level, understands that everyone has the same fighting chance to make positive changes and achieve their own idea of what success is. If you’re hungry and work hard to succeed, chances are you will. Diversity of thought, respecting cultures, experiences and backgrounds helps us attract and retain strong talent to solve problems and provide opportunities for professional development. It’s why I’m a member of several Associate Business Resource Groups such as 7-Network of Executive Women (7NEW) and 7-Young Professionals (7YP). We can all plug into the organization, grow and achieve success through networking, professional development and community building through ABRGs. It’s a win-win for everyone!”
