Griselda Gonzalez and Olga Garcia of CG Moving co-moderated the CMSA’s first women-led event.
The Event That Arrived on Equal Pay Day
On Equal Pay Day 2021, CMSA hosted its first women-led event with 58 virtual participants.
How fitting that on the day when Equal Pay is observed, the California Moving and Storage Association hosted its first ever women-led event. “Women On The Move” brought together at least 58 participants via Zoom.
Our panel was moderated by Griselda Gonzalez and Olga Garcia of CG Moving Co. The panel featured Jeanette Homan, President of Lambert Enterprises Inc.; Laurie Griffiths of VIP Transport; Shiree Hammer of California Relocation Services, Inc.; and Casey Myers of Champion Risk and Insurance Services. Steve Weitekamp, President of the CMSA, and current Chairman John Chipman Jr. welcomed attendees and introduced the panel.
What the Panelists Covered
Topics included confidence, growth mindset, COVID boundaries, and women’s exit from the workforce.
The group talked about women in leadership and how companies benefit from including women in decision making and leadership roles. On the subject of confidence, the panel covered breaking barriers, using self-awareness positively, being willing to admit when you do not know something, and reaching out to both men and women to learn.
The idea of a growth mindset, an open approach to work with a learning attitude, was also discussed. Jeanette Homan spoke about exposure to learning opportunities and how knowledge builds confidence.
On the topic of creating boundaries between professional and personal lives during COVID-19 and beyond, Casey Myers shared the challenges of working from home, how pursuing hobbies separate from her spouse helps her maintain balance, and how showing up to meetings and stepping up to volunteer matters, even for events that may feel outside your comfort zone, such as a golf outing.
The dynamics of working with family also came up. Olga Garcia spoke about leading by example, creating a culture of equal accountability, and how that kind of environment generates genuine employee ownership of the company’s goals and a true sense of belonging.
Laurie Griffiths shared that she has grown professionally by keeping a learning mindset: when we stay open to learning, learning happens, whether it is what to do or what not to do.
On the pandemic’s impact on women in the workplace, the panel discussed how 2.3 million women vs. 1.8 million men have left the workforce. Jeanette Homan spoke about understanding the challenges of raising a family and re-entering the workforce, and how she encourages flexibility and support for those who need to work remotely or keep different schedules. Shiree Hammer shared how, when the pandemic hit, the women in her office created the “California Relocation Academy” — they brought their school-age children to work so that company operations could continue.
In terms of resources for personal and professional development, panelists agreed that connecting with each other, educating the next generation of industry leaders, and promoting women’s leadership are all essential. As is participating in learning workshops through trade associations like the CMSA and the International Association of Movers, and not just attending chapter meetings but stepping up to volunteer in leadership. Casey also recommended the book “Chatter” by Ethan Kross.
A Call to Action: Speak Up for Pay Equality
The event closed with a call to speak openly about gender and pay equality in the moving industry.
We ended with a call to action: speak openly about gender and pay equality. Change begins with awareness. For commercial moving companies and organizations across the industry, conversations like this one are part of building a stronger, more equitable workplace.
Our local CMSA chapter also launched a Women’s History Month store on Bonfire, offering unisex t-shirts and masks in observance of Women’s History Month and the Women on The Move event. All profits benefit the CMSA Charity and Scholarship Fund.
Voices from the Room
Attendees from Supermove, Anderson Bros., IAM, Lambert, and Cardinale shared their highlights.
“I love hearing from female leaders in the industry. Thanks for this great event!” – Heidi Liou of Supermove
“Fantastic! Thank you all so much!!” – Stephanie Anderson of Anderson Bros. Movers
“Great session everyone. Thanks panelists.” – Dan Bradley of IAM
“Speaking to each and every person, with a smile, no matter what level they are on, is key!” – Cindy Johnson L. of Lambert Enterprises Inc.
“Shiree, absolutely amazing story!!!! Supermoms unite!!” – Daniela Alpert of Shyft
“Having been involved with the industry pretty much my whole life, I very much enjoyed hearing from others who also work with family members and how we all do our best to be mindful of those who may not be “blood” family to make sure they are treated with the same respect. We consider our entire team our family.” – Roseann Cardinale Orlebeck of Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
J & S Paper, Lambert Enterprises, Champion Risk, and four others raised close to $3,800 for CMSA.
We could not have raised close to $3,800 without the support of J & S Paper, Lambert Enterprises Inc., Champion Risk and Insurance Services, CDS Moving Equipment, New Haven Moving Equipment, and Dewitt Move Worldwide, and to everyone who attended.
Our upcoming April event is sure to please. We will be hosting a raffle, and the winner will join CMSA President Steve Weitekamp for “Pudding with the President”. Heidi Liou of Supermove has stepped up to sponsor a box of famous Magnolia Bakery banana pudding from New York. Check out our chapter’s event page for more info.
