As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2024 – our organization reflects on the progress we have made and the countless women who have paved the way for future generations. With women at the forefront of our organization’s leadership, we embrace this day not only as a celebration but also as a call to action to continue driving progress and breaking barriers. I have called upon a few of the women of Capri Communities to share their stories and personal dialogue behind International Women’s Day.
How does Capri Communities “Inspire Inclusion” by valuing and supporting flexible working arrangements
I think in recruiting and retaining women, we need to recognize and find ways to support work/life balance. Women want to be involved with their families, friends, outside passions, and careers. As a leader, I have always supported flexible working arrangements. If we hire the right people and give them the necessary resources and communicate our expectations as leaders, women should be able to flex their schedule to attend outside events, participate in volunteering and work from home. The fact that Capri has adopted a modified work from home culture supports this value.
– Kristin Ferge, President and CFO
What is your proudest achievement whilst working at
Capri Communities?
My proudest achievement working at Capri is watching the young leaders that were here when I joined seven years ago grow into experienced, sophisticated, and thoughtful leaders today. I hope that I was able to contribute to this
growth by sharing my wisdom, my approach to problem solving, and my ability to remain calm and put a strategic plan in place. Everyday these younger leaders inspire me with their passion and excitement to serve our residents
and their drive to constantly search for opportunities to improve themselves and the business.
– Geri Krupp-Gordon, Chief Operating Officer
How does Capri Communities encourage women to pursue senior leadership?
In order to encourage women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers, it’s imperative that we share our stories like we are doing today. Many women who are moms to young children find it overwhelming to think about balancing both a career and being a good parent. It’s important to highlight organizations that are willing to work with and embrace women in leadership roles and provide the work life balance needed to successfully do both.
– Amy Fouts, VP of Operations
What does International Women’s Day theme, Inspire Inclusion, mean to you?
At the age of 50, I left a company where I had worked for many years to join Capri. I will never forget the congratulatory remark my mother made, “You are lucky a company would hire a woman at your age”. The career and age gaps between my mother and myself never felt wider! I wondered if I was naively navigating my career, or just lucky because neither my gender nor my age has ever entered my mind as a barrier to me. It made me reflective and grateful for the women who had burned the path forward to make it possible. I hope that my daughter and young women everywhere will continue to push forward on their own merits and never feel “lucky” in their achievements.
– Cindy Robinson, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing
Describe ways you have Inspired Inclusion through recruiting, retaining, and developing female talent?
As a woman in business, I love encouraging women to grow their own voice and clear communication style. There is a difference between doing a job and doing it well. I look for individuals who are motivated to excel by going the extra mile – whether that be through attention to detail or a focus on those special touches that take something from ordinary to exceptional.
– Kim Irwin, VP of Marketing
Which women inspire you the most?
I’ve been fortunate to build my own “personal board” of women; both formal and informal mentors in my life, that I rely upon for advice, support, and inspiration. My mom, Dianna Rowinski, is still the hardest working, selfless person that devotes most of her time to helping others thrive. Growing up, she maintained a successful career while being the best mom to two daughters. She was always there for us, with whatever we needed. Ana Simpson, CEO of Girl Scouts of SEWI, is my formal mentor. We meet bi-monthly (or anytime by text) to share the good, bad, and everything in-between about professional development. Lastly, my TEMPO Circle and EWL Connects women that meet monthly to support each other through our career initiatives.
– Amy Schoenemann, Senior Director of Real Estate Development
If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, real or fiction, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could get dinner with any woman, living or dead, it would be Hedy Lamarr. I’d make sure to hand her my cell phone and let her see what impact her life has to this day! There are so many inspiring women at Capri and around the world. It’s hard to narrow that list, but Hedy Lamarr, Katharine Johnson, and Ada Lovelace would hold the 2nd-4th spots of most inspiring women. The #1 spot though is taken by my mother, Melanie. She has always shown me that if you work hard and dream big you can build a life you’re proud of and leave the world a little better than you found it.
– Ashley DeYoung, Senior Director of Finance
Today and every day let us celebrate women – their strength, their resilience, and their power to change the world.
Melissa Asmondy is the Director of Lifestyle Enrichment at Capri Communities. Through her dedication to upholding Capri’s philosophy of enjoy life while bringing creativity to her role, Melissa strives to make each moment more vibrant and fulfilling than the last.
