Celebrating Women's History Month 2024: Honoring Trailblazers & Inspiring Stories
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women's Week. A way to recognize the contributions of women in history, culture and society. Six years later, The National History Project was able to extend this event for the entire month of March. This year’s theme is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion". We recognize the efforts of our Big Y employees, local partners, leaders in our community and the women we meet every day, and we commend them for their effort to eliminate bias and discrimination in daily life and institutions. Discover the women working hard in your community and show your support through awareness, making a women-owned business purchase, sharing a review or making a kind gesture such as giving flowers to the women in your life. Join us in celebrating Women's History Month with your local Big Y Supermarket.
Big Y Employee Highlight
Proud of their jobs in the grocery industry, these women are true assets to our Big Y community.
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -
Amy
Assistant Floral Sales Manager
West Springfield, MA
What is your favorite part about your job?
"I help people give gifts all day, it's a blast! I am very happy to have a career where I can use my creative ability, and that it is appreciated by my customers. I have also met some AMAZING people at Big Y and have made life-long friendships."
Any other information you wish to add?
"I hope younger folks realize they can have a long career with this company and can be treated with respect if they put their effort and heart into it as well. Have passion for what you do, and do it with a smile (it can be catchy)!"
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -
Saara
Assistant Grocery Sales Manager
Norwich, CT
Do you feel included at Big Y?
“No matter what kind of day anyone is having, we are family here. We support each other both in store and from the Store Support Center. I look forward to the visitors from the Store Support Center and they are always willing to help and listen.
Big Y as a company is a fantastic place to work and I love every day that I get to work. I have made so many friends with employees and customers. They take such good care of you as an employee. Couldn’t say anything better than, welcome to a wonderful company.”
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -
Kathy
Assistant Seafood Sales Manager
Westfield, MA
What led you to Big Y and why do you stay?
“I have been with Big Y for over 2 years. While being an Instacart shopper, I met and became friendly with Big Y employees, who convinced me to go to the hiring event. I like it. Big Y has invested in me as an employee. I was a waitress for years and I value all the benefits and perks offered to us at Big Y.”
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -
Zariah
Assistant Bakery Sales Manager
Wilbraham, MA
What is your favorite part about your job?
“Getting to learn how to bake, cake decorate, write on cakes. The smile on customer’s faces when we bring their visions to life with the cake orders.”
Do you feel included at Big Y?
“I feel Big Y is very diverse. Lots of cultures, race, ethnicities. It is a very welcoming company. I appreciate that the company cares about my customers and workers, in my opinion. So, we feel heard and appreciated.”
Big Y is Proud to Partner with Women-Led Local Businesses
Support women-owned local businesses and help them make an impact in our communities.
- PARTNER -
Lorraine Lambiase & Sheila Flanagan
Nettle Meadow Farm and Artisan Cheese
Warrensburg, NY
- PARTNER -
Angela Massimino
Angela's Kitchen
Cheshire, CT
- PARTNER -
Lily Leedom
Duxbury Saltworks
Duxbury Bay, MA
- PARTNER -
Kristin Broadley & Laurie Bowen
Centerville Pie Company
Centerville, MA
- PARTNER -
Laurie Groezinger Cummins & Alexandra Groezinger
Groezinger Provisions
Alexian Pâtés & Specialty Meats
Neptune City, NJ
The History of Food is Written by Women
It’s no secret that women have been nourishing our communities for generations. Let’s recognize a few pioneers… our first-in-food women.
AMELIA SIMMONS
In 1796, Amelia Simmons of Hartford, CT, was the first American to publish a cookbook. “American Cookery” was a top seller for more than 30 years and remains a cultural phenomenon. Recently named one of the 88 books that shaped America by the Library of Congress.
JULIA CHILD
Julia Child was more than a chef, she was a six-foot two-inch force of nature. She attended Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris, France, was the first woman to host a television cooking show, a Peabody & Emmy winner, author, holder of multiple honorary doctorate degrees and served during WWII with the OSS (Was she a spy? We’ll never know).
M.F.K. FISHER
Until Mary Francis Kennedy Fisher came along, food writing was totally focused on eating for nourishment and relegated to the “women’s pages” of magazines. She revolutionized the way Americans wrote about (and understood) food. In her words, “Since we must eat to live, we might as well do it with both grace and gusto.”
ALICE WATERS
Alice Waters changed the food game by changing the lexicon. Coining the terms, “slow food” and “farm-to-table,” she is a pioneer in the local movement. In 1992, she was the first woman to earn the distinction, Best Chef in America.
NINA COMPTON
This St. Lucia native has food excellence in her blood and is an extremely accomplished chef. Marquee among her achievements was her being the first black woman to win the James Beard Award in 2018 for best chef in the south.
LENNA F. COOPER
Cooper’s achievements in the world of food are many. She founded the American Dietetics Association, was the first supervising dietician for the US Army, advised the Surgeon General of the United States and was the protégé of John Harvey Kellogg. She was a forerunner in the area of vegetarianism.
Show Appreciation for the Amazing Women in Your Life with a Special International Women’s Day Floral Bouquet
A flower symbolizes how our love for someone grows. On this special day, an arrangement from your local Big Y floral department may be the perfect way to commemorate the amazing women in your life.
The History of Women L.E.A.D
Women L.E.A.D. was created out of a passion to make a difference for the women of Big Y. It began in late 2015 with a group of established leaders in our organization. We have since leveraged the Career Planning process every year to identify future Women L.E.A.D. members. Women L.E.A.D. was Big Y's first Employee Resource Group (ERG) whose structure, experiences and impact have stimulated the development of additional ERGs within our company. This group has women with leadership responsibilities from various areas of the company. There is a theme and initiatives the group learns and supports throughout the year. We attend monthly meetings and actively participate in open and challenging dialogue.