Not all heroes wear capes and not all rockstars carry guitars. At ShipMonk, we’re honored to have tons of talented, intelligent, creative, passionate women working to make our corner of the ecommerce world shine bright. In celebration of International Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting the ladies dominating the logistics industry across our international ecommerce fulfillment centers. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a few shining stars in our Human Resources, Operations, and Engineering departments. Say hello to Maria Garcia, Jennifer Kessler, and Allison Robinson. And if you want to be a part of our powerful team, visit our Careers page today!
Maria Garcia – Senior HR Business Partner
1.) Tell us a little about the responsibilities of your position.
I’m recently transitioning from my Corporate HR role into an Operations HR role. Over the course of my first year at ShipMonk, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with Client Experience, Finance, Marketing, Business Operations, and Transportation on their initiatives and programs. In my new role, I have relocated to ShipMonk Texas in support of that new building and their operations as well as leaning into our Kentucky location.
2.) What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love how dynamic and collaborative my job is. I have the opportunity to partner with different departments and locations in the ShipMonk network and see the impact of different programs we roll out or improve. HR has a unique role in the organization and being able to help our team members is really important to me.
3.) Did you always want to work in this kind of role? What led you to be here?
I didn’t think I would end up in HR – my background before 3PL was in Public Relations and Event Marketing. Before ShipMonk, I was at Ruby Has working directly under Rafi (ShipMonk’s CPO) who I met solely by chance. When I began at Ruby Has, I was a 6 month contractor but just this month I celebrated 5 years in logistics. I think what led me here is my passion for people and a lot of what HR is involves dealing with people, engagement, and processes which I truly enjoy.
4.) What is it like working for ShipMonk?
I’ve had the honor of working both at HQ and visiting most of the ShipMonk sites. Each day is always different and each site has its own personality but has the same Get S*it done mentality that makes ShipMonk great.
5.) What is a favorite quote from an awesome woman you admire?
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
6.) If you could give advice to “you” 10 years ago, what would it be?
Keep going and enjoy the ride. Do everything with intention and purpose, and keep challenging yourself to become better. Life is about experiences, successes, and failures, but live each day to the fullest. That’s what matters the most.
7.) Outside of work, where else do you dedicate your time and passion?
I’ve recently gotten a puppy, so when I’m home she takes up most of my time. Outside of that, I love travel/exploring new places, concerts, museums, and I might be guilty of a little weekend karaoke.
Jennifer Kessler – Senior Operations Manager
1.) Tell us a little about the responsibilities of your position.
I am responsible for driving Safety, Service, Quality, and Performance in our CA fulfillment center.
2.) What do you enjoy most about your job?
The thing that I love most about ShipMonk is the people. We have an amazing group of associates who just get sh*t done!
3.) Did you always want to work in this kind of role? What led you to be here?
When I was a little girl I wanted to bag groceries for a living. I moved out when I was 15 and would clean houses so I could make ends meet. I never imagined that I would be where I am today in my career but what led me here is hard work and perseverance. No matter what obstacles life has thrown at me I have always been dedicated to my team and doing a good job.
4.) What is it like working for ShipMonk?
Working for ShipMonk is challenging, collaborative, and fast paced.
5.) What is a favorite quote from an awesome woman you admire?
“I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it.” – Estée Lauder
6.) If you could give advice to “you” 10 years ago, what would it be?
Cherish the time you have with your Mom because one day you won’t have it.
7.) Outside of work, where else do you dedicate your time and passion?
I am a boy Mom. I have a 12-year-old son who is God-fearing, kind, and smart. We enjoy going to Disneyland, the beach, off-roading, and traveling.
Allison Robinson – Senior Process Engineer
1.) Tell us a little about the responsibilities of your position.
As a Senior Process Engineer, I work on designing new processes at ShipMonk, and designing and launching new buildings within the ShipMonk network.
2.) What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the creation of new processes and witnessing a building come to fruition from a drawing on the computer.
3.) Did you always want to work in this kind of role? What led you to be here?
Ever since I was a little kid, I always dreamed of being an engineer. My first dream career was to design a theme park for Disney World.
4.) What is it like working for ShipMonk?
Working for ShipMonk is very interesting. There is never a dull moment working for a company that is growing at the pace ShipMonk has been.
5.) What is a favorite quote from an awesome woman you admire?
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
6.) If you could give advice to “you” 10 years ago, what would it be?
Even through the destination is important, don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
7.) Outside of work, where else do you dedicate your time and passion?
I enjoy golfing, oil painting, and spending time with my friends and family.
