Celebrating Women of Mettle

Mettle is defined as “a person’s ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way”. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Olympic Steel is celebrating our own women of both mettle AND metal!

#BreakTheBias was the campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2022. Like past campaigns, such as #ChooseToChallenge, #PressForProgress and #BeBoldForChange, this year’s campaign encouraged women to break free from the stereotypes. International Women’s Day has been celebrated every year on March 8 (at the start of Women’s History Month) since the early 1900s, when the oppression and inequality women faced led them to become more vocal in fighting for their rights. For over a century, thousands of women across the globe have been advocating for themselves and each other in recognition of their ability to “break the glass ceiling”.

Inspiring Women Inspire Women

We have an incredible team of inspiring women who shared their experiences and what International Women’s Day means to them. Here’s what they said:

How did you end up working in the steel industry?

Dana D. Beard, Regional HR & Safety Manager, Action Stainless & Alloys, Carrollton, TX –  “It all started 15 years ago. A stamping company started out as my client to perform HR services on a contract basis. I was fascinated with operations and watching operators perform on the press brakes and laser. I began to ask questions – a lot of questions. I became an employee and, though HR has always been my “safe zone,” they opened doors for me I had never been exposed to before. I was hooked and have been in the steel industry since – asking a lot of questions.”

Nita Patel, Chief Financial Officer – Action Stainless & Alloy – I was born and raised in India. I received my undergraduate and post graduate degrees in Finance and Marketing. Soon after, I started working in the banking industry. After my husband proposed to me, he came to the U.S. to finish his degree and start his career in the telecom industry. When we married in 1988, I also moved here to the United States. After settling in New Jersey, I started working for an insurance company as I earned my MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. This led to an accounting position in a manufacturing company. My husband’s business brought us to Dallas in 1998. That’s when I began with Action Stainless as a senior accountant. I became the Controller in 2008 and the CFO in 2014.

Have you faced any challenges while working in this industry? How did you overcome them?

Ivonne McCauley, Inventory Control Supervisor – Olympic Steel Specialty Metals – “The challenges have been so many, between learning about the product, customers, competitors and pricing. I overcame that particular one by getting involved in all the departments regarding their processes to provide a great customer service.”

Sonya Malvick, Outside Sales – Olympic Steel (Wisconsin Territory) – “Absolutely. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has not been easy, especially when I helped pave the way at previous companies where no women were in management or in outside sales. But, I kept pushing. I was passed by three times for an outside sales role but eventually was able to push through and land the opportunity. I also joined a great organization (AWMI) where I received the support from others in the industry. I had a strong male mentor that also supported my efforts. It’s always important to find a mentor that can help champion your efforts.”

What advice would you have for any women looking to begin a career in a predominantly male field?

Caroline Shiner, Corporate Communications Manager – Olympic Steel – “The number of men in an industry shouldn’t affect anyone who really wants to be there. Prove yourself like you would in any other industry – educate yourself, work hard and always do your best.”

Cassy Powers, Human Resources Vice President – Olympic Steel Corporate Office (Bedford Heights, OH) – “You don’t get what you don’t ask for, so be bold! You have a unique opportunity to make your mark and have a huge impact. Surround yourself with other great partners who support you. Being in any field, you will have challenges whether you are working with primarily men or women, so I encourage every young woman to dive right in and carve out your place.”

Hannah Price, General Manager – Olympic Steel, Hanceville, AL – “My advice to young women getting in a predominately male industry is to accept that there will be biases, but continue to remain true to yourself. Surround yourself with the right, positive people who see your true value…stay confident in who you are, and what attributes make you successful!”

Brenda Marple, Regional HR Manager – Olympic Steel Corporate Office (Bedford Heights, OH) – “The advice I would give any young woman is to just go for it. You can do whatever you set your mind to!”

Fueling Fortitude Requires Care

Many women, as caregivers, breadwinners and more face unique challenges balancing the needs and demands associated with all the aspects of their busy lives. The result? Ladies tend to put themselves last – especially when it comes to essential self-care and preventive health.

One way you can show your support to the amazing women in your life is to help them make space to complete critical health screenings and wellness checks. For women, preventative health screening can include, but is not limited to:

• Well-Woman Visits
• Pap Smears
• Mammograms
• Colonoscopies
• Annual wellness checks

Preventive health screening has long been recognized as one of the most important health care approaches to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, improve quality of life, and prevent illness and injury. Show the ladies in your life how much you love them by helping them make their health and self-care a priority – during Women’s History Month and all year long.

For more information about Olympic Steel’s benefits program and what’s covered, visit steelperks.com. If you have specific questions about your coverage or plan, reach out to the HR Help Desk at 216.242.2886 (internal extension 19780) or Corporate.HR@olysteel.com.