DEI Council Member Spotlight - Gretchen Hudson
Meet Gretchen Hudson, a Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR) and the newest member of Olympic Steel’s DEI Council – Recruiting & Selection subcommittee.
In 2023, Olympic Steel reached a significant milestone in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts by establishing employee-run DEI Council Subcommittees. These individuals volunteered to take part in this work, in addition to their regular job duties, because they each wanted to make a positive impact on our Company.
Each month, we’ll give you the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the employees helping to strengthen Olympic Steel’s culture. Last month we featured Michelle Trees and this month…
Gretchen Hudson, Corporate Talent Acquisition Specialist, Olympic Steel (Chambersburg, PA)
Gretchen has worked at Olympic Steel for almost two years and is a member of the Recruiting and Selection subcommittee.
Q: Share a unique fun fact or characteristic about yourself.
A: I began my education in Mortuary Science at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS).
Q: When it comes to work, what’s your superpower? What special skill do you offer to support your co-workers/team?
A: Agility – I am adaptable and easily embrace new responsibilities or challenges. Grit – I am able to keep pushing myself and the team until the work is done, sharing my high levels of endurance, tenacity and focus.
Q: What motivated you to become a DEI Council Member?
A: As a Recruiter, I see the value in a warm welcome to the team. A positive first impression leads to a big impact on retention, which will enhance overall employee performance and business outcomes. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be that face for Olympic Steel and ensure I am displaying the appropriate attitude that demonstrates that welcoming feeling. I love to hear stories of successful inclusion when I reach back out to my new hires. Hearing that they feel included gives me a great feeling of job satisfaction and makes me proud to promote my Company. I also love going to job fairs and showing our support in representing the communities we serve and being able to provide examples of the positive onboarding stories and career growth employees experience at Olympic Steel.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being an Olympic Steel employee?
A: The opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Q: In your opinion, what's a simple action everyone can take to make our Company a welcoming workplace?
A: Take the time to send a welcome message to a new team member. Hearing it from multiple levels ensures our employees are not just a number, but an important piece of our community.
Q: What cultural/heritage celebration or tradition holds special meaning for you? Mind sharing why?
A: Sunday family dinners – we have done these at least 2-3 Sundays a month, if not every Sunday, for as long as I can remember. Extended family members and close family friends attend. I like the consistency of the support and I feel it helps everyone feel important and connected because we celebrate all of our accomplishments – large and small – when we get together.
