DEI Council Member Spotlight - Larissa Smerer

Meet Larissa Smerer, Administrative Assistant at Chicago Tube & Iron (St. Paul, MN) and member of our DEI Council Training & Education 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 Chad Slygh and this month…

Larissa Smerer, Administrative Assistant, Chicago Tube & Iron (St. Paul, MN)

Q: Share a unique fun fact or characteristic about yourself.

A: I spend my free time renovating an off-grid cabin and maintaining the surrounding land.

Q: When it comes to work, what’s your superpower? What special skill do you offer to support your co-workers/team?

A: I'd say my "superpower" is the ability to step back and see situations from differing perspectives & utilizing those perspectives to have empathy for those around me.

Q: What motivated you to become a DEI Council Member?

A: I was motivated by the potential for growth - for myself, my coworkers and beyond.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being an Olympic Steel employee?

A: My favorite thing is the sense of community that not only develops within each branch, but across the nation.

Q: In your opinion, what's a simple action everyone can take to make our Company a welcoming workplace?

A: Take that extra moment in your workday to improve someone else's day: make someone smile, offer a listening ear, or help out when you can.

Q: What cultural/heritage celebration or tradition holds special meaning for you? Mind sharing why?

A: I don't really have a tradition or holiday with special personal meaning, but I do enjoy learning about what's important to others and seeing the similarities they share and the differences that make them unique.