DEI Council Member Spotlight - Michelle Trees
Meet Michelle Trees, a member of the Recruiting and Selection subcommittee who believes we're better off when we combine our unique characteristics into a collectively wiser team.
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 Matthew Krinke and this month…
Michelle Trees, Inside Sales Representative, Olympic Steel (Bettendorf, IA)
Michelle has worked at Olympic Steel for a year and is a member of the Recruiting and Selection subcommittee.
Q: Share a unique fun fact or characteristic about yourself.
A: When I was 8 years old, I bowled a 263 game without bumpers. It's a personal record I still have yet to beat.
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 like to think I can pivot quickly and I am never afraid to ask a question.
Q: What motivated you to become a DEI Council Member?
A: A few years ago, I came down with a virus that sent my immune system into overdrive and caused me to be diagnosed with alopecia. Within a few months I was completely bald from head to toe. It was a life changing experience that made me take stock in how people are treated based on their physical appearance, and often times these face value judgments are inaccurate. I believe in standing tall in one's own uniqueness and that these collective traits make a wiser team.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being an Olympic Steel employee?
A: Olympic Steel really does a fantastic job at fostering growth. I never turn down an opportunity for continued education.
Q: In your opinion, what's a simple action everyone can take to make our Company a welcoming workplace?
A: Replace superficial judgement with genuine curiosity.
Q: What cultural/heritage celebration or tradition holds special meaning for you? Mind sharing why?
A: My family hails from Northern England, and a great majority of time is dedicated to herding sheep and singing in pubs. I have two herding dogs that have traded the herding for professional cuddling and I will never decline a karaoke invite.
