Women In Leadership at Dauphin Co-op
ActionsMany strides have been made towards equality in the Canadian workplace over the last several years, although women continue to face barriers to advancement because of their gender.
At Dauphin Co-op, investment in learning and education for all Team Members is a priority. Providing opportunities to improve knowledge and potential for growth within the company as well as adding skills that may be used to contribute outside of the workplace to improve the life of our communities, is a part of our vision.
The opportunity for advancement is available to any Team Member that is willing to pursue their dreams regardless of gender. One example is the Main Street Co-op Gas Bar Manager, Kelly Moroz. Kelly was recently recognized by Convenience & Carwash Canada, a national industry publication, for her own personal story as a woman in a leadership position. Kelly’s story was chosen by “Women in Carwash” because of the many personal sacrifices she has made to reach her career goals. See the publication: Convenience and Car Wash Jan-Feb issue
Kelly began working at Dauphin Co-op at the Food Store while she attended college. A month before graduation, the Human Resource Manager, Nadia Spikula, asked her if she would be interested in applying at the Main Street Gas Bar in an assistant manager position.
“I did not plan on staying with Co-op at the time but thought it would do while I applied for other jobs. I started a week after I graduated from college at the Co-op gas station/carwash and worked with the Manager, Darian Bercier, for the next five years. He taught me so much during that time and over those five years I was told that one day I could be a manager.
In 2013, I went on maternity leave and a month after my son was born, I found out my Manager applied for a different position. I knew right then that I had to apply for the position. I applied, got an interview and within a month was offered the job. Now I had to decide to take the job when my son was three months old or decide to stay home and miss out on that chance of ever becoming the manager in a place that I worked so hard at. I made the hard decision and took the position of Manager of the Main Street Gas Bar/Car Wash.
Working full time while having a three-month-old was sure a challenge. Now in 2020 my son is seven years old and I continue to work at the store. There have been many challenges throughout the years, but I have made it through them.
Being a woman in the carwash industry has its challenges but I cannot imagine my life any other way. I learn new things all the time and try to learn as much as I can when it comes to the carwash so I can help in the back and not always rely on someone else. I believe the more I can learn the better, and I want to continue learning as much as possible. I am proud of the place I work at and hope we can be the customers’ location of choice because we keep the carwashes working and clean, and they like the service they receive." said Kelly.
Being a woman in a leadership position sometimes has the added challenge of balancing the responsibilities of parenting. Kelly has overcome obstacles to enjoy every moment with her family and excel at her career.
Kelly is a great asset to Dauphin Co-op, leading her team to success, year after year. She takes the time to encourage and mentor her Team Members to be the best they can be and to take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow in order to advance in leadership for their future and the future of the company.
Learn more about Kelly's achievements 2023 Future Leaders Award.
At Dauphin Co-op, we believe in equality and encourage anyone with the desire to excel at their career — anything is possible. Work hard and learn new things. Don't be afraid of failure. Lessons are learned through every challenge encountered.