RWIT was born from a simple truth:
women power retail’s workforce and purchasing decisions,
yet remain materially underrepresented.
We saw brilliant women overlooked and women and allies without a place
to come together no matter their age, title, or experience.
So we’re building something different.
Not another paywalled networking group,
But a cross-sector, multi-generational community where
women and allies don’t just connect, they accelerate together.
A movement rooted in
radical inclusion, authenticity and advocacy.
Through mentorship, visibility, allyship and access, our structured systems
create real pathways, translating community into career progression and industry growth.
We are reshaping our industry by
bridging people, pathways, and purpose.
Connections are retail’s most undervalued asset and we’re here to unlock them.
We cultivate transformative relationships because we know one conversation can change a life.
We support each other with shared purpose, generosity and participation.
We make space for every chapter: starting out, wins, pivots, layoffs, the messy middle and reinventions.
We center whole humans, not job titles or credentials.
We bring our full selves, not just the shiny parts, but the vulnerable sides too.
We’re a circle, not a stage. Everyone’s voice and contribution matters.
Never in a million years did I imagine creating something like this.
Mental health in the workplace was my cause. For a moment during the pandemic, I seriously considered pursuing my dream of becoming an advocate, author, and speaker on the topic. However, with three teenagers, two households to support, and no windfall ever, it wasn’t the most financially responsible choice. Then, an unexpected turn in my career led me to a job at a tech company as the GM of Retail & Consumer Goods. It was an unplanned fork in the road that became the most incredible part of my professional journey yet, because it led me here.
I've always seen the potential in people. It’s one of my greatest gifts (and sometimes a curse, best discussed over drinks). Because of this, it breaks my heart when people don’t realize how amazing they are. What I didn’t expect as I started meeting women and our community grew was how widespread self-doubt was, so not okay! It made me reflect. As much as I projected confidence, I, too, felt like an imposter, torturing myself by comparing my accomplishments (or lack thereof) to others. It became crystal clear how much we all needed one another.
Want to know something funny? I had never been involved in any community outside of ERGs. But hearing others' stories, reflecting on my own experiences, and witnessing the shifts in women's rights and support, now reaching a fever pitch of injustice, made committing to RWIT a no-brainer. It wasn’t just an idea; it became my passion. Fiercely.
They say if you do what you love, success will follow. My retirement plan was to start or run a nonprofit. And here I am, 15 years ahead of schedule, beginning to manifest it. My financial situation hasn’t changed, but instead of running away, I’m leaning in. I couldn't be a false prophet, telling others to go after what they want while not doing the same myself. I hope more of you do the same. Why is money the measure of success? Let's rewrite the playbook!
My gratitude for everyone, women and men, who have encouraged me to keep going, is beyond measure.