The DRG Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) hosted their annual development workshop on October 28 with a focus on empowering DRG women to own their impact, lead boldly and grow with confidence. In a brand-new format, DRG women leaders from across the country gathered together at their local offices in Kansas City, Northern California, Southern California and Las Vegas to tune into a webinar hosted at the DRG RSC. Nearly 80 participants geared up for a day full of learning to broaden their horizons and set their sights on their plans and intentions for 2027. We called it WLN Live!
After surveying members of the network, this year’s workshop was curated to directly address the topics our women value most. The agenda included how to lead with empathy and accountability, advocate for yourself in the workplace, creating your professional presence and networking. Keynote speakers included Christie Cruz, VP of Operations at Krispy Kreme; Kara Ramirez, Senior VP of Operations at DRG’s Kansas City Market; Jason Dunn, Chief Restaurant Officer at DRG, and Jennifer Levine, VP of Human Resources at DRG. All these speakers brought powerful topics to life, providing participants with ways to apply growth plans into their own professional lives. Plus, DRG leadership including Tom Douglas, Chief Operating Officer and SG Ellison, Chief Executive Officer, addressed the workshop providing insight on the program’s development and impact.
Along with a focus on professional development, WLN seeks to empower and invest in DRG’s local communities. This year’s workshop featured a spotlight on Girls on the Run, an organization present in all of the DRG markets. Participants learned about the impact the non-profit has on young girls lives, providing them an outlet to grow in confidence and surround themselves with new friends and opportunities. Plus, WLN members were provided volunteer opportunities to support the organization.
Thoughtful discussions and personal reflections drove the workshop where women were able to connect with one another and keep each other accountable in developing their professional goals. Despite being in different cities, powerful forums of discussion spanned the distance as participants asked questions and dove into deeper conversation. From the West Coast to the Midwest, leaders were connected and set their focus for the year ahead with the One Word. One Purpose. One Plan. Activity. Using the WLN action plan, participants intentionally reflected on what they wanted to take action on and bring into the new year. This included what accomplishments they hoped to achieve, how they showed up as leaders, and more. From this exercise, WLN members chose one word to represent them in 2027, along with an action plan to achieve it. From there, participants made bag charms with their selected one word to serve as a constant reminder of their action plan.
WLN is fast growing, reaching women all across the DRG system. Workshops and other events like this are a constant reminder of the impact the network has created for so many. Sierra Burk, WLN Network Lead and Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications at DRG, is excited to continue expanding the program and spearheading its development.
Thank you to everyone who joined WLN Live and made this event a massive success, we look forward to what the next year brings!
