In honor of Black History Month, we are spotlighting employees from Canada and the U.S. – sharing their perspective on the meaning of Black History Month, their inspiration and career advice.
Read more about Jasmin W., Area Rental Manager in Alberta, Canada.
Describe your career path with Enterprise.
I started my career as a Management Trainee in 2014, right after University. Eager to learn and move up the corporate ladder, I started selling competitively and diving into the marketplace weekly.
In 2016 I was promoted to Branch Manager, where I really focused on honing the skills of how to grow operations and motivate my people to be successful. I ran two neighborhood branch locations before accepting an opportunity at Edmonton International to learn the airport operations side of the business.
In August 2019 I was promoted to Area Rental Manager in Edmonton, Alberta. This has been a very exciting and challenging year. My area experienced major damage to our fleet after a large hailstorm, and then, of course, COVID-19 hit.
I am so proud of my team’s resiliency and personal growth throughout it all, and I am so excited for us to take on 2021.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It means everything to me, especially this year.
A lot of activation around race has been witnessed this past year, and undercover racism really surfaced in 2020. Black History Month weighs heavier on my heart this year than any other as I carry the emotional burden of the women that came before me. Our ancestors, the people always talked about during this time, truly paved the way for Black people today—and if they could only see that the vice president of the United States is a Black woman, the tears of joy could fill a flowing river.
Is there a Black leader, past or present, who inspires you?
Absolutely—there are a few! To highlight one specifically, I would hands-down say Harriett Tubman. She changed the world when she risked her own life to free the slaves. She is truly a leader of the people.
What keeps you at Enterprise?
The organization’s culture and vast opportunities keep me excited to move forward with the company.
What has surprised you most about working at Enterprise?
The impact I can have on people. I have had numerous people share with me their career and personal struggles. I take the time to listen. Their appreciation and gratitude for me just listening to them has been profound. There is no better feeling then impacting someone’s life for the better, even if it is just one person.
Is there an Enterprise Holdings program that has impacted you, or that you find motivating/encouraging?
I absolutely love the Canadian Women in Leadership Conference and have had the honor of being and attending twice after being nominated to participate by my managers. I find the conference to be so empowering. I hope one day to get the opportunity to attend the Inclusion and Diversity Conference as well.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Sit at the table! For the women reading this: if you have not read the chapters written by Sheryl Sandberg in her book Lean In, this is my number one recommendation. Don’t be the last one to sit at the table. Do not wait for the men or more senior colleagues to grab their seats first.
Go grab your seat—you deserve it.
Did/do you have a mentor?
I have had a few mentors throughout my career, and today I know I have many silent sponsors and supporters.
Mentors are an extremely powerful tool to have in the company, and I look forward to participating in the Formal Mentor Program again. My previous mentor was alongside me as I received my recent promotion, and I am grateful for his/her support.
Stay tuned next week for the next employee spotlight!