To start off Women’s History Month, we are honoring some of the many remarkable women who make up the Thistle team. From production, to culinary development, accounting, and meal delivery, each of these groups include incredibly determined and inspiring women who have paved their own paths to success. Every day they show up with their personal and professional goals in mind and are prepared to give their all for their coworkers and our customers.

These women have so beautifully expressed what it means to be a woman in the workforce today. With their focus, commitment, tenacity, and confidence they have become role models for many, both in and outside of Thistle. We admire the work these women accomplish day in and day out and want to show them how much we appreciate everything they do.

Here are some words from them on advice they’d give their younger selves, where their love of food comes from, and how they feel about being a woman in the workforce.

What advice would you give your younger self?

‍Rhea Bautista, Human Resources: 
“My personal mantra for the last few years has been to "say yes and figure the rest out later." At times, we're prone to talking ourselves out of an opportunity because it's scary but we end up missing out on real growth opportunities. So, I say bet on yourself and go for it. You'll be surprised at what you get in return when you do.”

‍Sophie Nguyen, Accounting: 
‍“The world is big with unpredictable things but you should still make a move and challenge yourself without fear of what may happen. Everything happens for a reason. You can plan ahead but the plan may change; do not be disappointed. Work better, live better. Spend more time with your loved ones. Time moves fast; things change fast. They can’t wait for you forever.”

‍Lesslie Diaz, Production Lead:
“If I could give some advice to my younger self, it would be to not be afraid of what the future holds for her. Follow what you are truly passionate about, without looking back even if you fall. Get back up and keep going. With patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude you can overcome any obstacle. Don’t get stuck; make your life your passion.”

‍Erlinda Solis, Plating Manager:
“I would advise my younger self to not ever judge yourself in comparison to other people. Instead, judge yourself against what you know you're capable of.  2. Don't think so much. Sometimes it's ok to be YOU. 3. Never forget where you came from. 4. Take time to think before you speak. Being a woman in the workforce is phenomenal, communication style is perceived as better than men. I feel so empowered.”

‍Carmen Kong, Quality Assurance Auditor:
“Believe in yourself. Oftentimes, we get compared to those around us and start to feel like we’re not enough. However, through foundational support from family and friends, you’ll realize the power to brave life’s challenges lies within. Your self-worth is not based in material possessions, as your confidence is the most beautiful thing you can ever possess.”
‍
Miriam Pernisco, Los Angeles Lead Driver:
‍“If I could go back in time and tell my younger self something, I would tell her to always stand strongly by her beliefs and to take the opportunity to travel. With growth comes the ability to make decisions for yourself that will surely contribute to your fulfillment and happiness. For me, my independence, strength and ability to explore have truly benefited my livelihood.”

Who introduced you to food and how has this shaped your relationship with it?

Dana Norman, Meal Delivery:
‍“My mother introduced me to food. Growing up as a teenager, I would watch how she would cook for us, how she navigated around the kitchen. I would go grocery shopping with her and want to go up and down the aisles looking at all the different types of food. I would later watch her create meals out of little or nothing and they would be delicious. My mom passed that passion on to me. I love food. I absolutely love to cook and bake. My greatest compliment came when my mom told me that I was a better cook than her before she passed away.  She told me she cooked food because she had to, she told me I cooked because I loved it.”

Stefanie Woo, Culinary Manager:
“Both sides of my family love to cook. My grandpa was a cook for Trader Vics in Emeryville and his brothers had a bunch of restaurants in L.A. so food was always around me. I really started cooking more when I was living at my house in Oakland. I was always trying new things I had seen online and started to experiment with different things. My relationship with food has its ups and downs. It’s like I’m in a love/hate relationship but the only difference is that it’s with food.”

Cole Gordon, Purchasing Manager:
“My love of food springs from many places but was truly sparked by my Granddad Hal. A Naval doctor during WWII and an avid traveler, he embraced & absorbed all things culinary. When I moved to CA and lived close to him we had weekly cooking lessons. His cookbooks are some of my most treasured things.”

‍

What does being a woman in the workforce mean to you? 

Jamie Gutierrez, Los Angeles Production Lead: 
“Being a woman in the workforce is empowering. It’s about leading younger generations of women to expand their limits, especially the young minority women. As a Hispanic single parent, it’s about letting the younger generation know that regardless of the difficult financial  hardship you had growing up, it won't determine your future. It’s about showing the younger generation a mindset that takes you in the direction of what you want in your career path.”

Stefanie Woo, Culinary Manager:
“To me, it means to let your talent and passion thrive, regardless of your age, looks, or gender. It means standing up for what you believe in and to push for results and success. It means instilling spirit, change, and action into whatever you’re doing.”

Cole Gordon, Purchasing Manager:
“Everything! So many women before me pushed through so many obstacles and gave me so many opportunities. Being a woman in the US, I am grateful everyday for what I am able to dream of doing and having a chance to make those dreams a reality.”

Miriam Pernisco, Los Angeles Lead Driver:
‍“Having grown up around tremendous, strong single women, I learned to be strong and independent. With the ability to maintain a career as well as stay true to my beliefs, I believe my independence has flourished and has encouraged me to do more for myself and those that I care about. I also have flexibility within my career, therefore, I'm able to listen to myself and take care of myself, all of which contribute to my overall happiness and strength.”

Thistle is so lucky to have these remarkable women on our team. This Women’s Month, find a way to honor and celebrate amazing women in your own life. Let’s give each and every woman the recognition they so thoroughly deserve!