Words from the Wise: Celebrating Women’s History Month
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Nordstrom employees to talk about what womanhood means to them.
Elyse Perez
I have worked for Nordstrom for more than 6 years. I started on the sales floor of a Nordstrom Rack while attending college at Boise State University. I am currently a Merchandise Analyst supporting home. I am also the Chair of our Women in Nordstrom Employee Resource Group (ERG).
How do you want to see womanhood celebrated?
I’ve learned that there are no qualifications or set definitions for what makes a woman, a woman. I would like to see womanhood celebrated in a diverse way that highlights the unique experiences and identities of all women, across a variety of communities. Each of us has a different understanding of what it means to be a woman based on our own experiences—I would like to see each of us share that.
What are you most proud of and what lesson have you learned in that journey?
Once I started to consider what career I wanted to pursue, I knew I wanted it to be in the fashion industry which led me to Nordstrom. I was the first in my family to attend college and haven’t always had a clear idea of what reaching my goals would look like or the steps I needed to take. I am most proud of the person I have grown into, the career and life I am building, and I am most appreciative of the people who have encouraged and helped me along the way. There are several lessons I have learned from—follow your passions and share your goals with the people around you.
How do you empower and uplift other women?
I empower and uplift women by dedicating my time and energy to volunteering in spaces that impact women. Prior to COVID I had over 100 volunteer hours at a local domestic violence organization. It’s amazing that Nordstrom will match my volunteer time with donations directly supporting the non-profit. I am also the Chair of our Women in Nordstrom ERG and have been participating in this space for about three years. I do my best to support businesses founded, owned, and operated by.
Jasmine Randhawa
I’m a first generation Punjabi American, born and raised on the west coast. I support the Digital Operations Organization at Nordstrom, and volunteer as the Chair for our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Employee Resource Group.
How do you want to see womanhood celebrated?
I don’t believe womanhood can be celebrated until we take the time to understand what it is in all its fluidity. The most important way I feel womanhood should be celebrated is by destabilizing the narrative that we are naturally meant to serve and show up as a certain role through femininity. Celebrate the intellect, strength, & diverse capabilities that women hold.
What are you most proud of and what lesson have you learned in that journey?
I’m proud of encompassing self-love. By consistently mending the relationship I have with my body, becoming financially independent, and understanding my worth through my character—I’ve learned and unlearned several narratives on what it means to be a quality woman and person.
How do you empower and uplift other women?
I empower other women by validating them. I believe by being vulnerable about things we’re taught to be ashamed and being real about our experiences, we’re able to strengthen and uplift against ideologies that disempower us.