ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA ROSARIO-CALCANO
March 9, 2022
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across the company who are shaping our community and who embody our Life at Centric philosophy every day. This Women’s History Month, we honor the women who challenge, question, and drive our Centric Brands mission of creating equity and opportunity in the workplace.
Meet Jessica Rosario-Calcano, Senior Director, Merchandising for IZOD.
What is your role at Centric Brands?
I head up merchandising for IZOD Mens as the Sr. Director of Merchandising. My role is to connect process with product and ensure it flows smoothly, as efficiency increases profitability. I have the unique vantage point of having visibility and access to all of the cross functional teams and so the term “siloed” does not exist in Merchandising.
The 2022 theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. What does the hashtag mean to you?
The first thing that comes to mind when I hear #BreakTheBias is equity. Equity is equal access to success for women. Is there a woman being considered for a key role? How are we creating opportunities to get them there? How are companies reevaluating existing corporate culture to give women a voice.
What is the best advice you have been given?
Don’t come to the table (or your bosses’ office for that matter) with a problem without having a solution. If a solution is not within your scope, leverage other’s expertise. We are an ecosystem, so leaning on others for support is something that should always be mutually acceptable.
Who in your career has been a mentor and why?
My mentor is a former boss, who while not very high up in the ranks, she always managed and lead with her values first. I learned that leading with clear values will make your job so much more rewarding. She also told me not to come to her office with a problem without a solution.
Tell us about a hobby you enjoy outside of work and why.
Outside of work I really enjoy working out! I grew up playing sports and it has always been a way for me to find energy when I’m tired but also a form of meditation when I need stress relief. I enjoy bootcamp training where there’s a sense of competition, it’s the only environment that I’m okay with someone yelling at me!
