During Women’s History Month, Inspire celebrates the stories of our corporate and franchise team members, as well as franchisees as we reflect on the significant roles that women have played in shaping American history. Today, we spoke with Kirsten Allen, who has served as a Regional Vice President at Buffalo Wild Wings for the last year and spent the previous 17 years at Arby’s. She is also a member of Inspire’s Champions of Women Leaders Business Resource Group, which is dedicated to helping members strengthen their leadership skills, utilize networking opportunities and provide resources that support the needs of women in the workplace.
Why is being a member of the Champions of Women Leaders BRG important to you?
Having access to female leaders changes the perceived beliefs about who can lead and what skills are needed to be a leader. Although the representation of women in leadership roles has been increasing, there are still people out there that do not have direct access to positive female role models. A BRG casts a wider net so that people have access to leaders that represent them.
What are your goals as a member of this BRG?
I want to challenge people to think differently about how their biases are affecting themselves and the people around them.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It’s a celebration of the progress that we have already made. It is also a reminder that bias still exists and WE can make an impact. Every woman has different goals when it comes to family and career. There is no one “right way” to be a successful woman.
How are you celebrating women’s achievements?
I will be celebrating by showing gratitude. Each day I will send a thank you note to a woman or an ally that has inspired me personally or professionally.
Is there a particular woman in history that has influenced you in either your personal life or career?
Eleanor Roosevelt and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. On a professional level, Melissa Strait, Tami Skillingstad and Karen Flanary.
A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. How can you help forge a gender equal world?
There is a quote by RBG that I love, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” When someone lets their bias show, I think it is critical to say something, but correct them in a way that makes them want to listen.
Learn more about Inspire’s Champions of Women Leaders BRG on the group’s LinkedIn page. To learn more about career opportunities at Inspire, visit careers.inspirebrands.com.
