March is Women's History Month. As a woman-owned business, we're proud to shine a spotlight on some of the women who make a difference here. We've asked them all the same questions—about their time at EnvirOx, and the women who inspire them.
Diana Stewart
President
How long have you worked at EnvirOx?
Officially, since 2004. Unofficially, since high school. My dad and brother would take me on business trips, teach me how to do product demos, clean facilities and train custodians to use our products. By college I would make a little extra money in the summer hanging chemical dispensers and training cleaning staff at schools.
What woman or women influenced you growing up?
My grandmothers, Elaine Shaffer and Elizabeth (Betty) Stewart, nanny, Elsie Oreskovich, mother, Mary Stewart and step-mom, Vicki Haugen. These women were very different from one another, save a few consistent traits; independence and resilience. I come from a line of independent women, some considered misfits, trailblazers and quite ahead of their time. I see what they achieved despite limited opportunities. I also see how each rebelled against certain standards, to make her mark anyway.
Does working at a woman-owned business feel different than other places you’ve worked? Or does it mean anything to you personally?
It means a great deal to me. My father founded EnvirOx. He’s entrusted me with our future. This is a leap in social and economic progress that I am proud to represent. There are few Woman Owned Cleaning Chemical Manufacturer’s in our industry and the health and safety of our products gives our work purpose. Work/life balance, emotionally safe spaces, and communication are high priorities at EnvirOx. These are not new topics, nor are they exclusively driven by women. However, as a mother of twins, I see the often-untenable challenges and impossible choices made every day by working parents. In partnership with our HR Manager, Katie Hightower, we’ve adjusted many of our policies to accommodate growing families and general flexibility. As a person who values vulnerability and emotionally safe spaces, it’s a priority to me that we create a workplace with those qualities. Is that because I’m a woman? Not entirely. But I do think these topics are leadership priorities due to my experiences as a woman in work structures designed by men.
What’s one thing you’d tell younger women today that you’ve learned from experience?
Don’t accept poor treatment from anyone.
If you could have dinner with four women—living or dead—who would they be and why?
- Vicki Haugen, because we didn’t have enough time together.
- Michelle Obama, she would completely disrupt and expand my perspective.
- Frida Kahlo, she is a creative genius who broke through incredible barriers.
- Sheryl Sandberg, she is a champion, leader and advocate for empowering women and girls.