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Writer's pictureMichele

Celebrating the Women Who Make Us Great

International Women's Day Edition


Welcome to an extra special issue of the KRCrossing Kronicles! This International Women's Day, we're shining a light on the amazing women who've not just revolutionized the construction industry but have also been game-changers in our careers and personal journeys.


Women Who Weave Success


In the story of KRCrossing and our career paths, there's a lineup of women whose impact has been downright life-changing. Their savvy, resilience, and guiding hands have not only boosted KRCrossing sky-high but have also shaped the way we tackle our projects and boost our team spirit.


Michele when KRCrossing started in 2016

Grace Chung: The Wizard Behind Sephora's Retail Magic


Leading Sephora's Store Transformation, Grace has been a force of change since stepping in as Project Manager in 2006. Climbing the ranks to Director, she's the epitome of where hard graft meets fearless decision-making. Under her watch, teams, contractors, and a whole universe of partners bring their A-game, keeping Sephora's stores fresh, on-brand, and ahead of the curve. It's Grace's blend of steadfast dedication and bold leadership that ensures Sephora's retail spaces are not just spaces but experiences that evolve with shopper needs.


Grace Chung

Michele Geiser: Retail Construction's Dynamo


Michele is the mastermind behind our collaborations with lululemon, orchestrating projects that have revolutionized retail environments. Climbing from Director to Senior Director of NA Construction at lululemon, Michele has navigated the team through significant remodels and has been pivotal in introducing new stores across new North America markets. Her ability to seamlessly manage these initiatives, coupled with her vision for innovation and dedication to excellence, underscores why she's an invaluable leader in our team. Michele's relentless energy and strategic insight ensure that every lululemon venture we undertake is extraordinary.


Michele Geiser

Cindi Kato: The Heart of Our Achievements


Cindi is the secret sauce behind our wins with Cole Haan, hugely impacting our success in both outlet and full-price stores and leading us to snag some serious accolades. Her tireless work ethic and exceptional ability to gel with partners skyrocketed all projects. Cindi's wizardry in bringing designers and architects together was a game-changer, solidifying our spot in the retail limelight. Her influence on Cole Haan’s success was monumental, and we're super grateful for the doors she's opened and the victories she's helped us claim.


Cindi Kato

Jodi Watson: A Guiding Force in Business


Jodi was a standout during our stint at Wolverine Worldwide, navigating the tides in a male-dominated exec team. As the VP of Global e-Commerce, her drive and strategic mentorship were key to evolving our retail game. Post-Wolverine, her impact at Petco and her current consultancy gig reflect her knack for leadership and growth. To me, Jodi was more than a peer; she was like my work sister, someone who'd have your back, challenge you, and cheer you on.


Jodi Watson

Maribel Ortega: Our Brand Whisperer


Maribel is the wizard behind the curtain, turning our brainstorm into brilliance. She’s got this gift of grabbing our ramblings and spinning them into gold—clear, compelling, spot-on every time. With a creative spark and a grasp on KRCrossing's heart and soul, she ensures our voice is heard loud and clear, tailored just right. Working with her is a breeze; she's the gentle nudge keeping projects on track, infusing our brand's integrity into every message. Always on point, always incredible results. She’s the pulse, pushing our brand to the forefront, celebrating our wins as her own—truly, a joy to collaborate with!


Maribel Ortega

Beyond Quotas to Empowerment in Business


At KRCrossing, we stand firm on two core beliefs:


Merit over Quotas:

We're pretty firm on the idea that it's all about talent, skills, and what you bring to the table, not quotas. Treating women as a minority and setting quotas creates a tricky situation. We believe everyone, no matter their gender, nationality, or any other trait, should get their shot based on their own merits. It's not about sidelining the importance of a varied team; it's about fairness and putting talent and hard work first.


The Power of Support and Mentorship:

We've seen how awesome women are at backing each other up in the business world, from sharing tips to making introductions. This vibe of support and team spirit has shaped who we are. At KRCrossing, this culture of lifting each other up is something we're proud of, and always aim to grow. And it's not just about business; mentoring, especially for young women who may not be surrounded by strong female figures, is something we're passionate about. Through mentoring, we're here to help them grow into confident, successful women leaders of tomorrow.


Role Models and Their Impact


The strength and determination of amazing women have always been a huge source of inspiration for Michele and Rich, guiding their paths and shaping how they tackle business and leadership.


Michele on her Mom: My Rock and Inspiration

Growing up, my mom was nothing short of a superhero. After my folks split when I was just a kid, she managed to keep us afloat on her own, making sure we never missed out on what mattered. She was all about the hustle—saving up from her modest earnings for our family trips and even sewing our school outfits by hand.


Her dedication to her education, chipping away at her degree while juggling us kids, was awe-inspiring. She was a living, breathing lesson in grit and determination. Her mix of tough love and endless support not only helped shape me into who I am but also how I've approached being a parent.


Her balance of warmth and discipline, her wisdom in the face of life's curveballs, have made her my ultimate role model and the first person I turn to for advice.


Michele with her Mom and Grandma in 1990

Rich on Michele: Simply Extraordinary

Thinking about Michele, it's her incredible juggling of work commitments and being there for every personal milestone that really strikes me. The fact she never missed a game or school play, and would even help quiz me over the phone during her trips, really highlights her exceptional commitment.


Michele's knack for running on minimal sleep, throwing herself into her work while also pouring into mentoring young women, is honestly beyond me. It's like she's got this superhuman strength, always ready to make a difference, whether it's helping with late-night study sessions or inspiring high school girls.


Her humble attitude about all she does just makes me respect her even more. Michele isn't just a business leader; she's a life leader, teaching by example what it means to genuinely care and contribute.


Michele, Rich, and Ken in 2012

There's something special about the leadership vibe women bring to the table—this incredible, dynamic energy that just sweeps through our industry, sparking a culture of mentorship, support, and collective growth. It's these leadership vibes that push us to aim higher, break new ground, and lift each other up as we journey toward success together.


This International Women's Day, let's double down on our promise to make the biz and construction world more welcoming and supportive for women. We're on a long road towards equality and recognition, but together, we're definitely making waves.


We're all ears! We'd love to hear your stories about the women who've lit up your path, shared their wisdom, or left a mark on your career. Let's celebrate these awesome individuals and keep the cycle of support and encouragement going strong.


Warmest, 


Michele and Rich 

KRCrossing Consulting

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