Women in Wireless
Series Five - Tressa R.
What does it mean to be a woman in the technological field? For most of the world, it means being part of the 5:1 statistic. Meaning, for every five men in technology, there is only one woman. When I first saw this, I have to admit, I was pretty discouraged. Being a young woman, in this field, I was mortified by what it might mean for my future.
As I began my journey with TEAM, some things started to change my perspective. I was in awe by the number of women who held admirable leadership roles. I have come to realize that these integral women are the lifeblood of some of the most important facets of the company.
Recently, I caught up with a few of these incredible women to do a short email interview about what their experience has been like within the company.
After our break last week, we are coming back strong featuring Tressa R. We are so excited to have had this opportunity to showcase this spectacular woman. Tressa obtains one of the strongest leadership qualities in the company, exuding confidence in her work, and for good reason. She is passionate, excited, and always a reliable point of contact for almost anything you could possibly need. As the Human Resource Specialist, it is imperative that she maintains a good rapport with nearly everyone in the company, a job that can seem overwhelming at times, I’m sure. However, she handles it all with grace. She is always enthusiastic when responding to any questions, and I have appreciated more than anything her chipper emails and replies. I am extremely thankful for her time in responding to this series of questions, and hope you enjoy.
Below are her responses:
Q: How long have you been with TEAM?
Tressa: I started with TEAM in December 2015.
Q: What led you to starting at TEAM?
Tressa: I was finishing up an internship in Escanaba and was job searching as it was coming to a close. I did some work in Administration & Human Resources during my internship and found that I REALLY enjoyed the HR side of things and not so much the other aspects of it. I saw a listing for a Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant at TEAM Wireless and thought, why not? I applied, was offered the job and the rest is history!
Q: What role were you in when you first came to the company?
Tressa: I started out as a Receptionist/Human Resources Assistant.
Q: What position are you in currently?
Tressa: I am now the Human Resources Specialist.
Q: Did you foresee yourself ever working in technology/retail? Why/why not?
Tressa: Never! My degree is in Health Administration so I always saw myself working on the Administration side of a hospital or long-term care facility.
Q: What would you consider the biggest challenge within your current role?
Tressa: There is A LOT to know. There are so many rules and regulations and there is something new every single day. I am always learning and growing, which is what I love most about my job here.
Q: Is there any leader that you particularly look up to or strive to emulate within your life/career? (Either with TEAM or within the world)
Tressa: I would have to say my Uncle - Lt. Colonel Joseph Pulliam & my supervisor, Tarrie N. My Uncle has accomplished so much in his life, both personally & professionally, and yet he remains incredibly humble. He is trustworthy, honest, driven, intelligent & inspiring. Fun fact: he also officiated my wedding!
Within TEAM, I would say I strive to emulate Tarrie N. Tarrie has taught me so much. She believes in me, listens before she speaks, always brings a positive energy, has my back 100% of the time & truly commits her entire self to her position while still somehow leaving room for her personal life. I often wonder how she balances it all. She is our very own super woman!
Q: What’s your favorite memory with the company?
Tressa: My favorite memory with the company is the very first conference I attended in January 2016 in Green Bay, WI. That conference solidified my decision to become a part of this team. I realized quickly that they work hard, but man they can play hard, too!
Q: What’s your hometown/what brought you to the area you’re currently in?
Tressa: I was born and raised right here in little Escanaba, MI! I went to college downstate & swore I would never come back. Once I left, I knew the only place I wanted to be was home. I cannot imagine raising my family anywhere else!
Q: What challenges led you to grow into the person you are both within and outside of the company?
Tressa: This is a tough one! My biggest challenge that led me to grow into the person I am today is learning the balance of work vs. mom life. I became a first time Mom during my very first year here. The struggle of working a 40+ hour work week while trying to balance the role as a wife & mother (and all that comes with those roles!) is something that isn’t recognized enough. As women, we’re expected to just do it all and figure it out. I feel really lucky that TEAM has always encouraged me to put family first and let the rest follow. That’s hard to find in today’s world and it’s what I’ll always love & appreciate most about this place.
Bonus Questions:
Q: The age old phone debacle… Are you Team Apple or Team Android?
Tressa: Is that seriously a question? Apple for LIFE!
Q: What’s been your most used/helpful app since the beginning of quarantine?
Tressa: For work purposes, Zoom! For my enjoyment, TikTok -- it is so addicting!
Q: Alright, so how do you like your pizza?
Tressa: Ham & Pineapple (dont @ me!)
We cannot express how grateful we are to be able to work with this incredible lady!
Follow along for another interview of Women in Wireless next Wednesday!
Written by:
Madison Eazsol
Marketing Coordinator
TEAM Wireless, Verizon Authorized Retailer
