Accelerating Action: Celebrating International Women’s Day 

For over a century, International Women’s Day (IWD) has served as a global call to recognize and advance gender equality. The first official celebration in 1911 gathered over a million people, and today, its impact continues to grow. #IWD2025 is dedicated to accelerating action—building a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. 

The Power of Persistence: Women at Heritage 

Here at Heritage Environmental Services, we know that progress happens when people push boundaries. Our employees exemplify what it means to break barriers and carve out opportunities for themselves and others. Their journeys remind us that creating an equitable workplace means investing in talent, amplifying voices, and removing obstacles to success. 

Debi Dobbins: Advocating for Growth

Starting as a Data Entry Operator in 1989, Debi Dobbins worked her way up to become Vice President, Corporate Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. But her journey wasn’t immediate—it was built on persistence, hard work, and education. “When I started at Heritage, I did not have a college degree. Starting in 1998, I worked at Heritage during the day and went to school at night for eight years to obtain my bachelor’s degree and my law degree. After that, I went back to school on weekends to earn my MBA.” 

Her advice for women looking to advance? “Advocate for yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader. Stop apologizing. There are so many times I am in meetings with women, and they start or end their sentence with ‘I’m sorry.’ Be bold and strong. Your opinion matters.” 

She also highlights the role organizations play in equality: “Hire and promote women. Pay attention to title, responsibility, and pay disparity between men and women. Develop a way for women to have male allies in the company who understand and can help women advance in their careers.” 

Jody Otto: The Strength of Hard Work

Joining the company in 1990 as part of the accounting department, Jody Otto took every opportunity to learn and grow. Over the years, she transitioned through different teams. “I transferred to the customer service department in 1992 and was there until 1999 where I took the position of Dispatch 1 and then on to Dispatch 3 for 18 years of being a dispatcher. In 2016, I took the scheduling position, moved from 1 to 3 in the last nine years, and still in that position today.” 

Her advice? “Work hard and show off your skills—you will succeed.” She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support, recalling two leaders who had a profound impact on her career: “Rita Long—she was my first boss and was so willing to see me succeed and grow. Raven Shryock—she was so sympathetic to my needs and family needs to get me through some hard times. She gave me the strength to go on and always accommodated me for what was working best for me at the time and helped me through it. I had cancer twice, and she was my boss and was more than willing to help me get through it. I’m so very grateful for her guidance and kindness. That is what women need nowadays—that great support, like I was given.” 

Kay Wolter: Leading with Knowledge and Confidence

A Field Chemist turned Technical Services Project Manager, Kay Wolter believes success starts with knowledge, professional relationships, and self-assurance. “I worked hard and took every chance to learn, focusing on developing good professional relationships.” 

She emphasizes the importance of confidence and expertise, saying, “Don’t diminish yourself. You are an equal, act like it even if others don’t see it that way. Learn your industry well.” 

She also calls on industries to remove barriers: “Recognize that some industries hamper that growth and look into the systems that exist that allow for this to continue. Hire more women, especially at higher levels, so many voices can be heard when discussing direction and ideas.” 

Kay draws inspiration from women throughout history and in her personal life, like: “My grandmother. Dolly Parton. Eleanor Roosevelt. Lily Tomlin. All the women who worked male-dominated roles during WWII and on. Cecilia Payne. Lucille Ball.” 

Accelerating Change Together 

This International Women’s Week, let’s celebrate achievements, challenge barriers, and take action. Because when we accelerate equality, we create a stronger, more innovative future for all.

Are you ready to grow your career with a company that values inclusion and innovation? Explore career opportunities with us or connect with our team to learn how we can support your hazardous waste management needs.