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With only 20% of all tech jobs held by women in the United States and 26% of all computing jobs held by women across the globe, Molson Coors is dedicating the month of July to spotlighting the women in our tech department who lead and inspire other women to pursue technology as a career.
Meet Shelia Garrett, brewery system manager and IT business partner who's been with Molson Coors for more than 30 years. Sheila manages and leads the brewery systems team, a group of manufacturing and IT process control systems engineers. She's responsible for providing technical leadership and supporting the brewery network, systems and technology required to brew, package and ship beer.
Q: Why do you think it's important for more women and women of color to join the tech industry?
A: I think that it is important for more women and women of color to join because in my experience, diversity and inclusion have always proven to yield a high level of performance and positive results for a multitude of reasons. Equally important, if not more: I want my daughter and other young girls to see and know that they can do whatever they want, knowing that just because something is hard or complex does not mean it is not attainable. They can succeed with hard work and determination.
Q: How do you differentiate yourself?
A: I am very passionate about the job I do as a technical leader as well as a people leader. As a leader I ensure that everyone has a voice, everyone is able to be their authentic self and have open and honest discussions. Everyone’s contributions and expertise are valued. I have a vested interest in ensuring all of my people excel individually, but more importantly, that we succeed as a team. Teamwork does make the dream work.
Q: How important is it to have a mentor in order to grow as a leader? Can you describe an important mentor of yours?
A: I think that it is very important to have a mentor. Ideally that's someone who has your best interest in mind. It's someone who uses their experience to provide guidance and direction as a foundation for you to continually improve. It's someone who challenges you and serves as a person with whom to have open and honest conversations. In the end, it's someone who inspires, someone who helps you see what you believe to be the impossible, possible.
Q: What excites you about working in the tech field with Molson Coors?
A: Opportunity. It's the opportunity to learn and grow, to work with great people, and to drink great beer with great co-workers.