Culture and Community at the Center of Every Connection: Maddie Olson
Meet Maddie Olson, a trailblazer at Red Wing Shoe Company, who is making a lasting impression in both our company and the local community.
As Red Wing Shoe Company's first Corporate Social Responsibility Impact Coordinator, Maddie is spearheading initiatives that not only invite employees to bring their whole selves to work but also empower them to engage with the programs where they live. Maddie is also an active member of the Red Wing Human Rights Commission, focusing on opportunities for advocacy outside of work.
"I'm thrilled to be part of a company that values community engagement," Maddie exclaimed. "Together, we're not just making shoes; we're making a difference."
From championing employee resource groups to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives, Maddie is helping Red Wing Shoe Co. work towards a more inclusive workplace culture.
We sat down with Maddie to learn more about her, her role, and her time spent at Red Wing Shoe Co. Read more about what Maddie had to say below!
What led you to your role in Corporate Social Responsibility?
Growing up, I realized the power of advocacy, especially for those within my community. I faced challenges around my identity and through the power of community connection I was able to turn those challenges into opportunities that bring people together. My desire for connection flourished into a career of helping to create a culture that invites everyone to bring their whole selves to the table. As Red Wing Shoe Company’s first Corporate Social Responsibility Impact Coordinator, I get to work on initiatives that invite employees to participate in employee resource groups, learning through diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and I get to connect with the communities in which RWSC employees live and work. At Red Wing Shoes we are creating space where people can show up as their authentic selves and advocate for each other. DEIB work is a company-wide focus that takes constant effort from everyone to create a safe space for people to learn and grow. I feel fortunate that this company allows me to show up as my authentic self.
Why Red Wing Shoes and why now?
This is my first job after graduating college and I appreciate that I joined Red Wing Shoes in the time when we welcomed our first female president and have had the opportunity to grow from incredible mentors across the company. Red Wing Shoes lives its values and I feel a close connection to my personal values. For me and Red Wing Shoe Company, Community is one of our core values and part of my role is to foster connections in Red Wing, MN. With a global footprint, Red Wing Shoes leverages its Impact Hub platform to foster connection and collaboration with all employees. We have received positive feedback from employees that encourages them to connect locally and we are excited that their efforts can be acknowledged as part of a bigger mission.
How are you showing up for your community?
As a new resident to Red Wing, MN, I joined the Red Wing Human Rights Commission, hoping to better understand the culture of the Red Wing community and how we can continue to provide equal opportunity for all. I’m from a small town and I feel like I understand part of how Red Wing operates. It has always been a goal of mine for everyone to be seen and heard and I think it is important to take action around that. I’m excited to take action not only at Red Wing Shoe Company but also in my new city of Red Wing.
In your first year at the company, what are you most proud of?
In the last year, Red Wing Shoe’s Partners in Sharing has evolved, nearly tripling employee volunteering and monetary giving matches. We now have a better way for all our employees to log and share the efforts that they make in their local community and for the company to come alongside team members and double their impact.
What upcoming work has you most energized?
I am excited to continue to support Red Wing Shoe’s commitment to creating a culture of inclusion and collaboration. In a lot of ways, Corporate Social Responsibility is like building a plane, while flying it, and trying to determine what your flight path is all at the same time. You have to start somewhere and be ready to learn and grow yourself. I look forward to continuing to create content and connection for our employees through our Impact Hub, giving them resources for learning and activating in their own communities. Working with our ERGs also has me inspired. Currently we have three ERGs- Women with Sole, Lacing Generations Together, and Stride with Pride. Our ERGs have over 300 active members and I’m excited to see their impact on the organization.
Red Wing Shoes has built an incredible foundation over its 119 years. We have strong community partners and continue to connect all employees to the areas where we live and work. I’m eager to build on this strong foundation.