"Focused on Growth"

At only 36, Gabriella Vavrasek, Global Head of HR, Roscommon, has had lots of success to brag about- personally and professionally! She is a mom, adjunct professor, marathoner, and college mentor, but for her, the journey has been the most rewarding part. “There have been many highs and many lows in every part of my life. It’s easy to get caught up and let the lows drag you down; and I’m guilty of letting it happen more often than I would like to admit. Over time, I’ve had to learn how to let things go, ride the wave, and focus on only what I can control. I’m not perfect at it, I will never be, but I am progressing!”

Gabriella brings Roscommon a breadth and depth of expertise in Human Resources. But it was her drive and passion for making companies better and more fulfilling places to work that earned her the clear choice for the position, and it was evident as soon as she walked through the door.

An open mind and ability to listen generously enabled her to get their needs, challenges, and thoughts on culture from every employee. Her contagious energy and people expertise have quickly helped the Roscommon community feel at ease and supported while also assisting the senior leadership team to appreciate the importance of a strong culture and back initiatives that ensure the company’s existing talent is given priority and continues to attract top talent as they grow.

For Gabriella, it has always been important to surround herself with mentors, advocates, and coaches to help keep her grounded, challenged, and inspired. “I was fortunate enough to learn from very powerful female (and male) leaders throughout my career and I want to give other young females the same opportunity,” she adds. “Outside of work, I teach graduate-level HR courses and mentor female students. It gives me a great sense of joy helping young women navigate their careers and see them succeed.”

Gabriella’s energy is infectious. She brings authentic technical expertise, thought leadership, and passion that can’t help but affect and inspire those around her. Colleagues all agree she is always accessible and, most importantly, direct and transparent. “Giving and receiving feedback can be difficult, but I have always felt most empowered after receiving constructive feedback because that is how I continue to learn and grow. I’ve made it a point to give others the same opportunity and be honest with them so that they too can learn and grow.”

According to Gabriella, despite great strides, female leaders continue to have to push through barriers to serve their mission and reach their full potential. “As my career has continued to grow, I have become acutely aware of how important, impactful, and necessary it is for women to take risks.

Men are notoriously greater risktakers and will more often take on roles they may not be fully qualified for,” she explains. “I have left cushy and stable jobs in exchange for risker ones that I was not 100% ready for, but that’s how I’ve been able to stay engaged and challenged in every role; and I have made plenty of mistakes, but there were many people I met along the way that helped guide and empower me to keep moving. Find those people and hang on to them! Risk is OK, especially when you have a support system around you to help navigate it.”

One of the biggest reasons Gabriella joined Roscommon was their unique self-awareness as a growing business that they could do better for their people – their most valuable asset. “Culture, diversity, inclusion, the employee experience, development – we are reimagining it all! I am so proud to sit on an Executive Committee that is 50% female and work for an employer that gives its employees the same attention they do their clients [and appreciates that, when hiring, if a male and female candidate appear equal “on paper” that the woman has likely had to work much harder and overcome more to get to the same place as the man].”

For the days to come, the steadfast leader is excited to be part of a firm that is empowering her, other women (and all employees) to focus on both their personal and professional goals. “We are a firm focused on growth – for the business and for its people and I am thrilled to be part of it.” WL