The Next Generation – Jr. Board Member Interview
In May’s WISE Jr. Board Member interview, we are featuring Mayra Buenrostro, a Business Manager at Daymon.
As a young professional of Latino descent, Mayra has had the opportunity to explore a variety of roles at Daymon, which has cultivated her knowledge and skillsets, setting her up for success in her current Business Management role. In her free time, Mayra enjoys entertaining friends, planning events, travelling, going to concerts and exploring all that there is in her hometown of Chicago. As part of WISE, she wants to advocate for communities that may not always be heard, specifically the younger, bicultural generations. She wants to continue paving the way for more women of color in spaces that they typically aren’t seen in.
WISE: Mayra, please tell us a little bit about your current role at Daymon.
MAYRA: I recently joined the Daymon/UNFI team as a Business Manager supporting a key strategic supplier partner across several center store categories. It’s been exciting to learn a new customer and work exclusively on a client’s portfolio, while being able to bring in the knowledge and skills I’ve developed in my previous roles. I’m looking forward to expanding my skillset and learning from my colleagues!
WISE: How did you find your career opportunity with Daymon? Also, can you tell us a little about all the roles you’ve taken on since joining the company?
MAYRA: I started my career with Daymon in 2015 as a Customer Service Rep for Kmart’s Own Brand Guarantee Hotline. This role gave me a complete understanding of the full line of products offered, and through vested interest in the products and categories, I worked my way up in the company. With the Kmart role, I was able to experience several positions within the account, each bringing vital skills that have proven essential in my growth to my current Business Manager role. I quickly learned that Business Management was the avenue I wanted to take within Daymon. I thrive on building relationships and collaborating to manage and execute private brand strategies. I’ve had the opportunity to elevate my career at Daymon working on multiple diverse accounts including Kmart, Topco and now UNFI.
WISE: What has been the most challenging part of your time working at Daymon?
MAYRA: Adapting to change that is out of our control from a company, customer and client perspective. I’ve learned to roll with the punches and understand the concept that “change is the only constant”. I’ve learned that change brings opportunities, experience and expertise.
WISE: What has been the most rewarding part of your time working at Daymon?
MAYRA: Without a question, the people and culture. I’ve met some amazing people and had experiences that truly shaped who I am today, personally and professionally.
WISE: What has your experience been like while working during COVID? How did that mold your experience?
MAYRA: Working during COVID shed light on the meaning of ‘flexibility’. It taught me that flexibility wasn’t necessarily about having the ability to work from home, but ability to fit work into my life in more manageable ways.
WISE: What got you interested in joining the WISE organization?
MAYRA: Truthfully, the lack of representation of not only women, but women of color in our industry was my biggest motivation in joining the organization. I want to be part of paving the way for more women of color in spaces that we typically aren’t seen in.
WISE: What were your thoughts about the organization as you learned about WISE and its mission?
MAYRA: I knew a little bit about WISE early on in my career with Daymon, but didn’t grasp the potential it has within our industry until I joined the Jr Board. WISE gives the platform and tools to think outside the day-to-day to drive change in a positive manner.
WISE: What do you think could be the future of WISE?
MAYRA: I think we can shed light and overcome the challenges of getting companies and brands that lack diversity in their staff to recognize the value in marketing to a more diverse audience – specifically the younger, bicultural generations. As a Latinx millennial, I see WISE as an opportunity to be able to break down barriers and advocate for communities that may not always be heard. I see WISE being an organization where you can benefit in learning from the pathbreakers.
WISE: How would you sum up your experience in this industry, and what advice would you give to those considering joining this industry?
MAYRA: Be a sponge! Soak up all the knowledge and advice you can from anyone and everyone that’s willing to take the time with you. Even if it’s learning what not to do, it’s all relevant. We have a lot to learn from one another. Stay open minded. It’s incredible the number of times you realize you can do something you never thought you would.