GoMacro Celebrates International Women’s Day

Today and every day, we celebrate being a mother-daughter owned and operated business.

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’ve interviewed a handful of women from GoMacro who help shape our company culture through their various roles, including our co-founder and CEO, Jola Sonkin.

Name:
Doreen Gubernat-Hogan

Title:
National Senior Director of Sales & Lead Facilitator of GoMacro’s Green Team

Location:
My family and I have a little farm, called the “Welcome Homestead” located in South Central Pennsylvania, surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Our farm family includes a large dog, guinea hens and miniature donkeys.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I have a B.S in social work from West Virginia University; a Master's in Public Health from East Stroudsburg University, and I obtained the credential of Certified Health Education Specialist as a graduate of the Herbal Therapeutics School of Botanical Medicine. My lifelong passion embraces planetary stewardship and holistic sustainable practices.

What do you want to do to get GoMacro to the next level?

I am working to deepen relationships with our current business partners by communicating our vision, our founding principles, building new partnerships, being a leader in sustainable initiatives by continuing to work closely with Sustainable Food Trade Association and our Climate Collaborative partners.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by everyday heroes that are embracing planetary stewardship and sustainable practices. I am also inspired by established heroes like; Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Schweitzer, Mother Teresa, Juliette de Baircli Levy, the Dalai Lama, Maya Angelou, Saints, Sages & Spiritual Teachers throughout the Ages.

A favorite quote

“ .. we are brothers and sisters to all living things and owe to all life the same care and respect that we wish for ourselves.”

James Brabazon

How do you empower others around you?

I empower others by sharing knowledge and mentoring others, giving meaningful and honest compliments, saying “thank you”, giving my wholehearted and individualized attention, listening to others, speaking and acting with honesty and integrity.

Name:
Joanna Larsen

Title:
Sr. Category Manager/Business Analyst

Location:
Colorado

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I’ve worked in the Natural Products Industry for nearly 20 years. Several years ago, I started my own consulting business and was fortunate enough to be introduced to GoMacro. We’ve worked together for years before officially becoming part of the team in early 2019.

What is your role for future success at GoMacro?

Part of my role at GoMacro is to help uncover opportunities for growth by analyzing data trends. So, I just want to do my job really well!

Who inspires you?

My mom! While raising three kids, she also worked her way up from secretary to controller at her job. Her motto to us was always: Study hard and be responsible.

How do you empower others around you?

I’m a strong believer that the ‘small’ things really are the big things. During my day to day interactions with people, I try to make sure those people know that they are appreciated and important. Simply saying “thank you”, having short conversations or offering support can really make a difference, not only to those people, but hopefully to others that they also encounter throughout their day.

Name:
Danielle Sullivan

Title:
Customer Care Manager

Location:
GoMacro HQ Viola, WI.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

My early career out of college began in the 90’s as an aesthetician for Aveda. I switched directions and found purposeful work growing food as an organic farmer and baker/chef in cafes for many years. Though I loved this work, it was physically demanding, and finding a home at GoMacro was the perfect combination of my background of wellness and dedication to organic principles.

What are some of your goals for the future at GoMacro?

The best way to support growth, is to continue to grow ourselves. Since joining our GoMacro family, one of my goals is to continue my own education in order to better help our employees and customers. I have recently completed my Health Coaching Certification through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I hope to incorporate what I’ve learned in practical applications to benefit our staff. This past Summer I attended a Customer Service Excellence training series that was extraordinary. I want to give our customers the best experience I possibly can!

Who inspires you?

My children. They are so creative and smart. I’m not just saying that because they are my kids! They are part of this younger generation that are very aware and in touch with important issues and I truly believe they will facilitate change. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in their lifetime.

How do you empower others around you?

I make a daily effort to have a predictably positive attitude, being approachable. Our peers will sense it and will feel comfortable confiding in us.I believe we’re capable of achieving any dream or goal we make our minds up to accomplish with the support of a trusted friend or mentor. No matter who we are, we can use encouragement and a hug or high five!

Name:
Cortney Krause

Title:
Marketing Manager

Location:
San Diego, CA

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I joined the GoMacro team in 2015 while I was finishing up my Bachelors in Marketing at San Diego State University. What started as a part-time sales job has transformed into a full-time, fulfilling role.

What are some of your goals for the future at GoMacro?

I am so eager to see GoMacro grow to be on the same playing field as so many of the brands we’ve admired along this journey. The growth I’ve seen over the past 4 years at GoMacro has been impressive, but what is even more impressive to me, is the fact that we’ve stayed true to our morals and founding principles along the way. The thrilling years I’ve experienced thus far at GoMacro form just a snapshot of what’s to come!

Who inspires you?

There are so many strong women in my life whom I look up to, but my sister inspires me beyond compare. She is an entrepreneur, a mom to a busy toddler, a caring wife and continually a cheerful giver. Seeing someone remain composed amongst the busyness of life, all with a heart overflowing with kindness, is truly aspirational.

How do you empower others around you?

I hope that my transparency empowers others. I aim to wear my heart on my sleeve and own up to my mistakes. The cards won’t always fall in our favor and when times are challenging, we must strive to act with integrity, grace and understanding. The favorability of a situation’s outcome is determined by our own actions throughout those trying obstacles. Breaking down the walls, getting on the same page as my team members and knowing that people stand behind you can be so empowering.

Name:
Ali Hartwig

Title:
Partnerships + Social Media Coordinator

Location:
San Diego, California

Can you tell us about your journey that led you to GoMacro?

I have been lucky enough to split my time as a child growing up in the city of Chicago, and a small ranch town in Arizona where I discovered photography and art direction by joining my school’s yearbook team. From there, my love for the sun + water took me to California where I went to school for Digital Photography that led me to spend most of my time outdoors carving my own adventures. One day, I was on a photoshoot with one of our Brand Ambassadors (@viviankim) and found myself eating a Sunflower Butter + Chocolate MacroBar … and the rest is history.

What are the goals for the future at GoMacro?

As a family-owned company, GoMacro is dedicated to giving back to local communities and supporting national organizations. I can’t wait to see what GoMacro can achieve in two, four, or even ten years down the road. I am confident that as we continue to make clean, sustainable products we will carry a positive impact beyond consumer packaged goods; into other categories and markets that makes our planet a better place for everyone!

Who inspires you?

My momma. A three time cancer survivor, and will forever be the strongest, most influential, and heartfelt human that I know. Some other inspiring women that have touched my heart: Eliza Sloane, Serena Lutton, and Magdalena Wosinska

How do you empower others around you?

Although it is a small act, I make sure to share a genuine smile with a stranger at least once a day. You never know what someone else is going through, and reaching out in small ways might inspire others to do the same.

Name:
Jola Sonkin

Title:
Co-founder and CEO

Location:
San Diego, CA

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I attended Northwestern University where I studied Classical Languages and Literature, later going on to receive my Masters in Elementary Education from DePaul University. I began my career teaching Latin in the Chicago Public School District for ten years before my mom and I began our journey of starting GoMacro.

What are some of your goals for the future at GoMacro?

My goals for GoMacro are to inspire individuals and other businesses alike to recognize the power of living a balanced and sustainable plant-based lifestyle. I also want to continue innovating new flavors and products that align with these principles, while appealing to an even broader spectrum of consumers. By investing in quality ingredients and partnering with suppliers who are committed to organic farming, I know that GoMacro has unlimited potential.

Who inspires you?

My mom is my biggest inspiration. Her patience, creativity and compassion for all living things is so admirable. As a mother of four children, I am also inspired by fellow entrepreneurs like Jessica Alba, who built a brand that is successful, clean and based on sustainability, while simultaneously raising a family.

How do you empower others around you?

I have always felt that the best way I can empower others is by example. I have four wonderful children who are growing up faster than I could have imagined. They are all thoughtful, kind, and are becoming young independent leaders of their own. I try to make a conscious effort every day to show them that you can be family-oriented while also having a successful career. It’s not easy, but if you work hard, you can make your dreams into a reality. I want them to know that they can do anything they put their mind to.

GoMacro is proud of women everywhere who bring such dedication, character, and commitment toward making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Happy International Women’s Day!