At Gift Baskets Overseas, we take immense pride in our team. As International Women’s Day approaches, it presents an opportune moment to celebrate the women who make up over 80% of our workforce. Their dedication, creativity, and leadership have been instrumental in driving GBO’s success. From marketing and customer support to logistics and corporate partnerships, the women at GBO bring innovation, resilience, and collaboration to every aspect of our operations. So, the topic of empowering women in the workplace is absolutely near and dear to our hearts.
This blog is a tribute to their achievements! And, we also explore how GBO fosters an environment where women can thrive. As we reflect on their contributions, we hope to inspire other organizations to celebrate their own incredible team members.
Stories of Impact: Women Driving Innovation and Growth at GBO
Across our various departments, the women at GBO have consistently demonstrated their ability to lead, adapt, and innovate. Whether it’s optimizing international logistics, crafting compelling marketing strategies, or strengthening client relationships, their contributions fuel our global success.
We look to our wonderful colleagues for examples of career and personal development balanced with well-being and successful relationships.
Melissa S. – Shift Leader, Onboarding Manager, HR Representative
If you had told me a few years ago that my job would lead me to standing in St. Peter’s Square, amazed that I understood every word of the Pope’s Mass, no subtitles needed, I probably would have laughed. But here I am, thanks to GBO, living my best professional life, speaking Italian, and doing yoga poses I once thought were physically impossible.
Let’s begin with the work part—because, you know, that’s kind of important. I started at GBO as a seasonal order processing representative, thinking it would be just a short-term opportunity for me before I found something else. I never expected to stay permanently, let alone grow into supervising roles. But here I am, years later—first a shift leader, then an onboarding manager, and now acting HR representative. Each step has been a mix of excitement, learning, and those “Oh wow, I’m actually doing this!” moments.
GBO has given me the space to grow, challenge myself, and even carry my entire office in my laptop—literally, I can work from anywhere, and that freedom is something I truly value.But GBO hasn’t just helped me professionally. It also gave me the chance to learn Italian, which at first sounded like an impossible mission. A year later, I was having full conversations with my husband’s family, ordering pasta like a local, and, most memorably, standing in St. Peter’s Square, listening to the Pope Francis and Roberto Benigni speak in Italian—and understanding every word! I may or may not have teared up a little. Okay, a lot!
And then there’s yoga. Two years ago, I thought touching my toes was a big achievement. Now, thanks to GBO’s support, I have a regular practice, and I’ve made huge progress. Yoga has become my way to balance everything—work, life, and all the curveballs in between.
Along the way, I’ve also met some truly incredible people. Colleagues quickly became friends, and now they feel like family. Whether it’s working through challenges together, sharing laughs during busy seasons, or supporting each other in our personal journeys, the people at GBO have made this experience even more special. The friendships I’ve built here are one of the best parts of my journey.
Looking back, my journey with GBO has been about more than just career growth. It’s been about learning, evolving, and embracing opportunities—whether that’s leading a team, speaking a new language, or attempting a headstand without toppling over. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Christina G. – Customer Service Representative, Customer Service Shift Lead
When I joined GBO, I had little experience in customer service, coming from a background as a bartender. Starting as a helper, I quickly realized that I was in a supportive environment that encouraged growth and learning. GBO believed in me and provided opportunities that allowed me to develop my skills.
As I progressed to a Customer Service Representative and later became a Customer Service Shift Lead, I gained invaluable experience that shaped my professional journey. One of my proudest moments was when my role as Process Optimization Lead was created specifically for me. This recognition not only validated my contributions but also allowed me to focus on what I excel at—improving processes to enhance our gift delivery service.
I am proud to be part of a company that values and recognizes its employees’ efforts. GBO has empowered me to grow personally and professionally. And, I hope my story inspires other women to pursue their ambitions and believe in their potential.
Tanya T. – Customer Service Manager
Support that we receive from the team goes beyond our workplace. “GBO Inspires,” — says Tanya, manager of the customer service team. Here is her story:
GBO has positively impacted my life. As a child and young adult, I loved to dance and compete. Life took me in a different direction, but I always dreamed of returning to dance. Thanks to the inspiration, motivation, and incredible support I found at GBO, I was able to make that dream a reality after 20 years and participated in a dance competition. I continue to take dancing classes and feel excited to see what the future holds.
Thank you again for encouraging us to reflect on our personal journeys. I sincerely hope that our flourishing and supportive environment at GBO will continue to help many of our employees achieve their dreams.
Empowering Women in the Workplace: Stories Told by Colleagues
Without the amazing women on our team being open to sharing their stories, this blog wouldn’t be possible. Not only did we receive inspiring stories about their individual experiences we also learned about how their colleagues support and empower them.
Two members of the Leadership Team, Monica M. and Katrina S., who built their teams from the ground up, continue to inspire their colleagues with independent thinking and enthusiasm!
Another team member mentions Mary D.‘s amazing project management and ownership. Her dedication and skills allowed for the launch and growth of multiple automation projects. Many of which we use to help our team grow and develop.
Last but not least, Elizabeth E. shares the progression of Nelly D., who pivoted from the Partner Relation Team to become a manager in the Order Processing Team. While learning on the job, she was able to show an example of amazing courage and resilience!
These stories make it evident that peer and colleague recognition is a powerful way to empower women in the workplace!
Fostering a Workplace Where Women Thrive
At GBO, we don’t just talk about empowering women—we ensure our policies create real opportunities for growth. Over the years, we’ve built an environment where work-life balance, professional development, and genuine inclusivity aren’t just buzzwords, but core values we actively practice.
One of the ways we do this is by making personal and professional growth accessible to everyone. Every permanent team member has a self-development and wellness budget that they can use however it benefits them most. Whether it’s a language course, an industry conference, or something that helps them recharge outside of work. Investing in learning isn’t just about skills; it’s about confidence, and we see firsthand how it translates into more innovative ideas and stronger leadership within the company. For other businesses looking to foster growth, the key is simple: trust your team to know what they need, and give them the tools to make it happen!
Another thing we’ve seen work really well is encouraging knowledge-sharing within the company. We’ve found that some of the best learning happens when team members teach each other, which is why we actively support workshops and masterclasses led by our own experts. This approach helps women in the team step into leadership roles naturally, whether they’re running a session on customer engagement strategies or the latest marketing trends. If other companies want to do the same, they don’t have to start with big formal training programs—just create space for employees to share what they know, and support them in doing it.
Beyond work itself, we’ve always believed that a strong team is built on real connections. That’s why we have hobby clubs and interest groups where people can connect beyond their daily tasks. From book clubs to wellness groups, these spaces let team members recharge and engage in ways that enrich both their personal and professional lives. For companies that want to create this kind of culture, the best approach is to listen—ask employees what they’re passionate about and give them room to build those connections in a way that feels natural, not forced.
Empowering Women in the Workplace: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Team
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I would like to take a moment to express gratitude to the women of GBO. Your dedication, passion, and hard work continue to shape the future of our company, and I am proud to work alongside you.
Here probably it will be suitable to share my own story of growth and development! The GBO Team supported me through my complicated immigration process and then getting my advanced degrees in engineering and business.
I also hope that by sharing our experiences, we can inspire other businesses to prioritize female empowerment in their workplaces. When women succeed, companies and communities thrive. Here’s to a future filled with even more innovation, leadership, and collaboration!
Happy International Women’s Day!
We Talked a Lot About Empowering Women in the Workplace: What’s Next?
- – Visit GBO Career Website
- – Get some tips on celebrating IWD with success
- – Explore Women’s Day Gifts on our website
Director of Digital Marketing and Strategy for GiftBasketsOverseas passionate about all-things digital, travel, and wellness. Natasha covers some corporate topics and data analytics and research for the GiftBasketsOverseas blog.