Women’s History Month: A Look at Our Leaders

This Women’s History Month, we’re excited to recognize and celebrate the women who have built — and continue to build — Grow’s legacy through their leadership, commitment and vision. In honor of the 2026 theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, we interviewed a few of the incredible women who lead across our organization to get an honest look at the hurdles, accomplishments and support they’ve experienced throughout their careers, and what the future of women in leadership might look like at Grow.

How gender shapes experience

For many women, gender plays a role in how they approach leadership, build success and show up for work. According to Arieal Humphries, AVP of our West Region stores, being a woman has shaped the way she operates day-to-day, especially in underrepresented spaces. “It’s pushed me to be confident, direct and very clear in my decision‑making,” she says. She’s been at Grow for over 10 years and is passionate about developing store leaders and empowering teams to realize their full potential. “I have a mix of compassion and objectivity, which helps me lead in a steady, grounded way.”

Chantel Negron, AVP of Community Development, is no stranger to bringing visibility to underrepresented spaces. Her work focuses on expanding financial access and opportunity for underserved communities, especially those that often feel overlooked by traditional financial systems. As both a woman of color and a leader, she knows the importance of championing intersectionality at work. “For a long time, I didn’t see people who looked like me in spaces like this, so I wasn’t sure it was possible,” she says. “It’s what motivates me to lead with authenticity and empathy. I navigate my role with a strong focus on representation, inclusion and allyship.”

Challenges for women in leadership

Historically, society has tried to devalue women in the workplace, creating barriers of bias and unequal expectations that women still fight against today. These barriers aren’t always obvious, but they influence who is allowed to lead. The women at Grow reflect on the difficulties they’ve faced in their careers — and the tactics they’ve used as leaders to overcome them.

“One of the biggest challenges has been navigating environments where I’ve had to consistently prove my credibility, especially in financial spaces that are often male‑dominated,” says Katerina Pikovskiy, VP Controller. Her role focuses on ensuring the accuracy, transparency and reliability of the organization’s financials and supporting strategic decision‑making across Grow. “I overcame this [challenge] by developing a strong voice, leaning into data‑backed decision‑making and building trusted partnerships.”

Marsha Falkenburg, VP of Retail Operations, has been with Grow for 20 years — and in that time has led in a variety of roles. She talks about her struggle to find a balance between assertiveness and likability. “I found certain behaviors that were and are viewed positively in others may be perceived differently when demonstrated by women,” she says. “Addressing these challenges has taken intentional effort on my part, as well as at the organizational level.”

Positive experiences and impact

While navigating leadership as a woman can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding. The women at Grow take a moment to spotlight the things they love about their roles, like the ability to affect change, forge community and bolster success for team members and the organization.

“The best part of being a woman in leadership is redefining what leadership looks like,” Eva Johnson, AVP of Indirect Lending, says. She leads our Sales and Indirect Operations teams, working with auto dealerships to offer our members accessible, competitive and convenient financing options. Forging relationships is an important part of her job. “I have learned that empathy, collaboration and intuition are incredible strengths, and using them to guide teams and inspire others has been the most rewarding part of my journey.”

Marsha Falkenburg echoes this sentiment. “I’m thankful I can focus on engaging with social responsibility, leading ethically and nurturing future leaders,” she says. “Despite challenges, leadership has been deeply fulfilling, allowing me to drive meaningful change, support others and continuously grow as a human being and leader.” With an extensive history on Grow’s People Development team, Falkenburg continues to champion inclusive training and professional growth opportunities for all Grow team members.

Advice for other women

Here at Grow, we’ve worked hard to foster a culture of community, support and growth for every team member. We recognize the importance of a kind word or a helping hand, especially for those who haven’t traditionally received them. When asked about the advice they’d give other women — or even their younger selves — our leaders had a lot to say.

“Be your authentic self, even when it feels risky,” says Chantel Negron. She’s learned that showing up unapologetically not only strengthens her work but also shows other women that they belong. “Your presence is powerful, your perspective is needed and your journey can inspire someone who hasn’t yet found their voice.”

Katerina Pikovskiy encourages women to be bold, advocate for themselves and stop minimizing their own perspectives and experiences. “Take up space,” she says. “You don’t need to have everything figured out to move forward — growth comes from saying yes to big opportunities, even before you feel fully ready. Trust your instincts, ask for what you deserve and surround yourself with people who energize and challenge you.”

How Grow can continue to support women

Grow has always been dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive organization, one that recognizes individual talents and fosters authenticity. To improve, we rely on our team members’ honest experiences, so we asked our leaders how Grow can better support women in the workplace.

“At Grow, we need leaders who understand and value diversity,” says Flora Jackson, VP of Business Solutions. She’s been working in the finance space for 34 years and has been with grow for 16. “We must proactively identify the potential in young women, who may not see it in themselves, and create a space for them to have a voice and flourish.”

Arieal Humphries emphasizes the importance of intentional action. “I think Grow already does a great job supporting women through mentorship, open conversations and encouragement in our roles. Continuing to create those connections and giving women space to learn from each other makes a big difference. […] For me, it’s about keeping that sense of community strength so women feel supported and confident as they grow.”

Ultimately, women bring perspectives and leadership styles to the workplace that organizations need — not just for diversity’s sake, but for stronger decision-making overall. By investing in their personal and professional growth, we’ll continue to foster smart, well-rounded and exceptional leaders.

We want to thank all the women who participated in these interviews. We wouldn’t be the organization we are without you leading the way. Happy Women’s History Month!

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