Employee Resource Group Spotlight Series: Dawn Cassel of the Women's Resource Group

Employee Resource Groups are a core component of our diversity and inclusion program and provide a meaningful support system for our team. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting our Women’s Resource Group, an ERG that aspires to give a voice to the unique views and perspectives of women, empower and amplify our company’s community of women, and establish paths to collaborate, innovate, develop talent, and promote an inclusive and connected culture.

We recently caught up with Dawn Cassel, Customer Solutions Manager at DZConneX and a Co-Chair of the Women’s Resource Group, to better understand the contribution of ERGs to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. All employees are welcome and encouraged to join the WRG! 

Learn more about Dawn!

What’s your role at Day & Zimmermann? 

“I am proud to be leading the Solutions Design and Supplier Relations teams as the Manager of Customer Solutions.”

What’s an average day like at work for you? 

“I spend a lot of time collaborating in meetings with the goal of moving projects forward.”

What do you like most about your job?

“Every day is something different – I love the variety this role brings! I enjoy working with people, and I get to interact with quite a few different groups each week.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

“It’s the same as what I love most – no two days are alike! Remaining flexible and curious are my survival techniques. I’m always learning something new.”

What makes you proud to work at Day & Zimmermann? 

“Knowing that I make a difference by making things better – processes can be more efficient, technology can be improved. I like having a hand in some of the changes that make things work better for us and for our customers.”

What’s a fun fact about you many people don’t know? 

“When I was in high school, I would sing regularly with my sisters on a local television broadcast out of Chicago – my sisters and I were The Wyma Trio.”

Learn more about the Women’s Resource Group!

How did you first get involved in the Women’s Resource Group? 

“I first became involved in the Women’s Resource Group as a group member back in 2019. I was interested in learning from and connecting with women leaders.”

What perspective or viewpoint do you try to bring to the group? 

“My focus has been on connection – connecting people to opportunities to both learn and grow.”

What do you hope to get out of your participation in the group? 

“My goal has always been to partner with leaders across D&Z and come together with a shared purpose. Our company keeps getting bigger with each new person I meet. And the inspiration I get from these amazing leaders is a nice bonus, too!” 

Why are these kinds of groups and conversations important in the workplace? 

“I think we all need a support resource at one time or another – sometimes, I might need to be supported, and at other times, I can be the one offering a shoulder to lean on. A shared purpose provides connection and value.”

What advice do you have for people looking to understand more about diversity and inclusion in the workplace? 

“Join an ERG or two! Come to learn and add to the knowledge pool! Your participation is valuable! Everyone comes from a different place and perspective – it’s these experiences that contribute to those important discussions and move the critical items forward.”