Johnston & Murphy‘s Deanna Grubbs, senior vice president of product strategy and development, is committed to helping others.
She and her family founded their passion project, Bows & Ballcaps, over a decade ago, after her oldest daughter developed the autoimmune disease alopecia areata, which causes hair loss. The organization provides bows, ballcaps and accessories to children who have hair loss due to alopecia or cancer treatments.
“While those items matter, the most important part of our work is the emotional support we provide to children and their families,” Grubbs said. “The confidence and encouragement they gain can have a lasting impact — and helping families feel seen, supported and confident is at the heart of what we do.”
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Grubbs said the experience has also taught her and her family that challenges can be a source of purpose, and something that once felt like a burden can become a strength allowing one to lift others up. “For my daughter and other young women, that perspective is empowering. What once made her feel different is now part of what makes her strong and confident — and it’s something she uses to inspire others,” she said.
For Grubbs, being seen is important in the workplace too, where women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles.
“The biggest workplace challenges women face today are less about over-discrimination and more about subtle, structural and cultural barriers,” she said. Grubbs added that company leadership, including both men and women, has a responsibility to create environments that offer employees real flexibility during the most-demanding life stages, while also continuing clear pathways for growth, development and advancement.
“Small, repeated patterns matter more than big statements,” Grubbs said. “Culture is shaped by everyday, intentional decisions — who is given opportunities, who is heard and how contributions are recognized.”
And Grubbs said men play an important role in the conversation, too. “As colleagues and leaders, they have the ability to reinforce inclusive behaviors, advocate for equitable opportunities and help normalize flexibility for everyone.”
The strongest teams are built on diverse perspectives, from different experiences to strengths, backgrounds and viewpoints. “When those differences are valued and brought together intentionally, they create more innovative, resilient and effective organizations,” Grubbs said.
A version of this article appeared in the June 1 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On June 3, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation will honor these women at the annual live event in New York City.