Power of Women: Lori Gazzillo Kiely
SVP, Foundation Director
March honors Women’s History Month and we are excited to highlight all of the dynamic women in our Power of Women Employee Resource Group to draw attention to the deliberate action that we are taking as a group & as an institution to empower & uplift the women in our community.
Our goal is to be leaders & mentors at Berkshire Bank, and to also model a system of uplift & support for our entire Berkshire Bank community & the banking world at large.
Today we are celebrating Lori Gazzillo Kiely.
How do you define a leader?
I think a good leader surrounds herself with those who have skills and experience to help make an organization successful. Additionally, a good leader should clearly communicate goals and expectations, provide team members with the autonomy to be creative, innovative, and transparent, while providing encouragement and support for those she leads.
Who is your “Shero” one of the biggest influencers/mentor in your life and career? Why?
My Aunt Jane. She has had a very successful career in corporate insurance, balances the demands of a family, a small business and her career always with a positive attitude. Whenever I am faced with a challenge, she is the first person I think to turn to.
Can you recall a defining moment when you were mentored by your Shero or another woman? What did that experience teach you?
Many years ago when I was considering a job change, my Aunt Jane helped me carefully consider the change, weigh the pros and cons and make the best educated decision — which turned out to be a great decision.
How do you celebrate the women in your life?
I have a great circle of female friends, and we take the time to get together on a consistent basis to celebrate one another, sometimes as part of birthdays and sometimes just to get together.
Where do you find your power?
I find power through balance — making sure I find time for self care within the busy demands of life.
The Power of Women (POW) employee resource group is a safe space for all people who identify as female and their allies. The goal of this ERG is to support women in the workplace by suggesting programming including mentoring and coaching, reviewing corporate communication efforts, elevating important topics to management and organizing celebratory events.
