International Women’s Day (IWD) is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women and reflect on the progress being made toward more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
We succeed when we show up as one team. By listening, learning and engaging in honest conversations, we are actively creating environments where all individuals are encouraged to grow and bring their full selves to work. Allyship plays an important role in that effort.
To mark IWD 2026, we’re proud to spotlight three employees whose experiences highlight the impact of allyship in action. Carolina Rey, Mandy Gibilaro and Dawn Manaj – all longtime Purolator employees – reflect on the many ways that support, mentorship and connection help people thrive.
Carolina Rey
Manager, Terminal Excellence
Carolina Rey’s career spans more than two decades and multiple roles, but one theme remains constant: a sense of belonging.
After immigrating to Canada, Carolina began her career as a field service engineer in 2004. At Purolator, she found an organization that welcomed her into operations and encouraged her to grow. After taking time away to raise her children, she returned to Purolator and continued to evolve, working in process and performance, change management and major initiatives before returning to operations in her current role.
Early in her career, Carolina navigated challenges common in male-dominated industries. She credits mentorship and allyship in helping her push through.
“I felt it 22 years ago, as a young engineer woman in logistics, but I had mentors that supported me and encouraged me to keep going,” said Carolina.
One moment that affirmed her contributions was receiving a Circle of Excellence Award in 2024 for her work supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, including International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
International Women’s Day is deeply personal for Carolina. She reflects on the women who came before her, especially her grandmother and mother, and the opportunities they didn’t have. Today, she sees progress through her own daughter, now a co-op student at Purolator.
Mandy Gibilaro
Senior Executive Assistant, Sales & Customer Experience, Marketing, Strategy & Communications
With nearly 25 years at Purolator, Mandy Gibilaro’s career reflects consistency, trust and evolution.
Mandy joined Purolator seeking stability and opportunity. Over time, her role as a Senior Executive Assistant has grown into a strategic partnership. She supports senior leaders by anticipating needs, staying closely connected to business priorities and helping teams succeed.
Beyond her day-to-day role, Mandy has played a key part in shaping culture at Purolator’s Head Office. She is actively involved in initiatives focused on boosting employee morale and fostering connection across teams. Through collaborative events, Mandy has helped create moments of recognition and bring employees together, reinforcing a positive, supportive workplace culture.
This work reflects her belief that people do their best work when they feel valued and connected.
International Women’s Day is a moment of reflection - and responsibility - for Mandy. As a parent, she is mindful of the example she sets for both her son and daughter.
“I’m raising my son to respect women and actively celebrate their contributions,” she said, “and a confident daughter who will always advocate for herself and others.”
Allyship, for Mandy, is about finding ways to shape the future for women through everyday leadership. Allies play a critical role in creating environments where women feel comfortable having honest conversations. One of the ways she lives this out is through mentorship, which she calls a “two-way gift.” Mandy has benefitted from the guidance of strong women and allies throughout her career and has given back as a mentor for more than a decade.
“Giving my time through mentorship has provided a deep sense of purpose and connection. I take great pride in seeing others succeed.”
Dawn Manaj
Unit Manager, Courier Operations
Dawn Manaj brings purpose and advocacy to her role as a Unit Manager in Courier Operations in Edmonton.
Dawn joined Purolator nearly 12 years ago, drawn by strong benefits and a positive team environment. She began her career managing dock operations before moving into courier management - a transition that broadened her perspective and experience.
As a woman in operations, Dawn encountered challenges early in her career, particularly in male-dominated environments. She earned trust over time through patience, consistency and by speaking up when needed.
“It took time, but I was able to gain my colleagues’ trust, and we were able to work as a team,” said Dawn.
A defining moment in her career was attending a company-wide event focused on women in operations in 2024.
“It was absolutely life changing,” she said. “I left feeling like Superwoman.”
One of Dawn’s proudest contributions is her leadership in Purolator Tackle Hunger. Having relied on a food bank as a teenager, the initiative holds deep personal meaning.
Dawn is actively working to encourage conversations about mentorship and career progression, particularly for women who may be quietly waiting for opportunities to grow.
“We are all eligible to be considered for opportunity.”
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on progress and recognize the contributions of women in the workplace.
Experiences like Carolina’s, Mandy’s and Dawn’s highlight the role that understanding, trust and allyship play in creating workplaces built on respect, connection and opportunity.
