Inclusivity and Integrity: Hallmarks of a True Leader

By Mary Handricken

Editor’s Note: The author’s submission is a beautiful example of women lifting other women up. If you would like to share with us someone you know who has MOXY, please email editorial@themoxyvoice.com.

Tracy Richard, QC specialist at Aggregate Industries

I know a woman in the paving industry who has a whole lot of MOXY.

My co-worker of six years and friend Tracy Richard works for a Massachusetts-based provider of aggregate and construction materials. She has been in the paving/construction division for about 11 years, starting as a construction laborer and working her way up through the company.

Efficient and dependable, Tracy has taken on difficult tasks, worked through hardship and change, and excelled at each role and responsibility given to her. In our local industry, she is one of our best and most highly requested quality control specialists, ensuring asphalt quality and conditions in the field and in the lab. Further, Tracy is a Smith System Driver Trainer and trains employees annually in our milling and inspection department.

Most importantly, she is truly a kind and caring person who goes that extra mile for her co-workers, building lasting relationships on and off the job. Tracy takes time to support others in big and small ways. I have seen her organize fundraisers for those in need and create a sense of community by gathering people together for birthdays and holidays or just simply to commend a job well done. It’s just who she is.

I don’t know that Tracy would describe herself in this way, but I think it is worth mentioning that I believe she has all seven traits of an inclusive leader. A website by Michael Page states these traits as follows:

• Fairness and Respect

• Collaboration

• Emotional and Cultural Intelligence

• Empowerment and Growth

• Insight

• Promoting Psychological Safety

• Trust binding

Tracy has often bridged the gap between departments by building trust and being an example of and encouraging good communication. She treats everyone equally with fairness and kindness. She finds ways to speak up and show up, for herself and others, with integrity. It is amazing to me that she does all these things naturally and instinctively — all while carrying a heavy workload.

If that’s not MOXY, what is? I could go on forever about her MOXY moves! It is obvious Tracy is an asset to our company and an amazing example of how powerful and productive women can be and are in the industry.

About the author: Mary Handricken is a roller operator at a major Massachusetts-based building and materials company.