International Women’s Day: How ServiceMaster Women Bring “Give to Gain” to Life

At ServiceMaster® Brands, we’re proud to celebrate International Women’s Day by spotlighting the incredible women whose leadership, passion, and purpose strengthen our organization every day. This year’s theme “Give to Gain” reflects the spirit of generosity, mentorship, and mutual empowerment that fuels their success. In this feature, several of our team members share what this theme means to them and honor the women who have shaped their journeys. Their stories remind us that when we invest in one another, we all rise together.

Lauren Sardarian – Director of Marketing, Merry Maids®

For Lauren, this year’s International Women’s Day theme “Give to Gain” is a powerful reminder that true progress is rooted in generosity. She believes that when we invest in others by offering our time, support, and knowledge, we create the conditions for shared growth. It’s in these moments of uplifting one another that collective success becomes possible, allowing everyone to rise together. To her, giving isn’t a transaction but an intentional choice that strengthens teams, deepens connections, and fuels long-term impact.

That belief is shaped by the example of her mother, a defining influence in both her life and career. Lauren watched her lead with compassion, integrity, and a willingness to give without expectation—modeling that hard work and generosity are not opposites, but partners in meaningful leadership. Inspired by that example, Lauren encourages other women and girls to approach their own journeys the same way: lead with generosity, share what you know, and support others along the way. When you invest in people, she says, you not only build stronger communities but also open new paths for your own growth.

Monique Gillis – National Account Liaison, ServiceMaster® Brands

For Monique, “Give to Gain” is a reminder that generosity creates momentum; whether it comes in the form of time, wisdom, encouragement, or simply believing in someone before they fully believe in themselves. She sees giving not as grand gestures, but as everyday acts that build confidence, open doors, and strengthen community. A referral, a prayer, a recommendation, a conversation, these seemingly small moments can transform someone’s path. The more we pour into one another, she believes, the more we all rise together.

Her own journey reflects that truth. Monique credits Pam Rush from HR with changing the trajectory of her career after discovering her on LinkedIn and offering an opportunity that unlocked a new chapter of professional growth. She also draws inspiration from her best friend Bianca, whose unwavering discipline and faith as she works toward her PhD have pushed Monique to stay consistent in her own goals. These women taught her that success is built through shared encouragement, example, and opportunity. Monique’s advice to other women and girls is rooted in those lessons: don’t wait until you feel “ready”, move, grow, and give yourself grace along the way. And above all, support other women. When we clap for each other, mentor each other, and make room for one another, everyone gains.

Lyna Haddad – Digital Marketing Specialist, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

For Lyna, the “Give to Gain” theme is a reminder that growth is rarely something we achieve alone. She believes that when you help someone move forward, you also grow in ways that are not always visible at first. Sometimes what you gain is perspective. Sometimes it is humility. Sometimes it is simply a deeper understanding of people. In her view, progress is something we build with others, not something we accomplish by ourselves.

Her outlook has been shaped by many women throughout her life. Growing up in Algeria, she was surrounded by strong women in her family who showed her what resilience looks like. Later, after moving to the United States, she found that same strength and generosity reflected in the women she met in school, at work, and in her community. Every woman who encouraged her or offered a few words of advice helped her move forward. That is why her message is simple: empowered women empower women. If you have a chance to support another woman, take it. Share the advice, send the message, or make the introduction. Small moments can leave an impact that lasts for years, and you never know how much your words or actions can shape someone’s journey.

Maureen Catania – Director, ServiceMaster Restore® & ServiceMaster Clean® Canada

For Maureen, the “Give to Gain” theme is rooted in a simple truth: giving is most powerful when it is not tied to what you receive in return. She believes in leading with a servant’s heart, something she learned firsthand through her own franchise experience. She offered her time and energy because it felt right, with no expectation of anything coming back. Yet what she gained in relationships, personal growth, and opportunity was more meaningful than she ever anticipated. Helping others rise, in her view, is one of the surest ways we rise ourselves.

Her perspective has been shaped by the women who supported her early in her journey, especially her aunt, whose influence left a lasting mark. Her aunt helped her find her footing in the business world and consistently gave her time, advice, and encouragement. She listened, believed in her, and gave her the confidence to step forward when it mattered most. Those experiences inspire Maureen’s advice to other women and girls. Give your time, your support, and your knowledge freely, not because you expect something in return, but because that is how real impact begins. When you focus on adding genuine value to others, the greatest reward is seeing them grow and knowing you played a part in something meaningful.

Ashley Skaggs – Sr. Director of Sales, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

For Ashley, the “Give to Gain” theme reflects a way of living rather than just an annual message. As a mother of two daughters, she works every day to instill the values of generosity, kindness, personal voice, and community involvement. Her commitment extends beyond her home and into her community through M.O.M., Moms of Mason, where she donates both her time and resources to support families in need. She is equally passionate about empowering women in her personal life and throughout her professional journey by teaching and mentoring women in leadership roles. To her, giving is a responsibility, a privilege, and a meaningful way to help others move forward with confidence.

Ashley’s perspective has been shaped by the strong women who have influenced her career and life. Being part of a woman‑created business allowed her to learn directly from leaders who believed deeply in supporting and uplifting other women. She credits founder Mary Ellen Sheets for creating an environment where women could succeed, and she has continued to grow under the leadership of Melanie Bergeron and the mentorship of her talented female colleagues. She also looks to her mother as her greatest role model. As a business leader herself, her mother taught her compassion, assertiveness, and the importance of listening. These lessons and the support of these influential women have guided Ashley throughout her career. Her advice to women and girls is clear and heartfelt: empower and support one another. Celebrate each other’s achievements, express your ideas confidently, and continue to pursue growth in your careers. By doing this, she believes women build not only their own strength but a stronger, more connected community of women rising together.

Emma Nicholson – Brand Strategy & Projects Leader, ServiceMaster Franchise Support Center, United Kingdom

For Emma, the “Give to Gain” theme serves as a reminder that when women are given meaningful opportunities, organizations gain stronger teams, stronger brands, and a stronger future. In her role as a senior leader at ServiceMaster Brands UK, she is committed to creating that kind of impact. She focuses intentionally on offering support, increasing visibility, and opening doors for women across the business. To her, giving is not a single action but an ongoing responsibility that elevates individuals and strengthens the entire organization.

Emma’s perspective is shaped in large part by her aunt Dorothy, an Olympic medalist who once held the title of the world’s fastest woman in the 100 meters. Growing up closely with her taught Emma the power of resilience, discipline, and purpose. Dorothy’s guidance to approach everything with intention and to use that sense of purpose as motivation during difficult moments has remained a foundational mindset throughout Emma’s career. Inspired by these lessons, her advice to women and girls is to truly practice what “give to gain” means. Find your community of women, share knowledge with them, learn from them, listen to their experiences, and celebrate each other’s wins. She believes there is room for all women to succeed, and embracing that truth helps everyone rise together.