Shoe Show Inc. Director Jennifer Cox on How a Culture of Opportunity Works: Women Who Rock

Jennifer Cox, director of distribution at Shoe Show Inc., is proud of the progress that’s been made so far regarding gender equity in the retail industry.

“There were times coming up that I would’ve never thought I would see a woman president, and here I am working for one,” said Cox, referring to Lisa Tucker, who took over as president of Shoe Show in 2018.

Cox noted that under Tucker’s leadership, the Shoe Show buying team has added more women. And she herself has benefited from Tucker’s support during her 20-plus years at the company.

Cox joined the family footwear chain as merchandise planner, a role she held for roughly 10 years. But when the role of director of distribution came open, she wasn’t quite ready for it. However, Tucker gave her the opportunity to grow into the position by being an “understudy to another gentleman she brought in.” When he moved on to another department, “[Lisa] gave me the job and gave me the shot,” said Cox.

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Creating an environment where all voices are heard and valued is crucial, Cox added. “It’s essential to ensuring that every employee, regardless of their role or position, is treated with respect and given that opportunity to succeed,” she said.

As for how she shows up for her colleagues, Cox said she maintains an open-door policy and tries to offer guidance and personal advice whenever it’s needed.

“We need to share our stories,” she explained. “Each generation thinks there’s no common ground with the next, but the longer we live, we can see consistencies.”

And where there are differences, those provide an opportunity to enhance the mentoring experience, which Cox believes should be a two-way process. “Today, I think it’s more of a conversation where both the veteran employee and the new employee can share and learn from each other. The veteran may have experience, but the generations coming underneath us, they’re so bright and there’s so much in terms of technology that they can offer us.”

A version of this article appeared in the Feb. 3 print issue of FN, as part of the “Women Who Rock” special section. On Feb. 4, FN and Two Ten Footwear Foundation will honor these women at the annual live event in New York City.