This International Women’s Day (March 8), we are spotlighting some of the incredible women of Sustainable Solutions Corporation whose leadership, passion, and dedication inspire us every day. To honor their journeys, we asked them to share a glimpse into their lives, both inside and outside of work, through personal photos and reflections. From career milestones to individual passions, these women are breaking barriers and making a meaningful impact.
Through their stories, we celebrate the power of mentorship, empowerment, and solidarity. Their insights inspire us to continue championing equality in the workplace, while also uplifting each other on our paths to success.
Tara Radzinski
Chief Executive Officer
“You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” ~ Zig Ziglar
Tara & Tad started SSC from their home in 2001. Tara is pictured here working in a bedroom in 2008, just before moving the company and employees into an office building.
Which women have had the most influence on your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to build a diverse, dynamic network of women across both my personal and professional worlds. Each of these women has left a lasting mark on my journey, making it impossible to single out just one. Their collective wisdom, strength, and support have shaped me into the woman I am today. The power of community is undeniable, and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of cultivating a rich, multifaceted life, one that connects you with people from all walks of life, broadens your perspective, and fuels your growth.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
The most powerful way for women to support and uplift each other in the workplace is through respect and curiosity. Always lead with respect. Honor each other’s voices, celebrate successes, and refuse to tear one another down. We don’t rise by diminishing others; we rise by lifting each other higher. Equally important is curiosity. Seek out smart, kind women, engage with their ideas, and embrace the opportunity to learn from those who know more. Growth comes from openness, and strength is built by elevating one another.
Tara was recognized in 2016 at the Philadelphia SmartCEO Circle of Excellence Awards for her industry impact and market leadership.
If you could sit down for dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?
My great-grandmother embodied love in its purest form. She didn’t just express it, she lived it. With every action, she radiated joy for others, lifting those around her with kindness and an open heart. Through her example, she taught me not only how to love, but how to truly see people, to want the best for them, believe in their potential, and celebrate their greatness before they even see it themselves. Her legacy is a guiding light, reminding me that the most powerful way to lead is with love.
Brooke Coburn
Senior Human Resources Manager
"It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Brooke (right) with her sisters.
Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
I have been profoundly inspired by my mother, sisters, and now my three daughters, each of whom has exemplified strength, perseverance, and grace in their own unique way. I deeply admire women who fearlessly pursue their passions, overcome obstacles with resilience, and create meaningful change through their passions. Their journeys remind me that true strength lies not just in success, but in the courage to keep pushing forward.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
One of the most impactful ways women can support each other is by being an active listener. Simply having someone to share ideas with, provide honest feedback, or even just offer a space to express thoughts freely has been a game-changer in my career.
If you could have dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be, and why?
I would love the opportunity to have dinner with Allyson Felix. She is not only one of the greatest female track athletes of all time but also a powerful advocate for working women and maternal health. Her resilience, advocacy, and leadership are truly inspiring.
What’s a quote or mantra that motivates you in your leadership journey?
"It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop." This serves as a constant reminder that challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them ultimately shapes our path and success.
Cara Vought
Senior Technical Consultant
A man may be the head of the house, but a woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants. ~ Maria Portokalos, My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Cara with her son.
Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
I take inspiration wherever I can find it, but looking back some of the most influential women include my mom, my elementary school music teacher, my high school art teacher, my honors and AP biology teacher, and my mentor at my first industrial internship. All of these women were/are incredibly intelligent, and they led through humility and passion. They knew how to connect their passions to teaching others, and they guided others on the proper path to take (or decisions to make). All of my inspired mentors (men and women) also taught me to be humble and respect everyone, regardless of what position they hold as each person brings their own expertise to the table.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
In general, we tend to be our worst enemy so providing an avenue to work out our problems with empathy through listening, but also dedicating ourselves to change. Making sure we aren't just in a cycle of negativity, but looking to propel ourselves forward. Sometimes that is driven by listening in the moment, and other times it's encouraging each other to get out of our comfort zone and make a change.
Cara on a site visit observing cooling towers early in her career at SSC.
If you could sit down for dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?
Dolly Parton fascinates me. She is funny, seems down to earth, and yet also quite aware and passionate about different causes like literacy and reading. She also helped fund the research on the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. I would love to be able to have a meal with her.
What about the quote from My Big Fat Greek Wedding motivates you in your leadership journey?
The quote seems very much relationship and household specific, but I like to extrapolate that idea to leadership - people can lead or influence in much more subtle ways than is often realized.
Christine Alfaro
Project Manager
"You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try." ~ Dolly Parton
Christine kayaking with her husband.
Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
My mom is undoubtedly my greatest inspiration. She came to the United States from Laos as a refugee during the Vietnam War, and her journey is a testament to incredible strength and resilience. Starting with no knowledge of English, she worked tirelessly through school and ultimately became an engineer. Her perseverance through adversity has shaped the person I am today, and I am deeply grateful for her unwavering support. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am without her.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
I believe the most important thing women can do to support and uplift each other in the workplace is to embrace mentorship. By offering guidance, sharing experiences, and providing support, women can create a network of encouragement that helps each other grow professionally and personally. Mentorship allows for knowledge transfer, helps build confidence, and creates a stronger sense of community. When women mentor each other, they pave the way for future leaders.
If you could have dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be, and why?
I would love to go to dinner with the woman whom I am named after, (Grandma) Christine Eubank. She was instrumental in helping my mom succeed both personally and professionally, offering support and guidance. Though she passed before I was born, I've heard countless stories about her compassion and her role as a mentor to those fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of kindness and mentorship continues to inspire me, and I would love the opportunity to learn from her wisdom and strength.
Lisa Rawus
Sales Support Administrator
"Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're going to fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will?”
~Marilyn Monroe
Lisa singing in her cousins wedding.
Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
I've been inspired by many incredible women, but two stand out. My mother, Willa, taught me that education is a priceless gift and always reminded me to stay humble and kind. My vocal coach, Edwina, encouraged perseverance and showed me the value of continuous practice and dedication. Their wisdom and resilience have shaped my career and continue to inspire me every day.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
The best way for women to support and uplift one another at work is by always showing up and being genuinely supportive. It's super important to have each other's backs—championing ideas and speaking up for colleagues can make a big impact. Celebrating even the tiniest wins boosts confidence and builds camaraderie. When we can be our authentic selves, it makes showing up every day so much easier and way more meaningful. Let's make work a place where we can all shine!
If you could have dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be, and why?
I would love to go to dinner with Eleanor Roosevelt for her steadfast compassion, dedication to human rights, and firm belief in the power of kindness and integrity to create lasting change. I would love to hear her thoughts on today's social issues and gain insights on how to approach them with the same integrity and kindness she exemplified.
Marlowe Gardner
Sustainability Analyst
"Unless someone cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's just not.”
~ The Lorax, Dr. Seuss
Marlowe hiking and rock hunting.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
Just being there, seeing and working around other women is incredibly helpful and makes it easier to navigate the workplace!
If you could have dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be, and why?
Juliette Gordon Low - Growing up a Girl Scout, I learned so much about her and she's just such a cool lady. I would love to tell her about the current Girl Scouts and learn more about what it took to start them.
What about The Lorax quote motivates you in your leadership journey?
One of my tattoos is a Truffula tree! It reminds me every day that the most important part of my day is just caring about what I'm doing. Whether it's caring about my friends and family, my work, the environment, because that's the motivation to move forward.
As we reflect on the wisdom and experiences shared by the women leading SSC, we are reminded that supporting one another is essential to building a brighter, more inclusive future. Let’s carry these lessons forward, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. The journey toward true gender equality is ongoing, and together, we can continue to #AccelerateAction for the women who will shape the world for generations to come.
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