Throughout the month of March and Women’s History Month –
FM Expressions is highlighting our very own women leaders in screen printing!
Join us as we celebrate and recognize these outstanding women leaders making a difference daily at FM and showing us authentic leadership, responsibility, and community in our industry.
Meet Toni Greene. FM’s Customer Service Training & Quality Assurance Manager.
Toni has been with FM Expressions for almost 3 years and comes to us with 25 years of customer service experience. At a young age, Toni was instilled with the importance of faith, family, hard work, and respect for all mankind – this foundation and upbringing have contributed to Toni’s success in any Customer Service environment.
At FM Expressions, Toni has been afforded the opportunity to offer our New Hires a space to learn, observe and think – all while introducing everyone to FM’s diverse culture, customers, and values. All the current Customer Support and Customer Success team members have sat under this training program to ensure that each Customer Support Specialist is supported after training. Toni offers quizzes and refresher courses for team members.
When she’s not coaching, supporting, or teaching here at FM, Toni provides a different type of service by caring and loving on her 96-year-old grandmother, catering, cosmetology, faith-building, and spending time with her one-of-a-kind family and a great group of friends.
What does women’s history mean to you?
It’s very important to me, for so many years women have been seen and not heard. Women have not been acknowledged or recognized for their contributions to this country.
Who has been the greatest mentor in your career, male or female?
I have some special mentors but the two that stand out the most from my teenage years are my aunt Francine. She believed in me and recommended me for an Office Assistant position the summer after I graduated high school. There I was able to learn how to conduct myself in an office environment. I learned how to offer customer service at a different level. I really appreciate my aunt for seeing something in me. When it comes to how to lead, how to speak in public, and how to teach, all those characteristics come from my father Pastor Arthur L. Greene Sr. That one summer opportunity in 1998 and the lifetime of support and guidance from my father have assisted with building a professional foundation.
Tell me the importance of mentorship for women and girls.
Mentorship is a passion of mine, especially for women and young girls. Women have so many roles, we’re the giver of life, and we have a responsibility to live a life of empathy and self-respect. As women, it is important to encourage and strengthen each other. Strong women raise strong girls. In 2011 I planned a weekend for young girls. The theme was Young Girls Rock. This weekend was centered around empowering our young girls to know that they don’t have to go with the crowd. It’s okay to be different. If we equip our young girls with the tools, they need to succeed in life they WILL become great women who are ready and able to lead.
How can we better support women in screen printing?
LISTEN to the women, we know what looks good. 😊
Who is a woman that inspired you at FM Expressions and why?
There are several women that I look up to here at FM Expressions and every time that I’m in their presence I leave being inspired and motivated. Carrie – wow, what can I say about her? She’s a true Boss Lady. I love to see her in action. Susan – I learn from her daily. She truly knows how to lead. She listens and cares. I’m very grateful for her guidance. Don’t sleep on Neda though, she’s a secret weapon for FM. She is always willing to help find a solution regardless of what department you work in, if you go to her, she’s going to assist. These 3 women are just a few that stand out to me. FM is filled with great women that don’t mind encouraging and uplifting each other.
What advice would you give to a woman who wants to pursue a career in apparel decoration or screen printing?
GO FOR IT! This is a thriving business, there’s room for everyone.
Tell me your favorite quote.
“When they go low, we go high!” — Michelle Obama
Who is your favorite female artist?
Well, I’m an old soul – I LOVE Aretha Franklin but my favorite gospel artist is John P. Kee
How do you support feminism and gender equality in a male-dominated workplace?
We all must have a mindset to understand that everyone is different, but we are all equal. Gender, race, or religion shouldn’t matter.
Who is your favorite female historical figure?
I have many but one that stands out today is Madam C.J. Walker. She was the 1st Black woman millionaire in America. She created a hair care line for black women.
Who is your role model?
My mother, Cheryl Greene, and both of my grandmothers.
How can we continue supporting other women?
Encourage, learn, and listen to the women around you. This isn’t a competition, there is room for all of us at the TOP! 😊
How has women’s history shaped your life?
We shouldn’t need just a month to recognize women. This should happen daily but the month of March it’s an inspiring and uplifting time to learn and see how other women got to their current place in life.
How do you continue to empower women and everyone you encounter at FM Expressions?
I’m the same always, no matter who I’m in front of. I’ll continue to offer inspiration to my coworkers whenever the opportunity arises. A simple hello and smile can turn someone’s day around.
What have you learned from the successes of previous generations of women?
To keep going, never give up, and always remain humble!
