Celebrating the Women of GreenCircle Certified
At GreenCircle Certified, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. As we celebrate International Women's Day, we want to highlight the incredible women within our organization who are not only driving our mission forward but are also dedicated to creating a more sustainable and transparent marketplace. These women play a pivotal role in ensuring that our certifications and services meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.
Today, we shine a spotlight on the talented women at GreenCircle Certified who are leading by example and making a tangible impact on the world, all while advancing our mission.
Tara Radzinski, Managing Partner
“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”
Tara was recognized in 2016 at the Philadelphia SmartCEO Circle of Excellence Awards for her industry impact and market leadership.
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.
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.
Tawnya Amdor, President
"It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen." – Scott Belsky
Tawnya hosting a client event at the Kentucky Derby.
Which women have had the most influence on your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
Sheryl Sandberg. When I was a middle manager, my leadership team at the organization I worked for was having a conference, and she was a keynote speaker. This was after she had published her book Lean In. I bought her book, and it became a catalyst for my career. It was in reading her book that I realized if I wanted to truly have a seat at the table in business, it was my obligation to change the way I consumed information, communicated with others, and, most importantly, prepared for where I wanted to be next. Essentially, there was no one to blame; it was on ME!
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
Women can uplift each other at work by mentoring, sharing opportunities, and celebrating successes. By pushing each other to do our best, always striving to learn, and taking on new challenges, we create a culture of growth and support.
If you could sit down for dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She built a billion-dollar company from scratch and has been able to keep it relevant for years. I would want to pick her brain on the challenges she faced in growing her business and how to overcome them.
Sara Risley, Certification Officer
"A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Sara at her first tradeshow in 2013.
Which women have had the most influence on your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
My first job was at Rite-Aid, where our female store manager was deeply committed to mentoring and supporting the younger female employees. No matter what challenges we brought to her, she always responded with encouragement and understanding. Despite juggling the demands of raising five children and caring for her elderly mother, she always made time for us, ensuring that everyone who needed her felt heard and valued.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
The most important thing women can do to support and uplift each other in the workplace is to foster a culture of encouragement and empowerment. This means actively celebrating each other's successes, offering mentorship and guidance, and creating a safe space for collaboration and growth. Encouragement can take many forms—whether it’s recognizing a colleague’s hard work, advocating for each other in meetings, or simply offering a listening ear during tough times. When women uplift one another through support and validation, they help build confidence, break down barriers, and create opportunities for collective success.
If you could sit down for dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to have dinner with Michelle Obama, I would be thrilled because she is my biggest role model as a working mom! Michelle Obama has broken barriers as the first Black First Lady of the United States and has used her platform to advocate for women's empowerment, education, and equality. I would love to hear her insights on leadership, confidence, and making an impact in male-dominated spaces. As someone who has successfully balanced her career, public service, and family life, Michelle Obama has invaluable wisdom on navigating challenges, embracing opportunities, and staying true to oneself. I would love to ask her how she overcame self-doubt and maintained resilience in the face of scrutiny.
Carly Povilaitis, VP of Client Services and Operations
“She believed she could, so she did.” – R.S. Grey
Carly with her horse, Nash.
Which women have had the most influence on your life and career, and what about their journey inspires you?
One of the women who has had a profound impact on my life is my grandmother. She immigrated to the U.S. from Italy and taught herself to read and write in English. She was an incredibly hard worker with a strong work ethic. What I admired most was her unapologetic authenticity and her relentless determination. Her dedication, loyalty, and love were unwavering. She was a woman who only needed the basic necessities and never wasted anything—she always found a way to keep or reuse (some choices may have been questionable though!). The qualities and lessons she imparted are ones I carry with me every day.
In your experience, what’s the most important way women can support and uplift one another in the workplace?
The most important thing women can do to support and uplift each other in the workplace is to foster a culture of collaboration and mentorship. By championing each other's achievements and supporting one another’s professional growth, women can create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
If you could sit down for dinner with any woman, past or present, who would it be and why?
Penny Chenery, the woman who owned and bred the 1973 Triple Crown winner, Secretariat. Penny was a woman trailblazer in horse racing and business woman who saved her struggling family farm, taking over the business with little knowledge of horse racing.
She helped break gender barriers in the boys’ club of the racing world—she was one of the first of three women invited to be members of The Jockey Club in 1983. She became the first female president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and one of the founders of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
A dinner with Penny would be an opportunity to learn about her perseverance, leadership, and how she managed to stay grounded while achieving such greatness.
The women featured here represent just a fraction of the incredible talent and dedication within our company. We are grateful to each and every woman at GreenCircle Certified for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to empower every business to drive positive global change. On this International Women's Day, we celebrate all of the women at GreenCircle Certified who are contributing to our mission, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
