We’re proud to present this month’s Employee Spotlight, Beth Shapiro! We love showcasing some of the people who do the behind-the-scenes work here at Abt, and Beth holds a position that’s one-of-a-kind. Beth is our General Counsel in Abt’s Legal Department, where she helps guide the business through tough moments like contract discussions and policy decisions.
Some might let those difficult decisions weigh them down, but Beth brings one of the best smiles to our hallways. She notes that it’s all thanks to Abt’s company culture. We dove deep, asking her what she loves about her job. “Working for a family business where the ethos is to ‘do the right thing.’ This principle really starts from the top and it pervades every decision within the organization. Issues that arise during contract discussions or policy decisions become easier when you look at them through a lens of equitability.”
Starting in Law, Starting at Abt
Let’s rewind to hear more about Beth’s career and Abt journey. She first heard of Abt the way many people do: from growing up nearby. “I grew up in the area and used to go to the Morton Grove store.” While we’ve grown much since we were at our Morton Grove location, so has Beth! Our Employee Spotlight has had quite the scholastic and career journey as well. When you think of a law career, it’s generally a plotted-out track. But Beth’s journey began differently.
“I was actually a psychology major, but wound up taking a Constitutional Law class. I found the way the Courts analyzed facts and interpreted laws to be fascinating, and I thought it aligned with the way I process information and switched my major.” And we’re glad she did—she brings a critical analysis of everything legal to the forefront every day at work.
Championing Disability Advocacy
Our Employee Spotlight goes home to three children after a long day of work as Abt’s General Counsel. While it’s a full-time job at home and at work, Beth is also on a commission that’s on a mission: “All three of my children are on the autism spectrum. I am on a local commission that champions disability advocacy and inclusion. Up until relatively recently, individuals with disabilities were often marginalized. My family and I are very lucky that we live in a time and environment that acknowledges with proper support in place, individuals with disabilities offer a unique perspective and contribute to society in a meaningful way.”
We’re supporting advocacy and inclusion right alongside Beth. Abt supports FAK, the For Autistic Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that raises awareness and understanding of autism. These shared goals are just another way that Beth and Abt perfectly align. And don’t forget that World Autism Awareness Day is coming up on April 2!
Mother, Advocate, General Counsel…What’s Coming Up?
Beth’s got a lot going on, but she’s excited to see what 2024 holds for Abt. “Every year the company evolves in new ways. Whether through products, services, or expansion. It is exciting to be a part of the history and evolution of an 87-year-old storied retailer.” It’s true, and while we’re not physically the same store in Morton Grove that Beth used to shop at, Abt’s journey is one to be proud of, just like Beth’s. We’re glad this Employee Spotlight is a part of our 87-year history and can’t wait to see what Beth can do moving forward.
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