International Women’s Day honors women and all their achievements around the world. Here at Wingstop, we have a powerful group of women from many different backgrounds who make a difference in our company, and the world, every day. One of those remarkable women is Amanda Paredes, senior manager of brand marketing. Amanda has held various marketing roles during her time at Wingstop, including field marketing manager and senior manager of international marketing, and has made her mark stateside and across the pond. We caught up with her to learn about why she chose marketing, her role at Wingstop, who and what empowers and inspires her, and what International Women’s Day means to her.
“As I look around the Wingstop team today, I can see how far we’ve come. The increase in leading ladies encourages me to stay resilient, mentor others, and be proud of my Mexican-American heritage and potential!”
Why did you choose to pursue your career in marketing?
My mother was a major catalyst without even knowing it! Anytime we were in the car, she’d make me spell or read every sign and billboard we passed. Over time, I began realizing that these weren’t just words on a sign, these were thought-out, thorough messages that utilized both visual and emotional queues to create action. I knew from a young age there was some magic behind these messages, and as I learned more about the marketing field in general, it was almost a calling to study!
“I’m humbled that we’re at a place in the United States where women can pursue their dreams.”
What are your main responsibilities as senior manager of brand marketing?
My main responsibilities as senior manager of brand marketing are to support marketing programs for key holidays and events; integrate with International to further our positioning as a global restaurant brand; and develop communication workflows and integrations for product testing, to include packaging optimizations.
“With the blessing to visit almost 20 countries and experience many diverse female experiences, this day is a day of humility for my daily blessings as a female.”
Which women have inspired you in life and your career?
My mother, for not having all the right answers, but encouraging me to find them; she is the positive light that we need more of in this world. She has an infectious personality, a heart that cares for others, and intuition that is unmatched; I wish to be more like her every day.
Frida Kahlo, for going against the beaten path, and her passion for depicting the indigenous culture and female experience and form through her art.
Michelle Obama, for being courageous in her pursuit of a world-class education and career. While many know her as being the first lady, her achievements and legacy stand on their own – with and without the acts of her husband, President Barack Obama.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
With the blessing to visit almost 20 countries and experience many diverse female experiences, this day is a day of humility for my daily blessings as a female. I have worked hard, and while it was not always easy, I earned a seat at many tables that many American and non-American women would never even dream of – not even me a couple of years ago.
As I look around the Wingstop team today, I can see how far we’ve come. The increase in leading ladies encourages me to stay resilient, mentor others, and be proud of my Mexican-American heritage and potential!
What makes you feel empowered?
I’m humbled that we’re at a place in the United States where women can pursue their dreams. A woman can now be a mom and wife, but also have a career and further her education all at the same time. The history of women and people of color, and how far we’ve come, is incredibly empowering for me.
“Ask the question differently, ask a different person, try a different approach or a different time of day – get creative, but don’t take “no” for an answer!”
If you could give one piece of advice to young women thinking about their career, what would you tell them?
Ask for help and don’t take no for an answer!
As a society, we often portray women to be agreeable and seen more in a follower role versus a leadership role, and for that reason, it’s important to speak up. If you’re curious as to how something works, ask! If you can’t understand the financial aid documents put in front of you, ask! If you don’t know what or if you should study, ask! There is no dumb question, and the only person to blame for you not knowing is you. You – and only you – hold the key to your future!
In life, “no,” “maybe,” and “we’ll see” are common answers to both the simplest and most complex questions. Time is the only commodity that is irreplaceable. If your heart is telling you “yes,” and you want something bad enough, you don’t have time for “no.” Ask the question differently, ask a different person, try a different approach or a different time of day – get creative, but don’t take “no” for an answer!
Want to become one of the Women of Wingstop like Amanda? Check out our RSC career page and see if there’s an opportunity for you.
