One Olympic Team Spotlight - Megan Ryan

Meet Megan Ryan, Regional HR Manager at Olympic Steel and a member of our One Olympic Team Program & Policy Review Subcommittee.

In 2023, Olympic Steel reached a significant milestone in our diversity efforts by establishing employee-run One Olympic Council Subcommittees. These individuals volunteered to take part in this work, in addition to their regular job duties, because they each wanted to make a positive impact on our Company.

Each month, we’ll give you the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the employees helping to strengthen Olympic Steel’s culture. Last month we featured Machelle Valle and this month…

Megan Ryan, Regional HR Manager, Olympic Steel

Q: What motivated you to become a DEI Council Member?

A: In recruiting, it's our job to ensure that people want to join our organization. Every day, I was able to talk to talented individuals from all backgrounds, with a variety of skill sets. When asked what type of culture they're looking for, most people immediately replied with a desire to "fit in". I wanted to help make that happen and ensure everyone feels included.

Q: Share a unique fun fact or characteristic about yourself.

A: Even at 5'8", I am considered 'short’ in my family. Most of the women in my family are 5'9 or  taller, and the men are all over 6'2"!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about being an Olympic Steel employee?

A: Knowing that everyone has a voice, and that their opinion is valued. Since starting, I've never felt that the position I held or my tenure here impacted who I could talk to or the opinions I could share. Everyone here is valued, and that’s not something you get at all companies.

Q: In your opinion, what's a simple action everyone can take to make our Company a welcoming workplace?

A: When walking around or headed to the bathroom, take a few moments to interact with people and introduce yourself.

Q: When it comes to work, what’s your superpower? What special skill do you offer to support your co-workers/team?

A: I really try to get to know everyone individually and learn their personal strengths. No matter who you are, I think it's important that you're recognized as an individual in the organization, and that your ability to contribute is unique.

Q: What cultural/heritage celebration or tradition holds special meaning for you? Mind sharing why?

A: The holiday that always sticks out for me is Passover. In Jewish tradition, Passover is the celebration of being freed from slavery in Egypt. On this holiday, my grandmother and great-grandmother would prepare a huge meal. The whole family, including the kids, would take turns reading from the Haggadah (book specific to Passover). My grandfather could practically recite his portion from memory, and now that he is getting older and his memory is fading, those memories tend to stick out the most and have even more meaning.