By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Jeffrey Banyas, manager of legal production at Sisson & Banyas, Attorneys at Law, LLC, as its newest allyship honoree.
Learn how Banyas supports women in the industry and promotes the ally mindset in the SEMA News interview below.
SEMA News: What do you do to support the ally mentality and women's empowerment?
Jeffrey Banyas: I've served as an advisor and mentor for several women within the firm and in the industry. I provide advice, guidance and am a sounding board for career opportunities and growth as well as dealing with personal struggles. In addition, I volunteer my time on the SEMA SBN Male Ally Task Force.
SN: Can you share your favorite experience being an ally?
JB: For me, it is more about the consistent practice of making sure that everyone's voice is heard, that feedback is provided in a timely manner, that appropriate actions are taken when issues arise and that every person has an opportunity to see and hear about the value they bring to an organization. I try to instill this into all the firm's employees, our customers and to all the individuals on the many boards, councils, networks and task forces for which I volunteer my time--no matter what that individual's role might be.
SN: Why do you feel that being an ally is important?
JB: We have so-many talented women in this industry and in the workforce in general. Ignoring, overlooking--or worse, discounting--them and the knowledge, experience and skills they bring to an organization would be a serious misstep for any organization.
SN: What have you found to be the most important/valuable part of being an ally?
JB: The biggest benefit comes from the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. It is one of the fastest and most effective ways to learn and to improve your own self and your organization. Those opportunities tend to come around more when you've demonstrated you can be a trusted ally for the individual as opposed to ignoring them--or worse, actively working against them.
SN: How long have you been in the industry?
JB: In my current role, nine years. Overall, my entire life.
SN: What advice do you have for those that want to become an ally?
JB: Take every opportunity you can to work on your communication and active listening skills. Strong communication and good active listening skills are critical to building the trust and rapport needed to serve as a mentor or ally to others.
SN: How does someone spread the ally mentality?
JB: Lead by example, letting your actions and behaviors set the tone for others to follow.
Fill out an SBN Ally Spotlight form to highlight how you or a colleague is being an ally to women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on SBN's social media and in SEMA News.
