Amazon is one of the largest online retailers and web service providers in America. Whether it’s apparel, beauty and health products, electronics, or books, Amazon has whatever you need, and is ready to deliver it to your doorstep. Before that product reaches your doorstep or is processed in the system, there’s somebody behind all the magic.
Meet Dawn Perry, the senior operations manager at the Amazon site in Newnan, Georgia. In August 2022, she became the first female promoted to senior operations manager at the Amazon fulfillment center in Braselton, Georgia. Her promotion transferred her to the Amazon fulfillment center in Newnan, Georgia — one of the largest Amazon fulfillment centers — where she went from managing 500 employees to 3,000.
Leading the charge in diversity, equity and inclusion, Perry continues to push for a safe and respectful environment for others to thrive and connect.
“Since Dawn has come to the building, she has been an advocate for getting the managers involved in DEI projects and becoming the voice for those projects,” said Jordan Harrell, who works on the inbound dock.
“Dawn always maintains a positive and curious approach to each day and it is contagious,” said Jason Jackson, Amazon’s senior manufacturing manager. “When looking to resolve issues, answer questions, dealing with challenges, Dawn does an amazing job of asking the probing questions, reviewing the needed data, [and] using the correct tone and approach that engages our team members.”
How do you think your role is influential in young women’s lives?
I feel that my role here is not for me, it is for the next person who aspires to be where I am. I make sure that I pour into my leaders that I see in front of me. As far as being prepared, I would have to say if you aspire to be in management, be comfortable in speaking and be comfortable having conversations, and giving and receiving feedback. Get into those leadership positions in those organizations that you join. Public speaking is also important because 90% of this job is how you engage with associates, and how you make them feel because they are the ones that are doing the work on the floor. I feel that my role here is a pathway for anyone else so they can see me and see themselves in me and I make sure that I’m stepping up to the plate.
Why is it beneficial for Black women to be in leadership roles?
If we’re working in these particular industries, and we aspire to be in a higher position, it’s good to see representation at those tables. If we’re not there, then we’re limiting our abilities or our beliefs that we can even get there, and I want to remove those barriers completely.
