Meet our people: Darienne Page, Head of Government Relations.

My name is Darienne Page and I’m head of US Government Relations. I am based out of Chicago, but thanks to my family’s military service, I grew up all over the world including Germany and Japan. My tastes are a little eclectic because of that — I enjoy food and culture and the experience that dining in other countries or tasting international cuisines offer. I’m always up for trying something new!

• Introduce your role to a new joiner!

As Head of Government Relations, it is sometimes challenging to understand the complexities of my role. We work in a data driven environment and a lot of my job is about capturing the intangible aspects of public engagement. I like to say I specialize in relationship building.The work we do in Government Relations helps to pave the way for a smooth entry into markets and allows for relationship development with local elected officials and regulators. As part of that, I help develop organic connections with community organizations in support of our company policy goals and initiatives. We have a responsibility to the communities we operate in to be a value add — and at Getir we do so by contributing well paying W2 employment opportunities to the local economy, creating an economically sustainable product and working to address food inequity within hyper local neighborhoods.

• What project are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of our efforts to reduce and eliminate food excess at our G-stores. We’re currently piloting a partnership with an organization called Copia that is helping us donate our excess food and goods to nonprofit organizations throughout New York, Boston and Chicago.

• What drives you in your daily work?

The desire to make a positive impact in the communities we serve is what drives me. For me, the work we do at Getir is deeply personal. I’m a busy mom of two little girls and the idea that we could make lives easier for moms, like me, by providing healthy food options, delivered quickly and reliably brings me so much joy. It’s one less stress when you’re juggling a million things and you happen to have forgotten bread for school lunches!

• What’s your craziest idea that got implemented?

While not so much a “crazy” idea — it was a little unconventional for a brand new industry fresh off of a US launch. Over the past couple of months, we’ve started developing a corporate donation structure for causes that align with our Getirian values. Whether it was donating to the Gambian Youths Organization in their efforts following the Bronx Apartment Fire in NYC or supporting Chicago’s Social Change initiative, we see our place in the communities we serve as a one of partnership — and donations are just the start!

• What a unique industry we’re in! What surprised you the most?

If you have a good idea or constructive feedback, you’re encouraged to speak up. No idea is too small. This speaks to the startup nature of our work, but also the beliefs within the company that we can always innovate our business model.

• Getir culture in one word!

I would describe Getirian culture as transformative.

• What empowerment means to you?

For me, empowerment means the ability to have control over your life, to have the authority and freedom to make choices that are in your best interests. Whether it’s through your community, your lifestyle, your education, your appearance — not based on societal pressures, but what you know is right in your heart — every time you make a step towards self-improvement and self-actualization, you become more empowered.

• What advice would you give to young women starting in their career?

I would tell my younger self, or any woman starting off in her career, that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Your early career presents the opportunity to explore, to be truly curious about what you want your future to look like. Be open to opportunities for growth and learning because you never know what might spark your interest.

This is part of a series of blogs where we shine the light on some amazing women! We’re proud to have equality high on our radar. Hopefully, you enjoyed the read and stay tuned for more awesome interviews!