March is Women’s History Month, a celebration of the vital role women have played in American history. At America’s Car-Mart, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate some of the women in our company who are forging paths for other women. That’s why we’re especially proud to share Charity Waters’ story.
She’s one of our company’s 19 Area Operations Managers with responsibility for eight stores in her territory. “I love what I do. It gives me exposure to our business and from different points of view,” says Charity, who set a goal to attain a district manager level position when she first joined Car-Mart. And she’s achieved that in five years.
Charity’s roles at Car-Mart have prepared her for her current position. She joined the company in the Future Manager program in January 2017 in Prattville, Ala. Three months later, she was promoted to Assistant Manager in Prattville and then to General Manager in Altus, Okla. Next, she was a Corporate Recruiter in Bentonville, Ark., then an Associate Support Manager in Car-Mart’s Region 3 before assuming her current position in Clarksville, Tenn.
She’s a mom to 13-year-old Jaquelyn, and 17-year-old, Mack.
Check out what Women’s History Month means to Charity, what advice she gives other women, and more.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you? Why is it important?
It’s a big deal because I have a daughter. Jaquelyn is a ball of flowers. She watches me achieve my goals, and it teaches her the same thing. I don’t want anyone to kill my flower and suffocate her life. She is my flower. I’m always telling her, ‘Girl, we can do anything.’
During my career, I’ve had mostly female leaders, and they have been monumental in my career choices. It’s inspiring to see other women be what I aspire to be or be what I never dreamed I could be. These women have pushed me to be a strong leader and hopefully an inspiration for other women.
From these female leaders, I have learned 1) no is not an answer; 2) ‘I can’t’ is not an answer; and 3) go figure it out. I’ve applied this advice to my career, and I’m passing it on to my daughter.
What will you reflect on and discuss with your network during Women’s History Month?
I will talk to my daughter! I will talk about my job so she can have insights into the work world. It’s different to be a woman in this business. And I will tell her that no matter the obstacles, she can do anything.
In 2022, there are still a lot of women or girls who think they can’t do something because they’re female. I say to them, ‘we can do anything.’
What makes you most proud to be female?
That I am strong. I’m strong in a way that no man could ever be.
What career advice do you have for other women?
If you set a goal for yourself, don’t stop until you get it.
Plus, learn everything you can. I’ve learned to put spark plugs into a car. I read everything. I ask a lot of questions.
Who is an inspirational female who inspires you and why?
My daughter is my inspiration. Fortunately, I don’t know what it’s like to grow up in a home without both my parents.
I can’t even begin to understand the feelings that come with that, but my daughter does and yet, she’s like a blossoming flower, and she’s always optimistic. She doesn’t act as if her dad not being a part of her life is a problem. That’s strength. She’s resilient. She’s amazing, and she definitely inspires.
What’s your message to others for Women’s History Month?
It’s a quote from Viola Davis’s movie, “The Help:” “You is kind. You is smart, You is important.”
Thanks, Charity, for sharing your words of wisdom!
All of us at America’s Car-Mart appreciate Charity and all our female associates for their contributions to our company. And we applaud all women for their contributions in American history.
During March, Women’s History Month, we encourage everyone to reflect on a strong female leader you know who has made a difference in the lives of others.
