The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Christina Parrillo as its June 2024 Member of the Month. Parrillo is the Field Services Midwest Branch Manager at Clean Harbors.
Growing up, Parrillo desired to be a pediatrician and began the pre-med track at the University of Michigan. However, about two and a half years in, she had a change of heart. Being what she believes is a “science nerd,” she took interest in a class on hazardous waste management. The course was only offered at certain times because the professor who taught it actively worked in the industry. She eventually took an internship with that professor, and they hired her at the end of the internship. At that time, the only position open was for Rodman and she took it, beginning her career in the industry which ultimately led her to Clean Harbors.
Parrillo’s journey is a testament to her resilience and gratitude. In a world where adversity often tests one’s resolve, she has risen above life’s challenges, leaving an indelible mark on society. Her story is about determination and a profound gratitude for her accomplishments. As a female leader at Clean Harbors, she has overcome adversities and significantly impacted her career, embodying the essence of gratitude in all aspects of her life.
As an inspiring female leader, Parrillo has embarked on a path of professional excellence. With unwavering determination, she has continued to climb the corporate ladder at Clean Harbors while significantly impacting the employees she is surrounded by. For Parrillo, the hazardous waste industry is a dirty job, especially in field services and she believes it can be draining not only mentally but physically at times. Parrillo has channeled her experiences into a driving force, propelling her and her team, which she cares deeply for, towards success.
Parrillo was the first female in the Great Lakes division to be promoted to branch manager overseeing the field services line of business. With more than 15 years of experience in multiple leadership roles, Parrillo leads one of seven employee resource groups, WAVES (Women Advancing Our Values in Environmental Services), across an organization of 22,000 employees. She has been a pivotal leader in significantly impacting the females of Clean Harbors by implementing female-fitted uniforms while cultivating a culture of psychological safety for the WAVES members she serves within the workplace.
Aside from her everyday role as a branch manager, Parrillo also manages multiple drivers while ensuring her customers are receiving the highest level of service from her team. The two things she loves about her job are working for an environmental company that makes a difference and that no two days are ever the same.
Parrillo appreciates the sense of sisterhood between women in the industry, as it fosters a sense of unity, support, and understanding that can enhance productivity and collaboration. While women often face unique challenges and barriers in the workplace, she believes having a strong network of supportive women can make all the difference. “As a woman, I have learned from others through their experiences, challenges, and skills, gaining great respect and knowledge for what we do in this industry,” said Parrillo.
Parrillo would like women interested in the trucking industry to know that it is great industry, but sometimes you might need to have thick skin saying, “get the lay of the land and know when to pick your battles. You have several sources you can pull from to get any help or information you might need.”
