The Women of Howard Elliott

At Howard Elliott we embrace the incredible power and potential that women bring to our workplace. Our company is a community that values and actively celebrates the strengths of every individual. It's not just a checkbox; it's at the very core of our success story. We firmly believe in the dedication and creativity that women consistently bring to the table, you see it in our management team.

We're proud to offer equal opportunities for growth and advancement to all our employees. Take Colleen Daly, for instance. She started with us as a Customer Service Manager 15 years ago and now proudly holds the title of Vice President of the company.  

Colleen Daly - VP of Howard Elliott

“I believe in the brand and the partnerships we’ve built. I enjoy being a part of a company that makes people feel valued, not just from a customer standpoint, but an employee standpoint. Brian has always made me feel like a partner and we work to make each other stronger.”

“Colleen is a dynamic and versatile member of the team. She has relished additional responsibility and is a problem solver. She has become a trusted advisor. “ – Brian Berk President

Maria Aranda- Customer Success Manager

“I am the Customer Success Manager here at HEC. I’ve been working for the CS Dept. for several years now and I am passionate about helping my team grow and develop so they can provide great customer service and assist with customer’s needs and ensure that they are getting the most from our team and our products. I feel good when I feel confident in my abilities and I can assert myself in various situations, it makes me feel like I’m capable of achieving anything.”

“Maria Aranda has emerged as a leader and she is excellent at working with our customers and providing solutions to their inquiries. Her sense of humor and love of Chicago Cubs are just an added reason for me to value her on the HEC team.” – Brian Berk President

At Howard Elliott we've taken concrete steps to make life a little easier. Moms can tailor their schedules to fit family needs without sacrificing their careers. We've introduced early releases on summer Fridays. It's a small yet incredibly effective way to let our employees, including working moms, kick-start their weekends a little early and spend time with their loved ones.

Alma De La Rosa - Director of Operations

“I manage the Production, Shipping & Receiving, Purchasing, and Claims Departments.  I have been in this industry for over 20 years.  My career in Home Furnishings began at Chicago Textile where I worked for thirteen years in various positions before Howard Elliott acquired them in 2009. I left the industry for a few years to complete my education and start a career in healthcare, or so I thought.  Colleen and I worked together at Chicago Textile so when she reached out regarding a Purchasing Manager position, I took the opportunity and will be celebrating my 10th year anniversary with Howard Elliott this October. 

When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and staying active by working out and running. I felt empowered when I completed my educational goals. I became a mom at a very young age, but I was determined to earn my degree no matter how long it took. It was not easy as I was raising five children and rising in my career.  I could not have done it without the support and encouragement of my husband and family, and work community who continue to make me feel like I could achieve any goal I set for myself.”

“Alma is a dependable, intelligent, and pragmatic voice on our executive team. She is process-oriented and truly assists our team in navigating the industry. Alma’s ability to keep the team motivated and efficient is one of the traits she demonstrates on a regular basis. And one of my favorites!” -Brian Berk President

The women of Howard Elliott bring a unique and vibrant dimension to creativity that plays a pivotal role in the company. Their innovative thinking and fresh perspectives infuse a sense of fun and excitement into our product development and the company.

Ana Forillo - Product Director

“I am very proud to be part of the Howard Elliott Collection’s team since 2010. I enjoy being part of the creative team and the challenges that come along with the creative process. My position has taught me that with discipline and teamwork, we can overcome complex situations and that is what makes my career so rewarding. I am empowered by the knowledge of who I am and what I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. I believe that I am on the right path, and I enjoy life to the fullest!”

“Ana is a burst of energy. Her creative mind is always at work in finding just the right way to develop our products. She continues to raise the bar in evolving our brand.” - Brian Berk President

As we move forward, let's remember that when we empower women, we empower our entire community. Together, we'll reach new heights, shatter glass ceilings, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive, no matter their gender.