Deanna Grubbs knows what it means to feel invisible. When her eldest daughter was diagnosed with alopecia areata - an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss - the family found themselves navigating a world that often equates identity with appearance. Rather than retreat, they built something that would help others feel seen.
Over a decade ago, Grubbs and her family launched Bows & Ballcaps, a nonprofit that provides headwear and accessories to children experiencing hair loss from alopecia or cancer treatments. But for Grubbs, senior vice president of product strategy and development at Johnston & Murphy, the mission runs deeper than fabric and fasteners.
"The most important part of our work is the emotional support we provide," she says. "Helping families feel seen, supported and confident is at the heart of what we do."
That same conviction carries into her professional life, where women remain underrepresented in senior leadership. Grubbs believes the barriers today are less about overt discrimination and more about subtle, structural challenges. "Culture is shaped by everyday, intentional decisions - who is given opportunities, who is heard, how contributions are recognized," she explains.
She credits both men and women in leadership for creating real flexibility during demanding life stages while maintaining clear paths for growth. "Small, repeated patterns matter more than big statements," she adds.
For Grubbs, the personal and professional are intertwined. Her daughter's journey taught the family that what once felt like a burden can become a source of strength. "What made her feel different is now part of what makes her strong," Grubbs says. "And she uses it to inspire others."
This article originally appeared in the June 1 print edition of FN as part of the "Women Who Rock" special section.
Originally reported by WWD