Carowinds Honors Women Leading the Park
March is Women's History Month, a longstanding tradition of commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.
Women have been a driving force behind many of Carowinds’ most treasured experiences. In honor of Women's History Month, Carowinds is celebrating the many successful women at the park, and their voices.
Amanda Grant
Amanda Grant has spent most of her career in the entertainment world. She obtained a degree in dance performance, then worked as a dance and fitness instructor, performer, and co-manager of a dance and fitness studio. In 2017, she began her Carowinds journey as an area supervisor on the live entertainment team. She transitioned into the full-time role of area manager, live entertainment show operations in 2020.
Grant’s loves to see guests’ reactions to new shows and events at Carowinds. “I honestly find myself watching the audience and guest reactions more than the shows themselves at times,” she said.
Coworkers describe Grant as someone who genuinely cares for them and their success. She is known as reliable and fair, always willing to give someone a second chance.
Grant encourages aspiring female leaders to have the courage to have tough conversations. “Speak to others with care and respect, and they will decide if they want to hear you,” she said.
Zebria Hicks
2023 is Zebria Hicks’ ninth season at Carowinds. She began in 2014 as a merchandise associate before joining the admissions team as location manager, admissions and guest experience. In this role, she assists her team as help guests prepare for their visit, enjoy the park and plan future trips to Carowinds.
Hicks enjoys working with a diverse group of people and ensuring that each guest has an amazing experience. “It brings me great joy to turn a guests’ bad day around and show them what great experiences we have available at Carowinds,” she said.
Outgoing is the word Hicks’ coworkers use to describe her. She encourages each of her team members to feel comfortable, break out of their shell and have fun. “You can’t help guests have their best day ever if you’re not having a little fun yourself,” she said.
Hicks wants future female leaders to be brave, stand their ground, and fight for what they believe in. “Who you are is valuable, and bringing your experiences and perspective to the table can help others achieve success. There is no one like you,” she said.
Hicks credits her leadership style to the strong female role models she has in her life, and at the park. She claims to have experienced being underestimated but proving herself through delivering on her promises and her quality of work. “It took me a long time to see myself as leader, but I really enjoy being able to support my team through challenging resolutions,” she said.
Tammy Wise
Tammy Wise started her Carowinds career 16 years ago, when the park was transitioning to Cedar Fair Entertainment Company’s ownership. As the group sales support supervisor, Wise is responsible for all contracts and ticketing logistics involved with hosting group and catered events at the park.
Wise’s favorite part of the job is the office camaraderie. Everyone in Carowinds’ administrative office views her as the “office mom,” their go-to person for any question or concern. She makes her coworkers feel comfortable and welcomed with her energetic presence, kindness and compassion.
When Wise thinks of female leadership, she is reminded of her mother, a strong female business owner. She encourages future female leaders to stand strong and never settle. “Be yourself, do not try to be somebody you are not,” she said.
Pamela Gorman
Pamela Gorman has worked with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company for over 32 years as an outside sales representative. Throughout her career, she has represented both Carowinds and Kings Dominion across most of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Currently, she helps organizations in eastern South Carolina and western North Carolina increase morale and enhance productivity through purposeful, fun events at Carowinds.
The most enjoyable part of Gorman’s job is the opportunity to connect with new people every day. “I enjoy learning about each company and exploring ways to help them meet their goals by increasing morale, productivity, and showing appreciation for their valued workforce,” she said. Gorman is honored when clients view her as a corporate partner and trusted advisor. Her coworkers describe her as passionate, dependable, flexible, and someone with a good sense of humor.
During Women’s History Month, Gorman wants people to take time to recognize, and celebrate, how far society has come when accommodating women in the workforce. She cites the changes in maternity and paternity leave, and the younger female generation paving the way for stronger workplace boundaries.
“I enjoy watching the younger generation of women and mothers speak out and create healthier boundaries,” she said. “I love how bold we have become, and watching companies make positive accommodations to keep their valued associates.”
Gorman urges the next generation of female leaders to never lose their voice and to always stay focused and true to themselves. She also emphasizes the importance of appreciating others, trying to understand others, and not judging.
“Empathy is not knowing how someone feels, it is about extending an arm of understanding to find common ground,” she said.
