Meet Lacy Martinez and Explore the Positive Impact of ERGs at LIXIL

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to join LIXIL?

I joined LIXIL in 2016 after a regional role opened up, building
on a career rooted in plumbing and showrooms. At LIXIL, I serve
as the corporate sales and category management leader for one of
our largest U.S. customers, while also leading national showroom
sales.

I’m an avid reader who loves hiking and nature, and I’m also the
proud owner of four dachshunds. During the COVID pandemic,
I developed a passion for saltwater aquariums and coral
restoration. It’s amazing how this ties into my work at LIXIL —
water is truly in every compartment of my life, from my hobby to
my job.

What brought you to LIXIL, and what has your career journey been like so far?

When I joined LIXIL, it was a big leap from my previous role at a much smaller company with just eight showrooms and about 100 employees, where I worked for 15 years in various roles. Transitioning to a global organization like LIXIL was a significant change. Since then, I’ve experienced remarkable growth — earning promotions, joining an ERG, and even leading it.

While adapting to a larger-scale environment has been a learning curve, the transition was gradual. I began in a regional role covering seven states before moving into a national position. Over the last couple of years, I’ve also had the chance to contribute to several international projects. These experiences have broadened my perspective, but the progression has felt manageable rather than overwhelming.

Three of those eight years, you’ve been co-chair of the Better Together Employee Resource Group. What are the goals of this ERG and how does it support women at LIXIL?

Our primary goal is to create a supportive environment where all members, regardless of gender, feel comfortable speaking openly. We aim for true equality in all aspects of work, with allyship playing a crucial role. While our focus is on empowering LIXIL employees who identify as women, whether cisgender or transgender, and fostering workplace inclusion, we also welcome men, non-binary individuals, and other allies to join in our mission. The solidarity of women supporting women is essential, but achieving equity and inclusion also requires the involvement of male allies who are willing to speak up and advocate for change.   

I’m pleased to have witnessed significant progress in this area over the past three years that I’ve co-led this group. During this time, we’ve evolved from a women-only group to one that includes others, including male participants in our monthly coffee breaks, with increased gender diversity and engagement being a key achievement.  

We’ve also grown geographically. Initially U.S.-focused, our Americas chapter now includes regular participants from Canada and Mexico, as well as occasional attendees from Germany.

How has your involvement in Better Together shaped your career and perspective? 

Becoming a co-leader of Better Together has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally. It has expanded my awareness of diversity and inclusion in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’ve become an advocate for these values not only at work but also in conversations with customers, family, and friends. This role has highlighted the importance of creating a path for the next generation in our diverse workplace, from recent graduates to those nearing retirement.

Engaging with people from different states, countries, and backgrounds has broadened my perspective. I’ve come to appreciate how varied our experiences and perceptions are, and having dedicated spaces to discuss these differences has been eye-opening. These aren’t conversations you typically have over coffee with friends, but within this group, they’ve flourished and deeply impacted me.

How does Better Together’s activities create a safer, more inclusive environment for women?

I think the biggest part is awareness. If we didn't have this group, every single one of us might have our own thoughts, but there's nowhere we could come together collectively to have these conversations. 

It also really shows LIXIL is making that commitment to women and recognizing the importance of our presence here. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women in our society and organization. We really try to make LIXIL a home for everyone — we talk about "better homes, better realities." That's what we're trying to do: inspire inclusion.

What other events or outreach initiatives do you have with Better Together?

Our initiatives are designed to adapt to current needs. We’ve organized fundraisers for disaster relief and clothing drives to support women entering the workforce. Typically, we hold 3 or 4 major events annually, with International Women's Day being one of our key highlights.

Last year, we launched a multimedia club where Better Together members explore books, podcasts, and documentaries on topics like the gender pay gap, for example. This flexible format allows members to engage at their own pace, with discussions held during our monthly coffee breaks.

It’s fascinating how perception plays a role in this process. My own experiences, which have shaped my perspective, may differ significantly from others’. As a result, I might interpret a podcast or topic in a different light than someone else. And that’s at the core of our discussions—exploring and understanding these diverse perspectives.

Ultimately, it’s about fostering open conversation and sharing thoughts and feelings on whatever topic we’re discussing. When delving into potentially conflicting issues, different opinions are bound to emerge. I may even hold two conflicting views on the same subject, depending on my perspective. Some issues are clear-cut, while others are more nuanced. 

What is LIXIL doing to create a leadership environment where women feel comfortable and supported? What steps are being taken to not only promote this idea but also foster an environment where women want to stay long-term, even when they may be the only woman in the room?

You know, I think LIXIL is making progress. But compared to other companies, we're definitely on the right track. From my perspective and experience here in the Americas, we have many women in leadership roles.

And we have many women in those boardroom meetings. I think we're well on our way. Having the groups and the virtual visibility — not just within the groups but within the company itself — really helps us see that progress. Are we there yet? No. Are we making strides? Absolutely.

However in those places where there is only one woman in the room, remember to speak your truth and own your voice. Your perspective matters. Your contributions can influence those around you, helping to create a ripple effect of change. Keep in mind, someone's always watching and learning from you. Ultimately, it’s about fostering open conversations and sharing your thoughts and feelings on the topics at hand. That’s the essence of diversity and inclusion—we are all different, and that’s something to embrace. None of us fit neatly into just one category. We're wonderfully diverse.

How would you describe the benefits of working at LIXIL to others—both within and outside the company? How has LIXIL supported your career and personal growth?

Consider this: the average person spends a third of their life at work. Shouldn't you make it count? Turn it into a passion and be part of a company culture that truly supports your career journey. Seek out places that offer fair and balanced equity and inclusion, and that pay attention to their employees' well-being. But it's not just about us — it's about the world we live in too. LIXIL does all of this, which is why I'd encourage anyone to seek opportunities here.

It's just so important that you try your best to work for a company that supports you, that empowers you, and that looks to make a difference and create change. I believe LIXIL embodies that, and I would really encourage others to seek out LIXIL if they're looking for a place to work where they can grow both professionally and personally.