March 11, 2025 Women’s History Month Employee Spotlight: Joanna
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re excited to introduce you to some of the women leaders at Crossroads who have played an important part in our company history.
Today, we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Borrego, the District Manager for our South Bay Region. She’s been a part of the Crossroads team for almost 30 years. Amazing!
Meet Joanna
Hi Joanna! Please tell us a little about your career journey at Crossroads.
My journey began while I was attending community college and pursuing a degree in fashion buying. My initial dream job was to be a shoe and handbag buyer for Nordstrom, or another large retailer. I always enjoyed shopping secondhand, but knew nothing about Crossroads until I saw an ad in the Metro newspaper about a new resale shop opening in San Jose. I had been trekking up to San Francisco and Berkeley to sell at Wasteland, Mars Mercantile, and Buffalo Exchange, so I was excited by the ad and decided to apply.
At the time, I was working at my family’s coffee shop, so I planned to work at Crossroads only part-time to quench my fashion obsession. I was hired as a part-time Buyer, and within a year was promoted to a Floor Supervisor, followed by Assistant Manager a few years later. Eventually, I became the Store Manager of the San Jose Store on West San Carlos, and when we opened the Santa Cruz store, I was given the opportunity to be the Hub Manager for that location. Finally, with the opening of the second San Jose store in Blossom Hill, I was officially promoted to District Manager. I now also oversee our sister store, Fillmore and 5th, in Palo Alto.
Which part of your Crossroads career makes you most proud?
I’m most proud that I proved to myself that I have the ability to take on leadership roles that sometimes challenge my natural personality. I am pretty introverted, but at work I strive to be an approachable and humble mentor.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job has always been buying! I love how fashion is ever-changing, and because of that I am always learning, even after 29 years. I also love watching staff grow and seeing their career journey with Crossroads flourish.
What do you love to do on your day off?
On my days off, I love to be in the garden drinking iced coffee with my doggie by my side. Maybe I take a trip to an antique store. I also love spending time with my boys, even though they are almost grown adults now.
What advice would you give to people who want to start a career in fashion?
Be open! No matter what path you want to take into fashion, retail is so important! The stepping stone in even an entry-level clothing retail job can lead to big things and a major fashion career! How many times have we heard the story of an iconic fashion designer who began their career as a sales associate at a boutique or major retailer?
