Pride, Gold, and Grit: A Ford Family’s Winter Games Story

There were several great stories that unfolded at the Winter Games in Italy, one of which was the Team USA women’s hockey team winning a gold medal against their Canadian rivals. Steve Girolamo, a cost analyst for Ford, witnessed the overtime thriller in person, as his niece Kirsten Simms, a decorated senior at Wisconsin and projected first-round pick in the upcoming Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft, played for the Americans. 

Simms, 21, saw significant ice time during the tournament, scoring her first Olympic goal against Canada in their preliminary round matchup prior to the medal rounds. As soon as the final game ended, Girolamo and his wife navigated through an arena that had been packed with Team Canada fans to meet up with the rest of Simms’ family to celebrate the achievement. 

Golden career advice  

Girolamo drew comparisons between Simms’ Olympic journey and the everyday work of Ford employees. He noted that her experience could serve as an excellent source of inspiration as Simms worked through the challenges that came with being one of the youngest players on a loaded Team USA roster — the most significant being that she did not play in the gold medal game, likely due to her relative inexperience on the world stage. He added that preparation, resilience, and teamwork are key factors in our work at Ford, as well. Girolamo also said that setbacks, such as not playing in an important game, require continued effort to rebound from. 

“You just have to keep working and keep grinding,” he said. “Opportunities don’t just present themselves, but if you prepare for them, opportunities are made — we just have to be prepared for them. There can be bumps in the road, but you work through the obstacles and keep working hard. Things aren’t always going to go as planned, but you keep going and working toward the next goal.” 

While there were practical work connections to be made during the trip, Girolamo appreciates Ford’s commitment to work-life balance, adding that he’s always felt support for his family life.  

“Work and professional careers mean a lot to us, but at the same time, we all come from families that have goals that we meet outside of work,” he said. “Being part of the Ford Family … it helps support everything that we’re involved in outside of work. … To watch our kids grow up and accomplish their own goals and start their own careers, even outside of the industry, it is a part of who we are as employees and the Ford Family helps support that.” 

Italian homecoming  

The trip to Italy also filled a critical void in Girolamo’s passport, which was lacking a stamp from the home of his ancestors. His 10-day stay included sightseeing in Bergamo, an “Old World Europe” city located near Milan, complete with cobblestone streets and historic architecture. He and his wife also enjoyed the local shops and cafes during their visit. 

Girolamo also had a revelation about the proper pronunciation of his family name, passed down by his Italian grandparents. He was also intrigued by seeing his last name, which is not a common surname in the U.S., included on a box of wine, a connection he planned to research further. 

“There was a link there that you just sort of feel in your gut,” he said of the visit. “It was very interesting to see Italy as a whole.”  

The best never rest

Simms has a full schedule upon her return to Wisconsin, which includes a conference tournament, followed by an NCAA tournament, and the PWHL draft. She will also be graduating with a degree in communications, amidst her hockey-filled agenda. For Girolamo, Simms’ achievements can be attributed in part to universal traits such as preparation, resilience, and a strong work ethic, all of which can be translated into success in the office.