Oncourse Home Solutions Leaders Celebrated in Profiles in Leadership Journal Awards for Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact
Oncourse Home Solutions is proud to announce that five of its senior leaders have received prestigious recognition from the Profiles in Leadership Journal (PLJ) for their exceptional contributions to innovation, inclusion, and workplace culture. These accolades underscore the company’s commitment to cultivating leadership that drives meaningful organizational and societal impact, and highlight the growing influence of Oncourse Home Solutions in the home improvement and construction sectors.
Two of the company’s leaders—Chief Technology Officer Arul Sugunakumar and Head of Total Rewards Sylvia Chen—were honored with the highly esteemed Asian Leadership Award, recognizing professionals who demonstrate outstanding innovation, mentorship, and inclusive leadership within their organizations and communities. In addition, three other executives—Chief People and Diversity Officer Marlo J. Gaal, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships Marguerite Hillock, and Senior Vice President of General Management and Operations Zisan Tekin—were named Women Worth Watching honorees, a distinction celebrating women whose careers, leadership, and mentorship inspire change across industries.
“At Oncourse, we are deeply committed to cultivating a culture that encourages inclusivity, community pride, and purposeful leadership,” said Marlo J. Gaal, Chief People and Diversity Officer at Oncourse Home Solutions. “I am proud to celebrate this recognition alongside my colleagues Arul, Sylvia, Marguerite, and Zisan. Their dedication to leading with vision, empathy, and integrity exemplifies the values we uphold at Oncourse. Their mentorship continues to shape the next generation of leaders within our organization and beyond.”
Arul Sugunakumar: Driving Digital Transformation and Technology Leadership
Arul Sugunakumar, Oncourse Home Solutions’ Chief Technology Officer, was recognized for his transformative leadership in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and large-scale technology implementation. Under his guidance, Oncourse has leveraged cutting-edge technology to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive measurable growth. Sugunakumar has been instrumental in implementing solutions that enable Oncourse to deliver more efficient, scalable, and customer-centric services across its home improvement and construction projects.
Beyond his role in technological advancement, Sugunakumar is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in the tech industry. He regularly engages with emerging leaders, providing guidance and fostering opportunities for professional growth. His commitment to inclusivity and mentorship extends beyond Oncourse, positively impacting the broader technology ecosystem.
Sugunakumar’s leadership exemplifies the convergence of innovation, operational excellence, and ethical leadership, setting a benchmark for technology leaders within the home improvement and construction sectors. His recognition through the PLJ Asian Leadership Award reinforces the importance of technology-driven transformation in shaping industry standards and driving sustainable growth.
Sylvia Chen: Championing Fair Compensation and Inclusive Workplace Culture
Sylvia Chen, Head of Total Rewards at Oncourse Home Solutions, received recognition for her groundbreaking work in developing equitable and transparent compensation strategies that foster an inclusive and high-performing workplace. Her approach combines data-driven insights with a strong sense of empathy, creating policies and programs that benefit both employees and the organization.
Chen has implemented initiatives that not only ensure fair compensation practices but also reinforce Oncourse’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She emphasizes the importance of understanding employee needs, promoting growth opportunities, and nurturing an environment where all individuals can thrive.
In addition to her contributions within the company, Chen is actively engaged in community service, mentoring early-career professionals and volunteering with Chicago-area nonprofits. Her recognition highlights how thoughtful leadership in human resources can drive both organizational excellence and meaningful societal impact.
Marlo J. Gaal: Transforming Culture, DEI, and Community Impact
Marlo J. Gaal, Chief People and Diversity Officer at Oncourse Home Solutions, was honored as a Women Worth Watching awardee for her transformative influence on company culture, employee engagement, and DEI initiatives. Gaal has been instrumental in designing programs that foster inclusive leadership development, encourage employee participation, and promote workplace equity.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Gaal founded Oncourse Cares, the company’s CSR and ESG initiative dedicated to supporting underserved communities. Through this initiative, Oncourse contributes to social and economic development programs that address systemic inequalities, demonstrating the company’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.
Gaal is also actively involved in volunteer work with various nonprofits, focusing on initiatives that create opportunities for children and young adults. Her recognition reflects the intersection of corporate leadership and community engagement, highlighting the potential for organizational leaders to drive both business success and social change.
Marguerite Hillock: Advocacy, Mentorship, and Community Leadership
Marguerite Hillock, Director of External Affairs and Partnerships, was also named a Women Worth Watching honoree for her remarkable advocacy, mentorship, and leadership in both professional and community settings. Hillock’s career trajectory—from her early days in a call center to a senior management position—illustrates her dedication, resilience, and commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Hillock continues to champion equity and professional advancement through her involvement in employee resource groups such as the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement (HOLA) and SOMOS. Her work with these organizations reflects her commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within Oncourse and the broader community. Through mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives, Hillock empowers others to achieve their full potential, leaving a lasting impact on the workforce and industry.
Zisan Tekin: Operational Excellence and Leadership Development
Zisan Tekin, Senior Vice President of General Management and Operations, earned recognition for her ability to drive operational growth and customer expansion through innovative partnerships with utilities and municipalities. Tekin’s strategic initiatives have strengthened Oncourse’s operational capabilities while enhancing service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Beyond her operational leadership, Tekin is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders. She supports students through the Turkish Education Foundation, fostering educational opportunities and career development for emerging talent. Her efforts demonstrate the importance of combining operational expertise with community-focused mentorship to create long-term positive impact.
Profiles in Leadership Journal Awards: Recognizing Excellence and Impact
The PLJ Asian Leadership Award is an annual recognition celebrating professionals who are making meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities through innovation, mentorship, and inclusive leadership. By highlighting leaders such as Sugunakumar and Chen, the award acknowledges those who are not only driving business success but also inspiring others and promoting diversity within their industries.
Similarly, the Women Worth Watching in Leadership Awards, now in their 24th year, honor women whose leadership, mentorship, and professional accomplishments continue to inspire change across sectors. These awards recognize women who demonstrate resilience, vision, and a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
Oncourse Home Solutions’ Commitment to Leadership and Innovation
These awards highlight Oncourse Home Solutions’ ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and operational excellence. By investing in leadership development and promoting diversity at all levels of the organization, Oncourse positions itself as a forward-thinking leader in the home improvement and construction industries.
The recognition of Sugunakumar, Chen, Gaal, Hillock, and Tekin underscores the company’s holistic approach to leadership—one that combines strategic vision, technological innovation, community engagement, and employee empowerment. Their achievements serve as an inspiration not only within Oncourse but also across the broader construction and corporate leadership landscape.
As Oncourse Home Solutions continues to expand its services and operations nationwide, the company remains committed to nurturing leaders who can balance business performance with social responsibility, creating value for employees, customers, and communities alike.
By celebrating these leaders, Oncourse not only highlights individual excellence but also reinforces the critical role of inclusive and visionary leadership in shaping the future of the industry. These honors reflect the company’s dedication to building a workplace culture where innovation, mentorship, and community impact are integral to organizational success.
Through recognition by the Profiles in Leadership Journal, Oncourse Home Solutions affirms that its leaders are setting a new standard for excellence in the construction and home improvement sectors, demonstrating that strong leadership, inclusive practices, and community engagement are essential to sustainable growth and lasting impact.
