Liz Cuneo Chief Editor
David Bacho Creative Director
Kathy Travis Art Director
Lara Krieger Senior Manager, Print Operations lkrieger@pmmimediagroup.com
Janet Fabiano Financial Services Manager jfabiano@pmmimediagroup.com
David Newcorn President
Elizabeth Kachoris Vice President, Digital
Kelly Greeby Senior Director, Media Operations
Jen Krepelka Director, Digital Media
Kim Overstreet Director of Content
Trey Smith Senior Director, Events
Joseph Angel Founding Partner and Executive
Industry Outreach, PMMI
PMMI Media Group
401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312/222-1010 • Fax: 312/222-1310 Web: www.pmmimediagroup.com
PMMI The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies
12930 Worldgate Dr., Suite 200, Herndon VA, 20170
Phone: 571/612-3200 • Fax: 703/243-8556 • Web: www.pmmi.org
Challenges aside, women shine in the packaging and processing industries, proving that things don’t have to change for us to succeed.
LIZ CUNEO | Senior Editor
The last decade has given rise to a lot of talk about women in the workplace. There’s the negative: the ongoing salary gap, discrimination in the workplace, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. But there is also a lot of good: more and more women are entering the workforce (especially in STEM careers), many companies are taking diversity seriously, and
there are more positive female role models than ever before.
Scouring the web, you’ll nd pro les of successful women that are crushing it in their respective industries (you’ll also nd that in the pages that follow), multinational corporations that create a thriving space for women, and webinars and podcasts on achieving the elusive work/life balance. Women today want it all and I believe we’re closer to getting it than ever before.
Visit the library of resources on page 10 for QR code links to all of the numbered references throughout the story.
The Temperature of The Playing Field
Historically, the packaging and processing industries have been perceived as male-dominated, and like many industries, women are underrepresented in leadership roles. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward greater gender diversity and inclusivity in the boardroom and executive suites. Companies are recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in driving innovation and decision-making.
“Creating more gender-diverse work environments that recognize diversity of perspective and ideas is important for sustaining a competitive edge,” said Patty Andersen, Vice President of Human Resources & After Market Services and co-owner of Delkor. Andersen, who is also PMMI’s first female Chairperson, emphasized that this is especially true related to improved processes and new product development.
According to the annual Women in The Work-
place study1 from LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company, while women across the corporate pipeline—and especially women of color—remain underrepresented, there is a growing bright spot in senior leadership. Since 2015, the number of women in the C-suite has increased from 17 to 28%, and the representation of women at the VP and SVP levels has also improved significantly.
Globally, men still make up a larger percentage of the labor force. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 47% of women are in the labor force worldwide compared to 72% of men, but women are making their presence known. Women bring unique perspectives, problem-solving skills, and creativity to the packaging and processing space. And we’re not shying away from STEM occupations.
In fact, the NSF (National Science Foundation) reports that while men make up a greater share of the STEM workforce, the share of women in these positions is increasing at a faster rate than men. The number of women re-entering the labor force since a drop off during the COVID pandemic is also on the rise. And we’re not stopping there. Women’s ambition is at an all-time high, perhaps thanks to the women-empowerment themes as of late (including the Barbie movie that, according to Statista, is the biggest debut ever for a film directed by a woman).2
LeanIn.Org reports that young women are es-
pecially ambitious: nine in 10 women ages 30 and under want to be promoted to the next level, and 75% aspire to become senior leaders. Ninety-six percent of women of color say that their career is important to them, and 88% want to be promoted to the next level.
With this resurgence into the labor force, these ambitious women are advocating for more opportunities, pay equality, and a better work/life balance for everybody. Companies that create a better environment for all genders to achieve a better work/life balance are paving the way for more women to enter the workforce and move right on up once they’re there.
Whether its designing sustainable packaging solutions, optimizing production workflows, or implementing advanced automation systems, women play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in packaging and processing. Innovation thrives in environments that embrace diversity and foster collaboration. By promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women to contribute their ideas and expertise, companies can unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving marketplace.
According to the International Labour Organization, it is beneficial for the global economy as a whole to close the gender gaps in the labor force. And that’s essentially done by focusing on these four areas:
1. Achieving equal pay
2. Tackling occupational segregation
3. Eliminating gender discrimination
4. Promoting a work/life balance
Part of achieving these things above may mean new policies, but a big first step is simply awareness and recognition of these issues. Luckily, there are some companies that have taken action to create a better environment for women to succeed.
While inequalities persist, it’s important to give recognition where recognition is due. Late last year, Forbes teamed up with market research firm Statista and ranked the World’s Top Companies for Women in 20233. You can read more about how this list was formed by clicking on the QR code in the list of resources, but essentially 70,000 women working for multinational corporations across 37 countries were surveyed, asking if they would recommend their employer to friends or family. They were also asked to rate
Visit the library of resources on page 10 for QR code links to all of the numbered references throughout the story.
the corporation on both general workplace practices and gender-specific issues including gender pay equity, the management of employee discrimination cases, and whether men and women have the same opportunities for advancement.
They were also asked to rate other companies within their respective industries, and to evaluate the organizations based on their public image. Eligible companies were then assessed on the percentage of women in leadership positions.
It was encouraging to see so many CPG names and packaging suppliers on the list, such companies as The Estee Lauder Companies, AptarGroup, L’Oreal, Unilever, Coca-Cola, General Mills, and The Hershey Company, to name a few.
Through resources like global studies, company rankings, and women-driven groups, more awareness can be created to spur more companies to take equality in the workplace seriously.
As women continue to make their mark in the packaging and manufacturing industry, mentorship and talent development programs play a crucial role in fostering career advancement and leadership opportunities. Experienced female professionals serve as mentors and role models, offering guidance, support, and invaluable insights to aspiring women entering the field. Then through networks like the Women in Packaging & Processing Leadership Network4, an environment is fostered for women to be recognized, celebrated, and hopefully, empowered.
“The number of women in packaging has increased in the last decade thanks in part to the effort of non-profit organizations and educational institutions that are committed to attracting more women and reducing the gender gap,” said Andersen. “The needle is being positively moved through efforts to encourage girls at a young age to pursue careers in STEM fields, which is critical to our industry, and by changing the perception that women have about careers in manufacturing.”
More about the PPWLN
You know the adage, “a rising tide lifts all boats”— that seems to be a good motto for women in the packaging and processing fields
thanks to The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN). PPWLN serves to recruit, retain, and advance women’s careers in packaging and processing. The network does this through online and in-person events, information sharing, and networking. Want to get involved? Join the PPWLN group on LinkedIn5 to connect with peers and learn about upcoming events.
Speaking of events, many of you joined us for a cocktail reception at PACK EXPO East in March. The event brought together over 100 women from supplier companies, consulting firms, independent contractors, and various CPG brands, as well as startups. These women socialized, networked, and enjoyed a casual event built around connections. Through these events, and the Linkedin page, PPWLN aims to create a strong women-centered network in the packaging and processing industries.
Did you happen to attend last year’s PPWLN breakfast at PACK EXPO Las Vegas? If you did, you know it was standing room only to hear from the talented Manjit Minhas, co-founder of Minhas Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries.
Minhas shared how she thrives in a male-dominated industry and how she, at just 19, co-founded Minhas Breweries, and became the world’s youngest brewery owner. Today, it is the 10th largest brewery in North America. Her
talk was inspiring, awe-provoking, and darn-right impressive. If you missed it, you can watch her presentation6 from PACK EXPO Las Vegas and hear her tips for success on salary negotiation, mentorship, and other workplace issues. And listen in to her follow-up podcast7 about empowering women in the workplace, as well as other podcasts about salary negations8, networking9, and navigating a male-dominated field10
This year’s breakfast in Chicago at PACK EXPO International promises to be just as inspiring! Join us on Tuesday morning, November 5 at 7:30 a.m. to hear from Lisa Sun, founder & CEO of retail brand and lifestyle company GRAVITAS. Sun will blend her personal story, experiences from her data-driven insights from 11 years at McKinsey & Company, and the story of the launch of GRAVITAS to showcase the power of confidence, innovation, and a strong vision. All women who are registered for PACK EXPO are invited to attend the annual breakfast and program. While the program is free, space is limited so reservations are required.11
You’ll also be able to learn more about the PPWLN and its initiatives. Have you heard of the PPWLN scholarship? It was established to support women’s careers in the packaging and processing industry. This $5,000 scholarship is awarded each year to a female student at a North
Brand new to the network is SheLeads: Navigating Leadership for Women, a new interactive learning course for women leaders.
American college or university looking to pursue a career in packaging or processing. (10% of every profile sold in this publication was donated to the PPWLN scholarship fund.)
Brand new to the network is SheLeads: Navigating Leadership for Women12, a new interactive learning course for women leaders. This course was designed for women leaders from manufacturing organizations to deepen their self-awareness and leadership skills to help them lead more effectively.
A key facet of the program is creating a safe space for these leaders to seek support and share ideas with colleagues who also experience the challenges of leading effectively in a primarily male-dominated work environment.
The course will create an experience in which the participants can explore leadership content, benefit from tools to enhance their self-awareness, and engage in relevant and rejuvenating conversations that support them in their journey to step up most confidently and effectively as leaders in their organizations.
Speaking of leaders, I hope you get inspired by reading about many of the talented women leaders presented in the pages that follow. These are women who have risen in their respective companies and are leaving a mark in the packaging and processing industries. ▼
Check out the resources below for the various presentations, podcasts, and resources referenced throughout the opening article. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Check out LeanIn.Org’s Women in the Workplace report
Unrelated to the movie but impactful nonetheless, watch the Barbie Dream Gap Project video that shines a light on young girls and when they begin to develop limiting self-beliefs
Read the Forbes list of top companies for women
Learn more about the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN)
Join the PPWLN exclusive LinkedIn group
Watch Manjit Minhas’ presentation from the PPWLN breakfast at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023
Listen to Manjit Minhas talk about empowering women
Listen in to a PPWLN podcast, Sealing the Deal: Unwrapping the Art of Negotiation
Listen in to a PPWLN podcast, Mastering the Art of Networking in Packaging and Processing Jobs
Listen in to a PPWLN podcast, Changing the Rules of the Game
Register for the PPWLN breakfast at PACK EXPO International
Learn more about the PPWLN’s SheLeads program
PPWLN recently launched Learning Circles, a new interactive webinar format
THE PACKAGING AND PROCESSING INDUSTRIES are essential to the global economy, and women play a vital role in leading the way.
Each of the women pro led here comes from a different walk of life and has a wide range of experiences. Some are engineers, scientists, and technologists who are developing new packaging materials and food processing methods. Some are entrepreneurs and executives who are leading big, growing businesses. Others are operational experts, focused on making packaging and processing as safe, ef cient and productive as possible. And still others are specialists, dedicated to advancing the cause of sustainability.
but also by resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles, women have made signi cant strides and become leaders in the industry. With the support of organizations like theirs and continued efforts to promote gender equality by the community at large, women in the industry will continue to break down barriers and succeed.
Signi cant challenges remain, but as the 11 pro les on the following pages show, there are many inspiring examples of success. These are just a few of the many women who are making a difference in the packaging and processing industries.
Whatever their background, career path or job role, these women are making a real difference through their hard work and dedication. Each one is doing her part to create a thriving industry, and helping to create a more sustainable future. And each shares her advice, insights, and experience in the pages that follow with the goal of helping to advance the role of women in the industry.
The experience of women in packaging and processing may be marked with challenges and discrimination,
We hope that you will read their stories and be inspired by their work.
Visit www.packworld.com/WomenInPackaging to read expanded pro les and insight from each of these 11 women leaders.
PATTY ANDERSEN Vice President of Human Resources & After Market Services, Co-owner, Delkor Systems
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
PATTY ANDERSEN IS PMMI’S FIRST FEMALE CHAIRPERSON
Patty Andersen, Vice President of Human Resources & After Market Services and co-owner of Delkor. I’ve been in a senior leadership position at Delkor for nearly twenty years, primarily focusing on Human Resources, Employee Training, and Strategic Planning.
How did you get into the packaging/processing industry and what attracted you to it?
My husband worked for the founder of Delkor beginning in the late 1980s and he and I purchased the company in 1999. We started with just 10 employees. At that time the use of robotics for making picking and packing tasks easier was still in its infancy, but it was clear that end-to-end packaging solutions would soon be a manufacturing gamechanger. The entrepreneurial challenge of bringing creative packaging automation systems to the marketplace to grow our business was an exciting proposition. It meant we’d have to hire top talent and build a team that could achieve the desired business goals. That was a journey I was eager to participate in at Delkor, so I left the full-time job I had at the time to focus on this new venture.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry? Early on in my career I learned that women often have to work much harder to prove their commitment and intelligence, and it can be a lonely existence. Fast forward to 2024 and you see that women now hold 26% of leadership positions in the manufacturing industry, while making up almost one third of the workforce. There continues to be a sizable underrepresentation of women in the industry which has contributed to certain bias and stereotypes.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career? Don’t think you have to be the smartest person in the room. Your job in a leadership/C-suite position is to guide and direct traf c by working through other people who are often much more of a subject matter expert in the topic area than you are. Be an open minded, inquisitive, and active and engaged listener; do not prematurely decide what the other person means by what is being said. Ask open-ended follow-up questions.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging? Focus on results rather than activities because many initiatives are stalled for a wide variety of reasons. Don’t allow yourself to be discouraged by the speed of career progression. Seek out opportunities to demonstrate leadership, even if it is not listed in the job title. Be optimistic and stay positive as it doesn’t go unnoticed by others. Don’t be frightened by challenges; oftentimes that is the opportunity to display your leadership skills.
Mission Statement: A Trusted Automation Partner
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Leadership: Co-Owners of Delkor, Dale and Patricia Andersen; President/CEO, Dale Andersen
Six Vice Presidents: CFO, CIO & Continuous Improvement, Engineering, Human Resources & After Market Services, Operations, Sales & Marketing
Eight Directors: Advanced Machining Center, Applications Engineering, Automation, Field Service, Finance, Manufacturing, Marketing, Supply Chain
Annual Revenue: $150,000,000
Employees: 350
Facility: 300,000 square foot manufacturing campus
Markets served: North America, South America and Select International Markets
Industries: Food, Beverage, Consumer Products
Product range: Robotic Packaging Systems
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
Emily Winston, Founder & CEO. Pop-up of the brand launched in 2017, then retail opened in 2019.
How did you get into the packaging/processing industry and what attracted you to it? I wanted to start selling our bagels wholesale, and clearly they needed to get packaged!
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry?
It seems that people don’t expect women to have ambitious plans. It’s fun to surprise them.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career?
Becoming much more decisive, and less of a perfectionist.
Has there been a person in your life who has inspired or mentored you? How has that impacted you?
I’m lucky to have met Cheryl Lew, who has been in the bakery business for decades and a wealth of experience and contacts in the Bay Area. We hit it off right away while my rst store was under construction and she’s been an enormous help since.
For young professionals looking at future career paths, describe your position - what does a typical work day look like in your role?
Well, there’s a lot of email, but there’s also nonstop problem solving with product and equipment. There’s designing new stores, graphics and marketing materials, picking equipment, making nancial and other strategic decisions, and meeting with all sorts of people.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging or processing?
Don’t be afraid to think big!
Mission Statement: We make bagel dreams come true.
Headquarter Location: Berkeley, California
Leadership: We are led by myself, Founder & CEO, and Rob Soviero, COO
Annual Revenue: 12M
Employee Count Ranges: 140
Facility Size (sq. ft.): 18,000 sq. ft. plus ve retail shops
Markets served: Currently just California
Industries: Food- retail, wholesale CPG and foodservice
Product Offerings: Bagels! Fresh, sandwiches, and sliced and frozen six packs. We also whip our own cream cheese and make small amounts of other things like bagel chips and black & white cookies.
Mission Statement: Pioneering Nourishment for All
Headquarter Location: New York, NY
Leadership:
Chief Executive Of cer, KIND North America: Russell Stokes
Global Chief Financial Of cer, Mars Health & Wellness Platform: (KIND North America, KIND International, Nature’s Bakery, Tru Fru): Kaj van den Kieboom
Chief Customer Of cer, KIND North America: Beth Jarocki
Employee Count Ranges: 350-400
Markets served: North America
Industries: CPG
Product Offerings: Food
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
Kerri Clark, VP, Packaging R&D at KIND. I’ve been at KIND for two and a half years.
How did you get into the packaging/processing industry and what attracted you to it?
I found my way into packaging at Michigan State University. I had always loved science and engineering but also was interested in business. I held majors on both sides but was having a hard time envisioning a career I knew I could be happy in the long term. Packaging is the perfect blend of both technical and business focuses, and after taking my rst job out of school at Nabisco and being able to see the work I was doing on shelves and in the hands of my friends and family, I knew it was the right career for me.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career? Listening! I am a doer and have a strong bias towards action, so the most important skill I’ve had to learn is to slow down and listen to understand where others are coming from before charging ahead. I think this has led to anticipating the needs and concerns of others better and allows me to bring others along and be an even more effective business partner.
Has there been a person in your life who has inspired or mentored you? How has that impacted you?
I have had many impactful mentors and managers over the years, both men and women. One of my rst bosses was a woman, and she taught me the important lesson of standing your ground and ghting for what you believe. When I started a family, I had a mentor who helped me take stock of what was most important to me. She helped me navigate the early years of parenthood and helped me see that there are stages of parenting and that it is okay to navigate your career choices around those stages.
For young professionals looking at future career paths, describe your position - what does a typical workday look like in your role?
No two days are the same, which is part of what keeps the job interesting. The players and priorities will constantly shift around me and my team, and it is my job to seek clarity and drive quality decision-making. As the functional lead for packaging, I am always looking for ways to stay ahead of the trends and bring new and better ways of doing things to my team and the organization. I spend a lot of my time in conversations about where the business is headed and what our biggest needs are to deliver our products to the consumer in a way that ensures freshness and safety while enhancing the overall consumer experience. Because packaging sits at the intersection of cost and manufacturing with the brand and consumer, we are uniquely positioned to impact the businesses we support quite broadly. I think packaging often plays the role of the great mediator nding the balance between the technical needs and the business/consumer needs.
Global Scienti c & Regulatory Affairs Program Manager, Packaging, Mars Wrigley
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
Kimberly Sheehy. Global Scienti c & Regulatory Affairs Program Manager, Packaging, Mars Wrigley. I recently joined Mars in the spring, but have been working in the food packaging regulatory space for about 10 years.
How did you get into the packaging/processing industry and what attracted you to it? I actually kind of stumbled into it. After obtaining my Master’s in biochemistry, I worked in a research laboratory and quickly realized that it was not my passion. I took a leap in joining a Chemical Safety and Food Contact Regulatory consulting group and appreciated that I could use my chemistry background to follow a different path. The complexity and evolution of the regulations provides diverse challenges that allow me to continuously learn.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry?
As a woman who enjoys a fun, feminine personal style, I felt I had to tone myself down in order to be seen as serious and professional. Based on stereotypes and personal experience, I had believed that my femininity and credibility were mutually exclusive. As I gained more experience in my eld, I also gained the con dence to appear as my authentic self.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career?
Effective communication skills that allow you to tailor your communication style based on the outcome you are aiming for and your target audience. This has been a critical skill throughout the various stages of my career and I continue to re ne it everyday.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging or processing?
I would stress the importance of appearing con dent in your knowledge and abilities, even if you don’t necessarily feel it. I think a lot of women downplay their talents because society has taught us to be modest and then we end up believing it. Instead, I advise women to take up space, make noise, and showcase your skills!
Company Mission Statement: The world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.
Headquarter Location: McLean, Virginia
Leadership: Owner – Mars Family CEO/Of ce of the President – Poul Weihrauch
Annual Revenue: $45 billion
Employee Count Ranges: 130,000 worldwide
Facility Size: 114 locations worldwide
Markets Served: Global
Industries: Food/Beverage Product Offerings: Petcare, Food & Nutrition, and Snacking
Headquarters Location: Hunt Valley, MD
Company Purpose:
“To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor”
Company Vision: “A World United by Flavor where healthy, sustainable, and delicious go hand in hand.”
Leadership: McCormick’s Management Committee: President and CEO –Brendan Foley
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Of cer –Mike Smith
Annual Revenue:
$6.5 Billion USD
Employee Count: 13,000
Markets Served:
McCormick is a global avor company operating in the Americas; Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia Paci c (APAC)
Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Flavor Manufacturing
Product Offerings: Spices, seasoning mixes, condiments
Senior Principal ScientistPackaging Innovation, McCormick & Co.
What is your name and position?
Tracie Wilson, Senior Principal Scientist - Packaging Innovation.
How long have you been in this role?
Eight years dedicated to this role and over three decades of experience in the industry.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry?
Asserting my voice was crucial. Too often, a female perspective or idea would seemingly go unnoticed, only to be hailed as ingenious when echoed by a male, sometimes with minimal alteration.
A fundamental aspect of my personality is collaboration. While invaluable in fostering diverse viewpoints within cross-functional teams, it occasionally led to my achievements going unrecognized.
Over time, I’ve cultivated the courage to stand rm for what’s just, leveraging data to bolster my arguments. Data, rooted in irrefutable facts, became my ally in ensuring my voice was heard and my decisions were sound. After absorbing various viewpoints, I make informed choices, relying on data to illuminate the most effective path forward.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career?
I consider business acumen and in uence as paramount skills. Effectively conveying a narrative and constructing a compelling business case for key stakeholders are vital. While an idea may possess merit, its success hinges on aligning with both consumer needs and business objectives. Without this synergy, it’s unlikely to advance.
For young professionals looking at future career paths, describe your position - what does a typical workday look like in your role?
In my role within the company, I oversee transformational innovation, focusing on initiatives not con ned to speci c business categories but rather on platform innovations with potential for scalable application across multiple product categories, even those that may not yet exist.
A typical day involves researching emerging technologies, both in formats and materials, and evaluating their alignment with the company’s growth objectives. This entails developing business cases for the integration of new technologies, ensuring that intellectual property rights are safeguarded throughout the process. Much of this work relies on effective presentation skills, both in crafting compelling narratives and delivering engaging presentations to stakeholders.
Executive Director of Packaging Technical Operations, Merck & Co.
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
My name is Colleen Hutter (nee Baker). I am the Executive Director of Packaging Technical Operations for Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA. I have been in this role for just under one year, however been fortunate to experience a variety of roles in my 27-year career with the company, supporting vaccines, biologics, and small molecule products from upstream drug substance, through drug product, nished assembly and packaging and to our global distribution networks.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry?
In my career, especially in the early years, I faced many situations where I needed to overcome gender biases and stereotypes. I am grateful these experiences of being overlooked or underestimated because of my gender have dropped off signi cantly and that they have taught me a level of resilience. I have learned to ensure that I am heard in discussions, to advocate for my own advancement, to request feedback as well as to help to build the next level of diverse talent.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career?
For me, it has been a mindset of continuous learning. I like the challenge of solving new problems, looking for continuous improvement opportunities, and understanding how things work, whether at home or in the workplace. The world is constantly changing, and it is important to devote time to develop your technical and leadership capabilities enabling to you to adapt and stay relevant in your career.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging or processing?
Beyond the recommendation to invest the time in an internship or co-op while earning your degree, my top three pieces of advice are:
• Believe in yourself and your abilities: be proactive and take initiative. Do not be afraid to take on challenging assignments or projects.
• Develop a growth mindset, dedicating time for personal development. Be curious and seek opportunities to learn more through training as well as in the ow of work.
• Build a network and seek mentors and role models. Find and curate relationships with people who will give you honest and constructive feedback.
(KNOWN AS MSD OUTSIDE OF THE US AND CANADA)
Headquarter Location: Rahway, NJ
Company Mission Statement: Who we are: We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.
Leadership: Rob Davis, Chairman of the Board and CEO
Annual Revenue: 2023
Revenue: $60 billion
Employee Count Ranges: approximately 72,000
Facility Size: we have of ces in over sixty countries worldwide.
Industries: researchintensive biopharmaceutical
Location: Plymouth, Wisconsin
Company Mission Statement: Our mission is to meet customer needs for cheese and cheese-based solutions by exceeding expectations for quality, service, innovation, value, taste, and convenience.
Leadership: Founded by Leonard Gentine, Founder and CEO of Sargento. Louie is the third in the Gentine family to lead Sargento.
CEO: Louie Gentine
Annual Revenue: $1.7 billion in net sales
Employee Count Ranges: We currently have 2,500 members of the Sargento family, across our different plants, from headquarters to the grounds of our St. Cloud plant.
Markets Served: North America
Industries:: Food & beverage
Product Offerings:
Consumer packaged goods: Sargento prides itself on having 100% real natural cheese products. This is consistent across our product lines: Slices, Shreds, Block, Snacks, and our Balanced Breaks portfolio.
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
Diane Davis, VP of Engineering. I have been at Sargento for 5.5 years.
How did you get into the packaging/processing industry and what attracted you to it? I was blessed to join the Sargento family. I like to be learning new things and seeing if there are more ef cient ways to accomplish success. It’s fascinating to see the heavily automated equipment enabling people to produce more with less work.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry?
De nitely the exclusion from team building events, social networking opportunities, and really a lack of understanding of the strengths I bring to a team. I have different approaches as a woman, neither better or worse, just different. This is a great life lesson I learned and have applied in many aspects of my life: Others have different perspectives, and seeking to understand and include someone is a very powerful value.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career? Remembering that mistakes and failures will happen…you need to learn from those situations. Self re ection, emotional intelligence, empathy, and servant leadership are all critical. There is almost nothing you can accomplish by yourself, so team work and social networks can make or break a project.
Has there been a person in your life who has inspired or mentored you? How has that impacted you?
So many people! My parents who never placed limitation on me and always encouraged me to be creative, compassionate, and love science and problem solving. There have been many mentors throughout my career who I learned from and combined different values and leadership into my own for what worked for me.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging or processing?
Don’t underestimate your ability! Be bold and have courage! Know yourself and what you like and don’t like. Don’t give up or let anyone else judge you or your abilities. Be true to yourself and your values.
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
Megan E. Gluth-Bohan, Esq. CEO & Owner (Total 6 years as CEO, and 12 years at Catalynt). I joined the company in 2012 as General Counsel and quickly moved from General Manager to President to CEO and Owner.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male dominated industry?
Sometimes, a person’s full potential and capabilities are underestimated simply because of their gender. To overcome this, we must create welcoming environments where women can thrive. We must be our own ercest advocates, seizing the tremendous opportunities available for women to excel and lead in the chemical industry or any eld. Frankly, the rules are different for women. We DO have to work harder, we cannot act the “same” as men, and we DO have to make different sacri ces. Knowing this and acting accordingly is key to my personal sanity and helps me live with a sense of acceptance of the way things are. That does not mean I don’t do all I can to help make a change. It just means I place a high value on my inner peace. With my own sanity intact, I then roll up my sleeves and get to work pulling women along with me.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career? As leaders, we have three crucial responsibilities: to know ourselves, handle ourselves, and lead and transform others.
Has there been a person in your life who has inspired or mentored you? How has that impacted you?
I stand on the shoulders of countless people who helped me along. But a man named Craig always comes to the front of my mind. I grew up in poverty and used student loans and grants for my entire college education. When I was accepted to law school, I was elated. But a few weeks before law school started, I learned I needed a private loan to cover the remaining costs of my education. No one in my family could co-sign on that loan for me. And I was to be a full time rst year law student without a job. Not a great credit candidate. A friend of mine’s dad, Craig, said he started life similarly situated. And he said he would co-sign on my law school loans. That act changed the entire course of my life.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging or processing?
I would tell other women to honor their gut instincts, and to be open about them. I think one of the primary gifts women leaders have is our ability to move intuitively. This is an asset, and I believe that women-led companies bene t tremendously from this.
Mission Statement: : WE ARE a dedicated team, and we work hard to transform ourselves and our communities for the better. We stand by our customers and suppliers through thick and thin. We anticipate their problems and deliver solutions, because their work is important to the world — and that’s important to us. We are CATALYNT.
Location: Edmonds, WA
Leadership: Megan E. Gluth-Bohan, Esq., CEO & Owner
Revenue: $100 million
Employees: 50-60
Facility: 35,000 sq. ft.
Markets served: Global
Industries: Paints, Coating, Inks, CASE, Agricultural, Personal Care, HI&I, Lubricants, Oil & Gas, Plastics, Water Treatment
Product range: Raw materials and ingredients; contract packaging; private labeling, toll-blending, lab services.
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
Nancy Colbert MacDougall, CEO. I assumed the position of CEO in 2018, after serving as Board Chairman throughout the prior decade.
How did you get into the packaging/processing industry and what attracted you to it?
After earning my bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University in 1975, I joined Colbert Packaging, learning the business from the ground up. Working as an estimator for the rst six years enabled me to understand the intricacies, variables, and complexities involved in packaging production. I then went on to serve as the assistant to the Chairman, my father, Charles (Bud) Colbert. This afforded me a valuable opportunity to learn all aspects of the business of running a packaging converting company. For 20 years, alongside my dad, I absorbed all the knowledge and experience I could – learning from the best – a true pioneer in the business.
Has there been a person in your life who has inspired or mentored you?
My primary inspiration was my dad. From the time I was young, he demonstrated what it looks like to build and run a great business. His mentorship and in uence are woven into the fabric of who we are as an organization. I am grateful for this legacy and the opportunity it provided me, and all of our employees – past, present, and future.
For young professionals looking at future career paths, describe your position - what does a typical workday look like in your role?
Given our relatively small size as a company, I have the privilege of wearing many hats as CEO. I enjoy overseeing and guiding our HR functions, as well as leading our future business strategy. I listen to our customers to understand their vision and needs, and continually seek ways to reinvest in the business with capital equipment and new technologies designed to serve them better. I like meeting and conversing with our customers, and learning from them.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in packaging or processing?
Learn as much as you can early on, discover your talents and what you enjoy doing. Also, leverage the knowledge base of the mentors available to you and identify the ones that will help you to be successful. There are so many opportunities in packaging, from the business side to the creative side, and manufacturing roles that can develop into a rewarding career.
Mission Statement: We lead with integrity, innovation and technical expertise to facilitate growth by ensuring our customers’ products are packaged in safe, smart and sustainable solutions.
Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Leadership: CEO, Nancy Colbert MacDougall; President/COO, John Lackner; CFO, Kraig Lang; Senior VP Sales, Lon Johnson
Employees: 300-350
Facility: 225,000 sq ft manufacturing, 89,000 sq ft warehouse
Markets served: We serve primarily North America, but also Asia PAC and Europe.
Industries: The Pharmaceutical space is our primary audience; and we also serve Consumer Healthcare/Personal Care, Food/Confectionery, Industrial, Automotive, Hardware, Paper/Printed Goods, and Contract Packaging.
Product range: Our paper-based secondary packaging solutions include custom folding cartons, informational package inserts, and pressure-sensitive labels. We offer complete combination packaging (cartons/inserts/labels) solutions as well as formed paper trays, patient compliance packaging, anti-counterfeit and security solutions, and sustainable alternatives to plastic.
Director of Marketing and Business Strategy, Morrison Container Handling Solutions
What is your name and position? How long have you been in this role?
Allison Wagner, Director of Marketing and Business Strategy. I’ve been with Morrison Container Handling Solutions for ve years and in this speci c role for one year.
How did you get into the packaging/processing industry and what attracted you to it?
My entry to the packaging industry was truly happenstance – I applied for a job at Morrison, and I instantly fell in love with what we do and the fast-paced packaging industry.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a female in a male-dominated industry?
When you’re often the only woman in the room, you naturally get a sense of imposter syndrome. Sometimes it can be challenging to feel like you belong, but you do, and you’re in the room for a reason. Building that con dence is a life-long work in progress.
What has been the most important skill you’ve developed as you advanced your career?
Of all the skills I could’ve developed, I think the ability to create a network is the most important one, as well as asking questions. It is not possible to know all the things, but it is possible to surround yourself with people who cumulatively know all the things. There are people I go to within my company and outside my company that are experts in things I am not, and I leverage this whenever I need to learn something new, gut check an idea, or simply seek assistance. The skill of knowing when to say that you do not know the answer, and seek it from someone who does, is instrumental in being able to grow your career. Leaders value people on their team who can leverage their resources and remain curious.
Has there been a person in your life who has inspired or mentored you? How has that impacted you?
I have been incredibly fortunate to join the packaging industry at a time when there are more women leaders and peers than ever before, and the women of the PPWLN inspire me on a daily basis. We are very fortunate to have them as a resource to look up to. Most closely, I’ve been lucky to have my CEO Nancy Wilson be a mentor to me in marketing and as a female leader in this industry; she’s provided insight and advice that I couldn’t be more grateful for.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to utilize our experience and design innovation to provide exible and responsive solutions to the packaging industry. Morrison is to be the industry standard by providing an exceptional work environment that allows us to meet our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations with Support Built In®.
Location: Glenwood, Illinois
Leadership: Nancy Wilson, CEO; Chris Wilson, President; Dustin Lee, Vice President of Sales; Ryan Finke, Vice President of Engineering
Revenue: 20-50 Million
Employees: 110-125
Facility: 120,000 Square Feet
Markets served: North America, South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand
Industries: Food and beverage, wine and spirits, cosmetics, personal care, household, petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical, construction goods, tobacco, cannabis, produce, spices, grain/mill/cereal, snack foods, dairy
Product range: Automated container handling machinery, timing screws / feed screws, change parts, screw drive units, twist blocks, lane combiners, lane dividers, multi-packing machinery, variety packing machinery, inverting machinery, high speed can openers, down bottle reject guides, ionized air rinsers, rotary container handling machines, denesters, orienting equipment, and custom machines and turnkey solutions
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry?
All too often, I nd myself as the only woman in the room, particularly when it comes to high level discussions and decision making. It can be incredibly challenging to break through the perceived gender roles in this industry and navigate a wide range of obstacles to ensure that we pave the way for the next generation of women to have a seat at the table.
In a time when less than ve percent of manufacturing and engineering companies in the U.S. are run by women, I feel that we have a duty to break down barriers to success so that we can inspire and support future generations of women as they navigate their own career paths.
What do you think are some of the key factors that have contributed to your success in the industry?
I’ve always believed that one of my greatest strengths is my ability to truly relate to and hear people. Whether it is our customers, distributors, or employees, I take great pride in the ability to manage and care for people, making space at the table and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly. Overlooking people is one of the surest ways to crash any company, whereas when you’re able to develop experience and perspective from all entities, you can become a stronger leader.
What can the industry do better to support women and increase the number of women in leadership positions?
It is incumbent upon leaders to constantly evaluate their policies to ensure that they’re truly working towards equitable access to opportunities for women. Whether it’s maternity leave policies, inclusive spaces for working parents, or exible work schedules, when we develop policies that prioritize our employees, we break down barriers to success, elevate those who have too often been left behind and increase our own productivity.
Whether it’s through youth mentorship programs, career days, or simple conversations with the young women in our lives, we need to be intentional about sharing our stories, and creating pathways for the next generation to see themselves as leaders in our industry.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to contribute to automation and labor-saving operations in industries through delivering high-quality and high-performance automatic control equipment to customers in all kinds of industrial sectors throughout the world.
Location: Noblesville, Ind. (Global HQ: Japan)
Leadership: Kelley Stacy, CEO/President of SMC Corporation of America
Revenue: Approximately $6 billion
Employees: More than 1,500 in the US, more than 21,000 globally
Facility: 2.6M+ sq. ft. North American Headquarters plus 30 sales of ce locations.
Markets served: Global
Industries: Food and beverage, brewery, packaging, medical, pharmaceutical, bio-pharma, semiconductor, automotive, machine tool, natural resource, mining, water treatment, power generation, steel, asphalt and aggregates
Product range: Comprehensive range of automation, controls, and process components including actuators, grippers, valves, electric actuators, ionizers, vacuum, air preparation, sensors, process gas, industrial communication, chillers, dryers, connectors, tubing, high vacuum, regulators, and training equipment.
The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) provides valuable resources through online and in-person events, fostering a vibrant community where members share information and engage in meaningful networking.
To connect with like-minded professionals and stay informed, we invite you to subscribe to keep up to date on events and resources. Engage, learn, and grow with us as we empower women in our field!
Vist pmmi.org/ppwln and join the PPWLN LinkedIn group to stay connected.
to connect? Join the PPWLN LinkedIn group for exclusive insights, networking opportunities, and industry discussions!
