MEET THE WOMEN LEADING THE INDUSTRY

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.

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.

To be clear, there is much work that remains to be done. The experience of women in packaging and processing has been marked by challenges and discrimination, 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 18 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.

We hope that you will read their stories and be inspired by their work.

LISA HIRSH PRESIDENT AND CEO

Tell us about your background and how you got into the packaging industry. I was born into the packaging industry. Accurate Box is a family-owned business, and I’m the third generation to take over. My grandfather, Henry Hirsh, founded Accurate Box in 1944 by purchasing used equipment to start manufacturing boxes. His son and my father, Charlie Hirsh, took over the company in 1960, and in 1982, I joined the company after graduating from college. I liked operations right away. I was fascinated with how to improve our set-ups to get more jobs through our process. Now, 41 years later, I’m guiding my daughter, Samara Ronkowitz, who is the company’s fourth generation, in the business.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry?

The biggest challenge I faced being in a male-dominated industry since I started back in the 1980s was being underestimated. I remember being told not to go out on the plant oor because I would get hurt. Not a lot of women were in manufacturing at the time. When I went to my rst industry meeting in my 20s, there were 200 people in the room from many different companies, and I was the only woman in the entire room.

What can the industry do better to support women and increase the number of women in the leadership positions?

Our biggest issue is the leap into manufacturing. It’s a very small group of women that go into manufacturing and there is a small pool when looking for experienced leadership. We need to introduce young people into the industry earlier through internships and mentoring, so they gain more knowledge and experience in our industry.

What advice would you give young women who are considering a career in packaging? There is a huge opportunity in packaging because it is a maturing industry that is here to stay, and we are looking for young, interested managers. Once you’re in the industry, look for knowledgeable people to learn from. Also, get involved in organizations to gain outside perspectives and advice from those who are in similar positions. I joined the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) when I became president which was terri c for me because I had an outside sounding board of people who were also running businesses. It’s been 23 years now, and I’m still with the same group. It’s been life changing.