STACY

PRESIDENT, CEO

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.