Talking Sustainability with Women in Manufacturing
Women From Ahlstrom Share Their Thoughts on Women’s History Month, Sustainability and the Future of our Industry.
We are a workforce filled with inspiring and brilliant women who are making changes and breaking barriers in manufacturing. We took a moment to ask what the industry and its sustainability goals mean to a few women from our member, Ahlstrom.
What Does This Industry Mean to You?
I’m a first-generation papermaker, however, my husband also works in the paper industry and during the summer months our children have worked in the mills to earn money to go to school. My family also understands the impact the local paper mill has on our economy, and we look for products that use our paper when we shop for house supplies. – Kelly Guay, Ahlstrom Operations Manager
Who Inspires You?
Early in my career, I was inspired by key female leaders who I grew up admiring in the paper industry. Today, I find myself being inspired by our next generation of female leaders who challenge the status quo and are creating a paradigm shift in our workplace environment. – Kristy DeLeeuw, Ahlstrom IT Business Partner
What Does a Sustainable Industry Mean to You?
A sustainable industry looks out for the good of the community to ensure there are resources available for generations to come. I am proud to be part of such a historic global team that cares so deeply about quality of work, quality of relationships, and the difference we are making in the world. – Deagan Maki, Marketing Specialist
Why is it Important to Highlight Diversity in our Workforce?
The forest products industry has a rich history, and it is imperative we amplify the voices of our women and diverse team members. By truly embracing a diverse culture and through an awareness of intersectionality, we can be a stronger industry that acknowledges and celebrates the differences among us. – Addie Teeters, Head of Marketing Communications & Public Affairs
What is Your Dream for Women in This Industry?
My dream for women in this industry is to always feel valued for their experience and expertise. That “equal” is no longer a goal or sustainable effort, but a fiber of our culture just as much as paper and innovation make up who we are. – Sarah Rosin, Customer Solutions & Logistics Manager, Ahlstrom
What Industry Sustainability Efforts are you Most Excited About?
We have seen a large increase in the amount of product development work with customers investigating more sustainable solutions, and this trend really excited me. We work very closely with our customers to find paper-based solutions that can be recycled or compostable. – Lisa Schultz, Product Development Engineer, Ahlstrom
Read inspirational stories from more women in the industry:
International Paper Taking Action to Address Period Poverty
As a leading producer of pulp, International Paper (IP) is helping address period poverty, an issue that impacts 500 million women and girls around the globe.
Making Change for the Better with Nonwoven Materials
Hong Wilcoxon is the quality manager at Domtar’s Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) facility in Jesup, Georgia.
An Influencer in the Paper and Wood Products Industry
Janet Lee is an electrical engineer at Essity’s Harrodsburg site in Kentucky. She shared her dreams for the manufacturing industry, and how she is breaking barriers in her field.