2023 Women in Manufacturing to Follow Awards
SourceDay’s Women in Manufacturing Awards aims to bring recognition to the women working in the manufacturing industry that are breaking boundaries, creating inclusive spaces, and innovating in their fields. We’re building a community of women that lift up and support each other in a field where representation is often overlooked.
See the impact these Women in Manufacturing have made in their organizations
Claudia Contreras
Director of Manufacturing Operations @ The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
LinkedIn
What is your favorite part of your job?
“My job is super dynamic, every day presents its own sets of challenges, and it makes each day unique. Above it all, I get to work with an amazing team that I admire and from whom I learn and get inspired everyday. No day is like any other and you are constantly learning and improving. Is a cross-functional team and I enjoy it deeply.”
Any wisdom for other women looking to work in the manufacturing space?
“That we bring so much value to the table and a fresh perspective to this space. Even though the manufacturing space is traditionally more male-dominated, we add so much value and we all can break barriers in the present and for future generations. Our perspective is unique and the opportunities we can bring are way too many – so do not be afraid of taking risks, being the first, and challenging yourself. You will quickly realize the value that you bring which I can assure you, is priceless.”
What Claudia’s nominators had to say:
“Claudia is a dynamic leader with a passion for the business, community, associates and family that is unparalleled to anything that I have ever witnessed. Claudia’s contributions and accomplishments resulted in Scotts Temecula being selected as Platinum Business of the Year for 2021 in recognition of its community involvement and commitment to excellence in business practices. She holds herself and others to the highest of standards all while successfully developing a culture where everyone feels heard, recognized and inspired to work as one team towards that common goal.”
This is a spacer
Sneha Kumari
Sr. Supply Chain Manager @ Amazon
LinkedIn
How did you get into the manufacturing industry?
“My first manufacturing visit was when I was in my undergrad visiting a steel forming company and witnessed the concept of control rooms and could see how molten metal was conveyed to steel. I was 18 and that is where my love started for manufacturing.”
Any wisdom for other women looking to work in the manufacturing space?
“Self-Assurance can often be misconstrued as arrogance, especially for Women and more for Women of Color, but don’t let that stop you. Be fearless and keep shining!”
What Sneha’s nominators had to say:
“Sneha has led multiple roles in end to end supply chain and operations and is skilled in getting organizational alignment and cross- functional collaboration to drive decision making and innovation to drive continuous improvement across processes. She has launched new products by leading the supply chain and operational activities while meeting quality, costs, and service level goals. Her leadership skills are inspiring and she is able to bring around consensus through her servant leadership.”
This is a spacer
This is a space
Koyinsola Olorode
Sr Manager, Process Improvement @ Griffith Foods
LinkedIn
In 9th grade, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I wanted to be an engineer, so I picked up interest in science and advanced mathematics, I had always wanted to be an engineer since I was 6, as I was inclined to open electrical gadgets and attempted repairs at a very young age.”
Any wisdom for other women looking to work in the manufacturing space?
“Never stop learning and keep asking the right questions. Curiosity is the name of the game!”
What Koyinsola’s nominators had to say:
“Koyinsola is an expert on improving efficiency, product quality, lead times, sustainability, and most importantly, employee satisfaction through Lean Six Sigma. She partnered with her team and supply chain leadership to drive a cultural transformation among employees that’s considered the best Lean implementation globally within Griffith, as indicated by a 49% improvement in measurement against the previous year. Passionate about her work and her ability to drive change, Koyinsola has made an impact across Griffith Foods and throughout her community.”
This is a spacer
Kathryn Schifferle
CVO / Founder @ Work Truck Solutions
LinkedIn
How did you get into the manufacturing industry?
“A friend asked me to help someone in the commercial vehicle space with a publication, that led to finding a serious problem with tracking the final configurations of vehicles in a very complex manufacturing supply chain – fell in love with this space!”
Any wisdom for other women looking to work in the manufacturing space?
“Your ability to see the real nature of problems and then connect people to solutions without ego is a skill on which you can build a great career. Also mentor and be mentored.”
What Kathryn’s nominators had to say:
“Kathryn is an industry leader who recognized a supply chain problem and then developed a solution (and founded a company) for OEM’s, dealers, and small to medium sized businesses. As the commercial vehicle industry has continued to evolve and the economy has shifted, she has continued to innovate. As an example, during the pandemic and subsequent chip shortages, she designed and developed solutions to address the challenges business owners were facing.”
This is a spacer
Florie Trinh
ATLO AI&T Manager @ Airbus US Space and Defense, Inc.
LinkedIn
What is your favorite part of your job?
“My favorite part of my job is the ability to take part in every aspect of the product design and build phases. In manufacturing I am not limited to one discipline, yet I must have an understanding of the electrical, mechanical, and software aspects of the product in order to identify manufacturing challenges early and implement solutions that can optimize the process.”
Any wisdom for other women looking to work in the manufacturing space?
“Don’t be afraid to accept new challenges that may seem out of your comfort zone.”
What Florie’s nominators had to say:
“Florie has managed to leave a stamp on the Space Industry worldwide. Her contributions to the space industry and to Airbus U.S. Space and Defense continue to have an impact on today’s commercial and military applications of satellite design, development, production, and manufacturing.”
The full list of 40 Women in Manufacturing to Follow in 2023
Claudia Contreras
Director of Manufacturing Operations @ The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Camille Corr Chism
Principal and Owner, Packaging and Supply Chain @ Indigo Packaging and Consulting, LLC
Darlyne Freedman
VP of Strategic Sourcing, Procurement and Co-Manufacturing @ Ruiz Foods
