The Manufacturing Shake-Up

You don’t need any more proof than this episode that early exposure to STEM concepts and careers can mold someone's life in a positive way.  
This episode with Raquel Bolling, Technical Trainer at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), starts with a family that supports STEM, a school that centers STEM, and a student that thrived with that exposure.  
But even with all that support, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Raquel talks about what it was like being educated and working in a male-dominated field.  
Now, at CCAT, she teaches the next generation of professionals about cutting-edge tools like additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and digital thread technology. Her journey is one of persistence, constant learning, and embracing the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. 
Where to find Raquel: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelbolling/ CCAT: https://www.ccat.us/ 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

Amelia Campbell knew she wanted to improve her life, for herself and her family. Thanks to some great advice, hard work, and self-determination, she is on the path to great success. 
 
This week's episode is an inspirational story that starts with losing a job, but ends with a sought-after position at a great CT manufacturer.  Amelia was determined to get better work. After going through the CT Women Can Weld program and getting work with the Ironworkers Union, she found herself at a  machining program at Goodwin University, which then led her to the Apprenticeship program at TRUMPF.  
 
Along the way, Amelia learned some great life lessons – age doesn't matter; follow your heart; don't waste time! 
 
There's such wisdom that comes from following your dreams and working hard to achieve them. 
 
Where to find Amelia: Amelia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-campbell-20644b92/ TRUMPF: https://www.trumpf.com/en_US/   
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

This week’s episode of the Manufacturing Shake-Up focuses on the misperceptions we can get stuck on in our careers. First, Monica Hilgarth, Lab Services Manager at Hampford Research, talks all about how to stop taking no for an answer.  
  
Many people, women in particular, can feel that no is a final answer when asking for things in the workplace. But Monica explains that oftentimes, ‘no’ is just a starting offer. It demands a response to dig deeper. Sometimes ‘no’ means you have to communicate better to your leaders about your request; sometimes it’s an opening to a negotiation. The skill is to recognize that you aren’t required to take no for an answer. 
  
Another misperception that is debunked in this episode is that careers progress in a linear path. In truth, great careers are winding, bouncing, or even jumping…you have to be willing to look at your career path in different ways. In this episode, Jenny, Ellen and Monica explore what you do and don’t have control of in your career. 
 
Where to find Monica: Monica's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-hilgarth/ Hampford Research: https://www.hampfordresearch.com/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

In our previous episode with Christine Marcin, Chair of Women in Manufacturing CT chapter, we started a conversation about networking organizations and the importance of joining them for your personal and career growth...but many people simply don't know 𝘩𝘰𝘸 to network!  
In this episode, Ellen and Jenny talk through some of their thoughts about the "rules" of networking. Or rather, how to throw those so-called rules out the window! Learn from Ellen and Jenny a few tips on how to enter a room, even when you're not feeling comfortable; how to be natural in a conversation instead of salesy; and what the true purpose of networking is – building relationships. 
This is a fly-on-the-wall episode where you get to listen to Ellen and Jenny discuss their own feelings about networking and how they've overcome their biggest networking difficulties.   
Where to find Ellen and Jenny:Ellen Feldman Ornato LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-feldman-ornato/ Jenny Drescher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolderjenny/ 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Cristal's manufacturing story starts with her arrival from Puerto Rico after losing everything to natural disaster. It continues with her college graduation just a couple months ago. And it moves forward with an incredible future in manufacturing! 
This is a story of Cristal's perseverance, but also of the life-changing power of a career in manufacturing.  
Ellen and Jenny talk to Cristal about her first steps into manufacturing, her return to school, and how she uses networking to learn and grow. Cristal is so proud of how far she's come, and she should be! She's happy to share her experience so others might learn how they can follow in her footsteps. And we are so happy to give her the platform to share it! 
Where you can find Cristal:  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristal-m-velez-322a90240/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ 

There are many outstanding manufacturing organization you can be part of in CT. One that's nearest and dearest to our hearts is the Women in Manufacturing Connecticut Chapter. This group provides networking and educational opportunities, both locally and nationally, to help women in the industry to connect and develop their career.  
On this episode, Ellen Feldman Ornato speaks with chapter Chair, Christine Marcin. They not only talk about the value of the organization, but also discuss topics like 'how to get your boss's buy-in to take part in events" and "how to prepare yourself for a networking event".  
Networking can feel overwhelming to some of the quieter, or more reserved members of our audience, but it doesn't have to be!  
Keep your eyes open for an upcoming episode with Ellen and Jenny diving into 'how to network'.   
Women in Manufacturing CT Website: https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/connecticut Women in Manufacturing CTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-manufacturing-connecticut/Women in Manufacturing CTFB: https://www.facebook.com/WiMConnecticut 
Where you can find Christine:  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemarcin/ Stifel Marcin website: https://stifel-marcin.com/ 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

If there's one thing we've learned in our first 10 episodes, it's the incredible power of mentorship on the careers of our guests. So, we are THRILLED that the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing has sponsored a new mentorship community, through Million Women Mentors Connecticut, that aims to connect mentors and mentees across STEM fields, starting with manufacturing.
On this week's episode, we talk to Colleen Bielitz, the state leader for Million Women Mentors and the AVP of Strategic Initiatives and Outreach at Southern Connecticut State University. Colleen talks us through what it means to be a mentor and what the mentor database is aiming to accomplish. She also goes one step further and explains to potential mentees how to get the most out of a mentorship relationship.  
This is a terrific episode, introducing an exciting initiative! 
Sign-up for the mentorship database here: https://web.atlasjobs.com/public-sign-up/3a721099-c1c7-4032-97ba-5baf0cfad5aa/  
Million Women Mentors Connecticut website: https://mwm.stemconnector.com/states-initiative/connecticut/  
Million Women Mentors Connecticut LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/million-women-mentors-ct-chapter 
Where you can find Colleen: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-bielitz-phd/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

How do you combine heart with business and still be profitable? You lead with love and respect, and it all comes back to you.  
Robin Ritz, Creative Visionary at InCord reminds us that people generally want to do more for people that do more for them. Call it the law of reciprocity – or just kindness begets kindness....but Robin has learned that you can be a good person and a good businessperson all at the same time. 
This episode is truly inspiring. We see first-hand what it means to love what you do, reach your goals, and help others to reach theirs.   
InCord's custom safety netting solutions keep people safe whether their on the job or having fun. It's only fitting that their work environment feels equally as safe as their products. 
Where you can find Robin: Robin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-ritz13/ InCord: https://incord.com/ 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Do you need a boost of positive energy – look no further than this episode! Jess Westerfield, Director of People + Culture at Lesser Evil, perfectly reflects the company's products -  a boost of energy that's healthy and fun! 
Jess, Ellen, and Jenny talk about Lesser Evils' outstanding culture – it's no wonder they've been able to build and retain a 70% female workforce! That's more than twice as much as the national average in manufacturing (now standing at around 30%). So, you know there's a lot to learn here. 
Jess also talks about the value of building relationships to benefit your personal career growth. A really important topic for women in the early stages of their career.  
Where you can find Jess: Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicawesterfield/  Lesser Evil Snacks: https://lesserevil.com/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

In this week's episode, Jenny and Ellen sit down with Rani Viroja, Quality Engineer at Accuturn and Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Employers Partnership (AMEP). 
 
Rani shares her journey into manufacturing, which isn't as straight-forward as you'd think, considering her parents own Accuturn! Now she wants to spread the word about manufacturing so that young people all across CT know about the fantastic careers available.  
 
Rani talks about her current role in quality management and why it's so important. She also talks about the intergenerational leadership shift going on at her plant. She works with her cousin and his wife, all early in their careers, and they all have been learning so much from AND sharing so much with the older generation.  
 
Rani also talks all about her passion for empowering the next generation of manufacturing professionals. She tells us about the great work that the team at AMEP is doing to change perceptions about manufacturing starting in middle and high school.  
 
Where you can find Rani: Rani's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rani-viroja/  Accuturn:  https://accuturnmfg.com/ AMEP: https://www.ccat.us/amep-program 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

What does it look like to skyrocket to the top of your field? Let's find out with Brittany Isherwood, President of Burke Aerospace. Brittany's journey is fast-paced, but filled with really thought-proving ideas about finding balance.  
 
We hear a lot about work-life balance, but balance can also be found within the workplace. Brittany talks about the value of slowing down in upward career mobility so you can learn more as you grow. She also talks about how important it is to build a village around you both at work and home. At work, that looks like finding colleagues that you develop trust in and creating a path that makes them capable of working independently. At home it means finding the family and friends that can cover for you when the inevitable happens and things go wrong. 
 
This episode is as real as it gets. Brittany, Ellen and Jenny talk through some of the work-life issues facing women in the workforce, manufacturing or elsewhere. 
 
Where can you find Brittany: 
Brittany's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-isherwood-a8685388/  
Burke Aerospace: https://www.burkeaerospace.com/  
 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ 
Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  
Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Not only is Milliechel Ramirez a Process Engineer at Carey Manufacturing, she's also an Instructor at Capital Community College and offers talks and tours for high school students and parent information sessions for their parents. AND that's all in her free time from being a mom, too!  Millie sounds like a superwoman, because she is! 
In this episode, Ellen and Jenny talk to Millie about her journey into manufacturing. You'd never believe that Millie started out very shy and quiet, but she had mentors who believed in her and pushed her into opportunities that forced her out of her shell and gave her time to shine! Now, Millie does the same for students through the state.  
This is a great episode with a rockstar woman in manufacturing! 
 
Programs discussed in today's episode: Our Piece of the Pie - https://opp.org/  CT State Community Colleges free tuition program https://ctstate.edu/free-tuition     CT Manufacturing Ambassadors: https://mfgambassador.com/ 
 
Where can you find Millie: 
Millie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milliechel-ramirez/ Millie highlighted in CCAT's Maker Multipliers: https://www.makermultipliers.com/milliechel  Carey Manufacturing: https://careymfg.com/ 
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Hannah Belmont took a winding path before landing at her family's manufacturing company. In fact, she didn't know she wanted to be in the industry until landing a job writing about manufacturing...and slowly but surely fell in love with it! 
 
Now in the role of Talent Development Manager, she continues the important work that Westminster Tool has put in over the past 15 years – attracting the next generation of manufacturers by continually transforming company culture. Creating a phenomenal place to work and developing lifelong careers.  
 
Westminster Tool is known for having a hiring waitlist with a diverse set of employees. They put a huge amount of work into hiring for key values such as being dynamic, being motivated, being curious and having integrity. 
 
Then they take their obligation seriously as they offer an in-depth onboarding program where new employees work on soft skills such as emotional intelligence, mindfulness, communication skills, conflict management, and continuous improvement, for 2 weeks before ever even touching a machine.  
 
That's some serious commitment to company culture and it's paying off in great employees doing great work!        
 
Where to find Hannah: 
Westminster Tool: https://www.westminstertool.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coombshannah/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ 
Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  
Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Tea, leadership insights, giving back, speaking up, and more tea! 
As a third-generation leader, Cindi Bigelow, CEO of Bigelow Tea, shares her remarkable journey of growing through many roles before taking on the role of CEO of her family-owned tea company. She talks about the value of prioritizing – you can't do everything! 
Cindi shares her incredible passion for both Connecticut and for manufacturing. She talks about her belief in being a B-Corp organization and the importance of giving back to the community.   
Cindi says, "people want to work with people who lift the room." And that is exactly what she does. In her final point on the podcast she explains that we all need to be aware of being role models every day.  
Where to find Cindi: 
Bigelow Tea: https://www.bigelowtea.com/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ 
Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  
Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Sit down with us and Farnosh Sadler from TRIUMPH. Farnosh has had an inspiring career journey. It's all about building strong relationships. Farnosh describes how she transitioned from her first job in retail and developed a meaningful career in aerospace manufacturing thanks to a business relationship she developed along the way.  
Her journey is a testament to the power of taking leaps of faith, embracing challenges, and continuously growing. Farnosh discusses how she navigated various roles by saying yes first, and then 'figuring it out' second. Now she plays a crucial part in enhancing company culture and employee engagement.  
She also talks about the support she has had from male allies in her company as well as the opportunities she sees for women in the manufacturing industry.  
This episode is filled with great stories, lifelong learning, empowering relationships, and believing you can really make a difference. 
 
Where to find Farnosh: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farnosh-sadler/  
TRIUMPH: https://www.triumphgroup.com/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ 
Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/  
Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/  

Episode 2 of The Manufacturing Shake-Up and our first with a woman in manufacturing! We welcome the fabulous Sara Fradette, Production Planner at Bead Electronics. Sara shares her journey from studying economics to thriving in manufacturing. Find out how her role in production planning keeps her days dynamic and exciting. 
In this episode, Sara tells us all about the supportive culture at Bead Electronics, where female leadership and core values make a massive difference in employee happiness. 
Sara shares a few key tips for young women in manufacturing - like 'don't be afraid to ask questions'. It's this inquisitiveness and fearlessness that brought her to where she is today.  She says you need to stay open-minded – she started off knowing very little about manufacturing, and now loves what she does.  
Learn more about how Sara balances professional growth with her personal life and how Bead Electronics has fostered her development through mentorship and opportunities. 
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Vistage's Emerging Leaders program: https://www.vistage.com/membership/programs/emerging-leader-program/ 
Entrepreneurial Operating System: https://www.eosworldwide.com/ 
 
Where to find Sara: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-fradette-0b6656159/ 
Bead Manufacturing: https://www.beadelectronics.com/  
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/
Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ 
Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ 

Welcome to the very first episode of the Manufacturing Shake-Up! We're so glad you're here! None of us would be here listening to this podcast right now if it weren't for today's podcast guest, Paul Lavoie, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer.  
After realizing that some of the smartest people he knows in manufacturing are women, Paul knew he had to do something to make sure that women had more opportunities to develop and grow in their manufacturing careers. And so the idea for the podcast began... 
There are so many incredible women working in this field – listening to their experiences is like a masterclass in how to build, develop and grow your career.  
To round out the episode, Paul shares a bit of his own journey in manufacturing and some lessons he's learned along the way.  
Finally Paul turns the tables on our hosts, Jenny and Ellen, to discover why they are so passionate about the podcast and about helping women develop in their manufacturing careers. 
We are so excited to get started with this podcast...there are many more great stories to come! 
Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any great episodes, and follow us on social media to join other women in manufacturing with thoughtful conversations on each episode. 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-manufacturing-shake-up/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560427737775 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfgshakeup/  
 
Follow Paul Lavoie or the CT Office of Manufacturing to get the scoop on everything happening in the manufacturing ecosystem:
Paul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulslavoie/Office of Manufacturing website: https://manufacturing.ct.gov/Office of Manufacturing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTManufacturingOffice of Manufacturing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ctmanufacturing/
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Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/
Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ 
Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/ 

What are we doing and why are we here? 
Manufacturing needs a shake-up! A recent 2024 study forecasted that the US manufacturing industry needs up to 3.8 million jobs filled within the next decade. At the same time, women represent only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. With such a large gap now and into the future, there are massive growth opportunities for women in manufacturing!
 
The Manufacturing Shake-Up is dedicated to transforming the manufacturing landscape for women and other under-represented groups. Not just filling the gaps but creating real opportunities for growth and development. More than a call for change; it's a means of empowerment. This podcast shares compelling journeys, valuable insights, and lessons learned from women in manufacturing while building a community that relates to their stories, learns from shared knowledge, and is inspired to forge their own path in manufacturing. 
 
Join hosts, Jenny Drescher and Ellen Feldman Ornato, as they speak to women at all levels of their manufacturing careers. In addition to uncovering their guests’ educational and career journeys, they’ll pull out key lessons learned along the way: tips for a stronger career, strategies for creating thriving and inclusive work cultures, ideas for personal and professional development, and advice for building career-advancing networking skills. 
    
Jump into the Manufacturing Shake-Up and discover your own path to a successful and fulfilling career in manufacturing!