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#breakthebias

Nefab employees discuss how they #breakthebias in the workplace

At Nefab we believe that diversity boosts creativity and innovation, widens our perspectives and enriches our everyday lives.

A work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and empowerment also allows us to better understand and serve our customers’ needs. Providing opportunities for gender parity in the workplace is one of the ways to build such an environment.

Today is International Women's Day, a global observation of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity worldwide. The theme for the International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias and, to celebrate this day, we have invited Nefab employees across our sites to discuss bias around women in the packaging and logistics industry.

Here are their inspiring stories and insights!

ADRIANA FLORES, UNITED STATES
Production Supervisor, Nefab Tenesse


Adriana worked in the cutting department in the beginning of her career at Nefab. She was since promoted several times and now works as a Production Supervisor.

“All your hard work will pay off. Don’t let anyone discourage you from reaching for your dreams. When I started someone told me it was work for men and I wouldn’t last but here I am 20 years later. I have enjoyed every step of the journey.”

<h5>ADRIANA FLORES, UNITED STATES<br />Production Supervisor, Nefab Tenesse</h5> <p><br />Adriana worked in the cutting department in the beginning of her career at Nefab. She was since promoted several times and now works as a Production Supervisor.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;All your hard work will pay off. Don&rsquo;t let anyone discourage you from reaching for your dreams. When I started someone told me it was work for men and I wouldn&rsquo;t last but here I am 20 years later. I have enjoyed every step of the journey.&rdquo;</em></p>
AMANDA LINDHOLM, SWEDEN
Machine Operator, Nefab Runemo

Amanda started working at Nefab right after she graduated school. She had no previous experience and was hesitant to join a factory job as a young female. She has been with Nefab for five years now.

“I would like to say to other women that they should not be afraid to try it out, even though being a worker at a fabric previously has been a bit male dominated, it sure has changed a lot since then. I learned that I had no reason to be nervous or to have disbelief in myself, especially not because of my gender. I learned bit by bit my job and then I got my truck-driving license, and now I have worked here for almost five years and I am glad that I dared to try it out.”

<h5>AMANDA LINDHOLM, SWEDEN<br />Machine Operator, Nefab Runemo</h5> <p>Amanda started working at Nefab right after she graduated school. She had no previous experience and was hesitant to join a factory job as a young female. She has been with Nefab for five years now.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;I would like to say to other women that they should not be afraid to try it out, even though being a worker at a fabric previously has been a bit male dominated, it sure has changed a lot since then. I learned that I had no reason to be nervous or to have disbelief in myself, especially not because of my gender. I learned bit by bit my job and then I got my truck-driving license, and now I have worked here for almost five years and I am glad that I dared to try it out.&rdquo;</em></p>
ANA RIOS, MEXICO
Warehouse supervisor, Nefab Juarez

Ana took in a new career challenge with Nefab two years ago to work in the management of the raw material warehouse.

“Women need to take every challenge to grow with conviction. We can do it. And at Nefab we have a great environment where we can see each other as a family and support each other as such.”

<h5>ANA RIOS, MEXICO<br />Warehouse supervisor, Nefab Juarez</h5> <p>Ana took in a new career challenge with Nefab two years ago to work in the management of the raw material warehouse.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;Women need to take every challenge to grow with conviction. We can do it. And at Nefab we have a great environment where we can see each other as a family and support each other as such.&rdquo;</em></p>
JAQUELINE BATISTA, BRAZIL
Manufacturing Operator, Nefab Caçapava


When Jaqueline joined Nefab she didn’t have professional experience, but (in her own words) this didn't intimidate her.

“When I accepted the challenge, it was one of the best choices of my life because I work in an environment where I feel important and motivated. What I believe is the most interesting thing about my job is the empowerment I get from leaders and co-workers. You must share love, dedication, and accountability in everything you do and always encourage people. When a woman encourages another women's dreams, she is giving wings to her own dreams.”

<h5>JAQUELINE BATISTA, BRAZIL<br />Manufacturing Operator, Nefab Ca&ccedil;apava</h5> <p><br />When Jaqueline joined Nefab she didn&rsquo;t have professional experience, but (in her own words) this didn't intimidate her.<br /><br /><em>&ldquo;When I accepted the challenge, it was one of the best choices of my life because I work in an environment where I feel important and motivated. What I believe is the most interesting thing about my job is the empowerment I get from leaders and co-workers. You must share love, dedication, and accountability in everything you do and always encourage people. When a woman encourages another women's dreams, she is giving wings to her own dreams.&rdquo;</em></p>
ANAYSSI DÍAZ-SANTIAGO, UNITED STATES
Key Account Manager, Nefab Indianapolis

As a mechanical engineer for over 25 years, Anayssi has had the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of industries. She has been working with Nefab for two years now.

“When I decided to study Mechanical Engineering, the very first response I heard was, but this field is for men!. To this, my response was watch me!. My advice is to surround yourself with excellent professionals, create your mentorship circle, listen, learn, and do. At the same time, share without hesitation all the knowledge acquired, help others grow professionally as you do. I have never experienced a roadblock when expressing my interest in doing something new or different that will positively impact my professional career at Nefab. All doors are open!”

<h5>ANAYSSI D&Iacute;AZ-SANTIAGO, UNITED STATES<br />Key Account Manager, Nefab Indianapolis<br /><br /></h5> <p>As a mechanical engineer for over 25 years, Anayssi has had the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of industries. She has been working with Nefab for two years now.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;When I decided to study Mechanical Engineering, the very first response I heard was, but this field is for men!. To this, my response was watch me!. My advice is to surround yourself with excellent professionals, create your mentorship circle, listen, learn, and do. At the same time, share without hesitation all the knowledge acquired, help others grow professionally as you do. I have never experienced a roadblock when expressing my interest in doing something new or different that will positively impact my professional career at Nefab. All doors are open!&rdquo;</em></p>
CASEY HO, CANADA
Engineering Trainee, Nefab Mississauga

Casey decided to become an Industrial Engineer when she was 15, fascinated by the idea of having a design career that would also assist others through design. She is a Trainee with Nefab now.

“Working with custom corrugate solutions is, in my opinion, the most interesting part of my day! Leadership and management rolls are both within reach and I have the opportunity to run testing facilities, to become an expert in paper-based materials and bring a new perspective to the company. To other women out there, I would like to say, don’t overthink, stay true to yourself and to your goals. Don’t settle, be loud and be heard. Your perspective and mind set are what sets you apart, so use it!”

<h5>CASEY HO, CANADA<br />Engineering Trainee, Nefab Mississauga</h5> <p>Casey decided to become an Industrial Engineer when she was 15, fascinated by the idea of having a design career that would also assist others through design. She is a Trainee with Nefab now.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;Working with custom corrugate solutions is, in my opinion, the most interesting part of my day! Leadership and management rolls are both within reach and I have the opportunity to run testing facilities, to become an expert in paper-based materials and bring a new perspective to the company. To other women out there, I would like to say, don&rsquo;t overthink, stay true to yourself and to your goals. Don&rsquo;t settle, be loud and be heard. Your perspective and mind set are what sets you apart, so use it!&rdquo;</em></p>
DOMINIQUE STRANDELL, UNITED STATES
Sourcing Manager, Nefab Norcross

After several years in purchasing and sourcing, Dominique started a new challenge at Nefab, where she has been for two years now.

“From my experience, Nefab is known to empower everyone to share ideas, suggestions, and concerns. The company and its employees provide an extra boost of confidence to share their thoughts. That is very rare in corporate environments. Besides, here I find endless growth potential. I have been able to expand my knowledge and experience through educational trainings and certifications, as well as opportunities to connect and interact with colleagues and suppliers from all over the globe.”

<h5>DOMINIQUE STRANDELL, UNITED STATES<br />Sourcing Manager, Nefab Norcross</h5> <p>After several years in purchasing and sourcing, Dominique started a new challenge at Nefab, where she has been for two years now.<br /><br /><em>&ldquo;From my experience, Nefab is known to empower everyone to share ideas, suggestions, and concerns. The company and its employees provide an extra boost of confidence to share their thoughts. That is very rare in corporate environments. Besides, here I find endless growth potential. I have been able to expand my knowledge and experience through educational trainings and certifications, as well as opportunities to connect and interact with colleagues and suppliers from all over the globe.&rdquo;</em></p>
ELIN OLARS, SWEDEN
Packaging Engineer, Nefab Runemo

Elin is working at Nefab for six years now.

“The most interesting thing about being a packaging engineer is that no project is the same. There are always new challenges and packaging solutions to design – which means I learn new things almost every day! If you are a woman also interested in this area, Nefab will take good care of you and give you opportunities for new work experiences, meeting new people and to develop your career, all around the globe if you want to.”

<h5>ELIN OLARS, SWEDEN<br />Packaging Engineer, Nefab Runemo</h5> <p>Elin is working at Nefab for six years now.<br /><br /><em>&ldquo;The most interesting thing about being a packaging engineer is that no project is the same. There are always new challenges and packaging solutions to design &ndash; which means I learn new things almost every day! If you are a woman also interested in this area, Nefab will take good care of you and give you opportunities for new work experiences, meeting new people and to develop your career, all around the globe if you want to.&rdquo;</em></p>
CLAUDIA ORDUNEZ, UNITED STATES
Site Manager, Nefab Dallas

Claudia has worked in the packaging industry many years and today she manages an entire production site at Nefab.

“Don’t be afraid to go after the position you want, there’s plenty of people who will support you. At Nefab, I feel we can make an impact in the way we use packaging and its environmental repercussions. I like working in a packaging company where our decisions and ideas are heard, and we can actually do something about it.”

<h5>CLAUDIA ORDUNEZ, UNITED STATES<br />Site Manager, Nefab Dallas</h5> <p>Claudia has worked in the packaging industry many years and today she manages an entire production site at Nefab.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be afraid to go after the position you want, there&rsquo;s plenty of people who will support you. At Nefab, I feel we can make an impact in the way we use packaging and its environmental repercussions. I like working in a packaging company where our decisions and ideas are heard, and we can actually do something about it.&rdquo;</em></p>
MAIARA, BRAZIL
Manufacturing Operator, Nefab Caçapava

Mayara is studying Engineer with focus in Manufacturing and she found the opportunity to start her career with Nefab.

“I was hired in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, recommended by a friend of mine. Nefab believed and still believes in my potential. The best feeling is when I see the products ready for shipment and I realize that I was part of the process. It makes me very happy and proud. Always believe in your potential and don't let anyone tell you you can't do something."

<h5>MAIARA, BRAZIL<br />Manufacturing Operator, Nefab Ca&ccedil;apava</h5> <p>Mayara is studying Engineer with focus in Manufacturing and she found the opportunity to start her career with Nefab.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;I was hired in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, recommended by a friend of mine. Nefab believed and still believes in my potential. The best feeling is when I see the products ready for shipment and I realize that I was part of the process. It makes me very happy and proud. Always believe in your potential and don't let anyone tell you you can't do something."</em></p>
TRIINU ULPUS, ESTONIA
Sourcing manager, Nefab Lagedi

Triinu started her career in Material Technology and recently moved into industrial packaging.

“I enjoy the packaging industry fast tempo that requires quick decisions and thinking on my feet. I have always found sourcing a creative profession. I enjoy using my communication and negotiation skills. I drive most satisfaction from projects where I am able to find new alternative material which dramatically reduces the costs or increases production speed. Or to see the new supplier develop into good long-term partnership. I encourage women to join Nefab working in any position to their preference. You can be sure that you will be supported. There are always many new projects you can actively be part of. You would feel involved and can be part of packaging innovation.”

<h5>TRIINU ULPUS, ESTONIA<br />Sourcing manager, Nefab Lagedi</h5> <p>Triinu started her career in Material Technology and recently moved into industrial packaging.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;I enjoy the packaging industry fast tempo that requires quick decisions and thinking on my feet. I have always found sourcing a creative profession. I enjoy using my communication and negotiation skills. I drive most satisfaction from projects where I am able to find new alternative material which dramatically reduces the costs or increases production speed. Or to see the new supplier develop into good long-term partnership. I encourage women to join Nefab working in any position to their preference. You can be sure that you will be supported. There are always many new projects you can actively be part of. You would feel involved and can be part of packaging innovation.&rdquo;</em></p>
PAMELA BEARDEN, UNITED STATES
Lead Foam Department, Nefab Norcross

Pamela began running a crew of die cutters when she was 18 years old, and by 21 she was the production manager. She did it for many years before deciding to retire. When she realized she wasn’t quite ready to retire, she started a new challenge at Nefab. She has been working at Nefab for 2 years now.

“The most interesting thing about this job is that It’s never the same two days in a row, which makes it something to look forward to. Don’t be intimidated that it appears to be a man’s world. Strive to be your best and grow and be willing to take on new adventures and give it all you got, and you will go far. Nefab is open to promoting men as well as women when opportunities arise from within.”

<h5>PAMELA BEARDEN, UNITED STATES<br />Lead Foam Department, Nefab Norcross</h5> <p>Pamela began running a crew of die cutters when she was 18 years old, and by 21 she was the production manager. She did it for many years before deciding to retire. When she realized she wasn&rsquo;t quite ready to retire, she started a new challenge at Nefab. She has been working at Nefab for 2 years now.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;The most interesting thing about this job is that It&rsquo;s never the same two days in a row, which makes it something to look forward to. Don&rsquo;t be intimidated that it appears to be a man&rsquo;s world. Strive to be your best and grow and be willing to take on new adventures and give it all you got, and you will go far. Nefab is open to promoting men as well as women when opportunities arise from within.&rdquo;</em></p>
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