Hear HER story: The Women of WMIN at IPPE 2023

Hear HER Story: Women of WMIN Panel cover

On January 25th, 2023 at IPPE, four leading women in the meat industry shared their working experience at the Hear Her Story: The Women Of the Women’s Meat Industry Network. The event was moderated by Kay Stinson, WMIN Board Member, and included Olga Pawluczyk, CEO of P&P Optica, Julie Camardo, CEO of Zweigle’s Inc, Kate Rome, President of Rome Grinding Solutions, and Alicia Pucky, Vice President, Chief People & Corporate Responsibility Officer of Fresh Mark.

It began with an introduction and career story from each panelist. Then, Kay asked the panelists questions on the ratio of women working in manufacturing, training, and retaining talented women and the challenges women face during the pandemic. Finally, Kay allowed the audience to ask the panelists questions. They asked about job descriptions, the gender gap, and empowering other women.

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Kate Rome, President of Rome Grinding Solutions, introduction – 4:10

Alicia Pucky, Vice-President, Chief People & Corporate Responsibility Officer of Fresh Mark, introduction – 6:49

Julie Camardo, CEO of Zweigle’s Inc, introduction: 10:08

Olga Pawluczyk, Founder and CEO of P&P Optica, introduction: 13:30

Given the makeup of team, 50% or more, do you see more females coming out of college in STEM studies in Canada and the USA – 20:00

Is there an increase in females working in manufacturing and food processing: 21:00

How do we develop, train and retain women in the meat industry: 23:30

Challenges with women in the workforce during the pandemic: 35:40

What are things in the industry that we should stop and start doing: 36:40

What current skills are hourly and entry-level workers lacking: 46:00

What are the barriers to having more women in upper-level positions: 54:30

How do we write better job descriptions and encourage confidence in new roles: 1:02:00

How do we address the gender wage gap: 1:06:00

How do we retain women to work in the industry after academia: 1:10:30

How do you not get discouraged from maintaining toughness at work 1:14:14

Where do you see Gen Z filling the gap: 1:18:30

What is your strategy to educate the men around you about what women go through without having them be defensive 1:23:29

How do you convince women leaders to empower other women 1:28:00

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