PLASTICS Celebrates International Womens Day

Each year on March 8, people around the world celebrate International Women’s Day. In industries dominated by science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), like the plastics industry, women are typically underrepresented. Thanks to organizations that have increasingly committed to raising awareness and encouraging interest in STEM subjects and fields, such as Girls Who Code, and pop culture films that showcase the groundbreaking accomplishments of women in STEM, people around the world are paying attention to women who are shattering glass ceilings and redefining stereotypes.

At the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our female employees and members, highlighting the stellar work they contribute to our industry. We know that their contributions are not just impactful, but also critical. Without the contributions of women in the plastics industry, we wouldn’t have made significant strides in plastics technology, entrepreneurship and leadership. 

Read on for insight from some of our exceptional female leaders on why they chose a career in plastics, and the impact it has had on their lives, and our world.

Allison Lin, Director of Global Closures and Labels, The Coca-Cola Co.

“I thought I was going to go into investment banking, but P&G had a plastic tubes project available, like for toothpaste tubes. So I got into it and liked it. I loved learning about all different parts of the industry.” (Source: Plastics News)

Kyra Douglas, Senior Director, Global Regulatory Affairs, PLASTICS

Plastics News’ Rising Star 2016

“I discovered a global industry full of bright, kind, world-embracing people who work tirelessly to innovate more environmentally friendly products that solve major problems and improve life everywhere, making our food safer, propelling medical advances forward, making transportation more fuel-efficient and more. I could go on all day. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was to take that temp job with SPI.” (Source: Plastics News)

Annina Donaldson, President of Florida Operations, Maxi-Blast Inc.

"It’s important to want to go to work everyday. A career in plastics can be lifelong and meaningful. This industry is exciting, full of potential and growing. There is also a sense of pride when you work for a company that manufactures a tangible product that you just can’t get in other industries."

"I grew up in the plastics industry. My father started the business in 1979. Growing up, my siblings and I would visit him and ask to shred paper in the office or sweep the shop floor. In high school, I would do random projects filling sample bags or separating plastic. After graduate school and testing out other careers, my father asked me to interview for a full-time job working alongside him. That was 10 years ago."(Source: PLASTICS)

Kim Holmes, Vice President, Sustainability, PLASTICS

Plastics News’ Women Breaking the Mold Advisory Board Member

“I think what we’re beginning to see is the normalizing of recycling as part of the industry. I think people are really beginning to think differently about the ecology of our industry. I think recycling not only is becoming a mainstream piece of it, it has to be. We’re seeing a total shift.” (Source: Plastics News)

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