Within TDC’s Premier Industrial Parks there are many businesses that literally keep us moving. Air Industrial Park hosts 25 businesses, Banker Road Industrial Park hosts 6 businesses and within these parks, a wide variety of international industrial manufacturers do business. Within those businesses are thousands of men and women assembling cables, machines, lighting, trains and buses by hand. This month, in honor of Women’s History Month, we will be focusing on the women working in the manufacturing industry here in the Greater Plattsburgh region.
We asked a set of questions to learn what led these professionals to manufacturing and, to share what advice they could offer other people, especially women-to-women. These stories will certainly inspire others in many ways. They may validate current work or career paths, influence a change in job field or, pique the interest of young people as they enter the workforce or head off to college. Each woman's pathway is unique, and we are thankful for their hard work, dedication, perseverance and contributions to the North Country and to the manufacturing industry. We celebrate them and all women who make us move!
1. How did you get to where you are now? Describe your unique pathway for us.
My path into the world of manufacturing was unexpected. I graduated from college with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Interior Design and worked for an international boutique interior architecture firm in Colorado for approximately 10 years. Within that time, I traveled around the globe working on projects, but I decided that I needed a change and a better work/life balance. I wasn’t sure what that change was, but I went to a local staffing agency for guidance. They were able to identify a role for a start-up, high-tech company new to the area where I was able to incorporate my unique background and skillset. I’ve now been with Norsk Titanium for a little over six years!
2. What is the best part of your job at Norsk?
The best part of my job is that it’s always an adventure.
3. Did you have anyone influential during your career? How did they impact you?
I’ve had several influential females during my career, and I’ve noted how they have become successful. They have taught me to be assertive, persevere, and to keep educating myself to acquire knowledge and skills to enhance my credibility.
4. What advice would you give to young women going into college or into the workforce?
My advice to young women going into college or the workforce is to explore all your options and gain as much experience as you can, even if you’re not confident in what you’re doing. When you accomplish something you did not think you could do and then look back on it, you realize that you can do “hard” or what seemed “impossible” things. There are so many unexplored opportunities, even if you do not think they’re relevant to you. Opportunities will open doors and create new paths for you to follow.
5. What advice would you give to women entering a predominantly male field?
I’ve been in predominantly male fields for most of my career. What I’ve learned is to have a voice and be confident. People will notice and value your ideas and opinions. Not only within the professional setting, but in your personal life as well. And even if you’re wrong, learn from that. They’re not mistakes, but life lessons to gain experience and propel you forward.
6. What do you love about living, working and playing here in the Adirondacks?
My favorite season is summer, and I love being near or on the water. I also enjoy hiking and taking in the amazing views our region has to offer!
The Norsk Titanium mission is to enable fast, clean and sustainable metals in manufacturing. Norsk began in the rural Norwegian countryside and is now leading and innovative the industry of additive manufacturing. Norsk Titanium is a global leader in metal 3D printing, innovating the future of metal manufacturing by enabling a paradigm shift to a clean and sustainable manufacturing process. With its proprietary Rapid Plasma Deposition® (RPD®) technology and 700 MT of production capacity, Norsk Titanium offers cost-efficient 3D printing of value-added metal parts to a large addressable market. RPD® technology uses significantly less raw material, energy, and time than traditional energy-intensive forming methods, presenting customers with an opportunity to better manage input costs, logistics, and environmental impact. RPD® printed parts are already flying on commercial aircraft, and Norsk Titanium has gained significant traction with large defense and industrial customers (Norsk Titanium). Norsk has many notable partners including Boeing, Spirit Aerosystems, Seyer Industries, BSI and more.
