The face of the manufacturing industry is changing, with more women than ever bringing their talents to roles in production, operations, engineering, logistics and more. To see this change in action, look no further than the 2024 Women in Manufacturing (WiM) SUMMIT, which took place this past October. There, over 2,000 industry professionals across various manufacturing sectors came together for three days of educational sessions, networking events and technology-focused discussions, culminating in the WiM Hall of Fame induction ceremony and gala.
Laura Maxwell, senior vice president of supply chain for PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA), was one of those who received the prestigious designation, recognized for her myriad contributions to the manufacturing industry throughout her illustrious 35-year career. “I was honored to be able to attend the WiM SUMMIT and be inducted into their hall of fame,” says Maxwell, who credits her success to a supportive team.
PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA), a $26 billion convenient food and beverage company headquartered in North Texas that includes both Frito-Lay and Quaker Foods brands, sees the value in uplifting women in manufacturing and is implementing campaigns, initiatives and institutional changes that empower women to thrive in the traditionally male-dominated field. From a focus on pay equity to representation and flexible benefits, the company aligns with its global parent brand, PepsiCo, to promote a more equitable working world.
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While PepsiCo has had representatives in attendance at the annual WiM SUMMIT for the last several years as part of its company-wide initiative to support women in manufacturing, Maxwell is the first-ever Hall of Fame inductee from the organization. “It’s so important that we continue to hold spaces where women can support each other,” Maxwell says. “Events like these allow us to celebrate the progress we have made towards inclusivity and determine the next steps we can make to continue to drive change.”
Maxwell’s journey has taken her from the field to leadership roles at PepsiCo brand plants from Iowa and Kansas to Texas and California. Since joining the PFNA headquarters, she has held roles in service and distribution, supply and commercialization, and business transformation.(Courtesy PepsiCo Foods North America)
After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in industrial engineering, Maxwell began her manufacturing career in 1989 at a small Frito-Lay plant in Iowa, approaching her role with enthusiasm, commitment and vision. “Having a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds in the workforce can lead to more innovation, improved problem-solving and better decision making,” Maxwell says. “I’m proud to have joined a field where there aren’t many women.”
Maxwell’s journey has taken her from the field to leadership roles at PepsiCo brand plants from Iowa and Kansas to Texas and California. After 17 years with the company, Maxwell joined the PFNA headquarters and has since held roles in service and distribution, supply and commercialization, and business transformation.
In her current role as the senior vice president of supply chain, Maxwell is a model of the positive impact women bring to the manufacturing field — and she believes in this impact wholeheartedly. “As a woman in a field traditionally occupied by men, diversity in the workplace is something I strongly advocate for,” Maxwell says. “It is important to have a diversity of thoughts and experiences … and that is something I have always felt PepsiCo valued.”
PepsiCo puts its diversity and inclusion initiatives into action, striving for women like Maxwell to feel supported and empowered in fields like manufacturing. Practicing what they preach has been critical for the company as it supports the representation of women in managerial roles through programs, benefits and policies that promote equity.
PepsiCo is working to achieve and sustain pay equity for its global professional population by maintaining a comprehensive global pay equity process in an effort to help ensure women and men continue to be paid within 1% of each other (based on base compensation). These numbers are assessed on an annual basis and take into account individual factors like job level, location and performance. And the company’s generous parental leave policy and caregiver policy, which offers flexibility and benefits for parents who are also caregivers at home, support families even further. “When women are encouraged to enter the manufacturing field, companies are able to address skill gaps in the industry, foster a more inclusive workplace and ultimately support economic growth, only making them stronger for the future,” says Maxwell.
“As a woman in a field traditionally occupied by men, diversity in the workplace is something I strongly advocate for,” Maxwell says. “It is important to have a diversity of thoughts and experiences … and that is something I have always felt PepsiCo valued.”(Courtesy PepsiCo Foods North America)
In addition to her role as senior vice president of supply chain, Maxwell also acts as the executive sponsor for Frito-Lay’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where she promotes inclusion and personal development. It’s her way of paying it forward. “I have directly experienced and seen the impact that uplifting women in manufacturing roles can bring,” Maxwell says. “I believe in the value of mentorship and leadership development for women and know it’s vital to inspire the next generation of female leaders.”
Being a mother to two daughters also motivates Maxwell to model how women can succeed in a variety of industries. “My number one wish for [my daughters] is that they will never be discouraged from a career field just because they don’t see fellow women represented,” she says. “They can be a valued part of that team and trailblazers for future women.”
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Publish date : 2024-12-13 01:03:00
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