Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1534664
26 Pallet C e nt ral • May -Ju ne 2 0 25 LEADERSHIP BY JERICA KINGSBURY T he wood packaging industry has long been recognized for its strength, resilience, and innovation. While historically male- dominated, the landscape is evolving as more women take on leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives, driving sustainability efforts, and spearheading technological advancements. eir stories are not just about success in business—they reflect a broader transformation in an industry that thrives on resilience and ingenuity. Women in this field have carved their own paths, overcoming challenges and leaving a lasting impact on their organizations. Many are not only leading innovation and sustainability efforts but are also balancing the demands of family life, proving that strength and resilience extend beyond the workplace. eir leadership is not only changing individual businesses but also influencing industry-wide standards and practices, ensuring that the sector remains adaptive and inclusive. Finding A Path In Wood Packaging For some, wood packaging is a family legacy; for others, it's an industry they discovered unexpectedly and grew to love. April Bledsoe, who leads Lone Star Packaging Solutions, was raised in a family of entrepreneurs and was drawn to the field through her business acumen. She quickly recognized the industry's potential and found it to be an exciting and rewarding career. Not everyone enters the industry with a plan. Vannessa Vasquez Doto of Oxnard Pallet Company initially started working in wood packaging to support her family but soon discovered a passion for the work itself. "What started as a way to help my family turned into something much bigger. I found I truly enjoyed the business, the operations, and the sense of accomplishment it brings," she explains. Similarly, Tina Yanssens of Iron City Wood Products grew up with a front- row seat to the business and felt a strong responsibility to continue the work her father started. "It's more than a job— it's a responsibility and a passion," she shares. She quickly realized that being part of the industry meant carrying on a legacy of craftsmanship and ingenuity. STRENGTH IN LEADERSHIP Women Shaping The Future Of Wood Packaging