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Pallet C e nt ral • May -Ju ne 2 0 25 27 Some women found their way into the industry in unexpected ways. Kathleen Dietrich of Commercial Lumber & Pallet initially took a job to pay for school, unaware it would turn into a lifelong career. "I never imagined this industry would captivate me the way it has," she says. Similarly, Beatrice Vasquez joined her husband 's business and found herself deeply invested in its success. "What started as necessity became passion," she reflects. Emily Clark, an emerging leader in the field from Hub Industrial, entered the industry from a logistics and operations background, showing how diverse expertise can drive fresh ideas and efficiency improvements in wood packaging. She recognized that her expertise in supply chain management could be a game-changer in improving efficiency and sustainability within wood packaging. She was drawn to the industry's potential to optimize operations and reduce environmental impact, which aligned with her skills and career aspirations. "I saw an opportunity to make an impact in an industry that is critical to supply chains worldwide. e more I learned, the more I realized how much potential there is for growth and innovation," she says. Regardless of how they arrived in the industry, each of these women has embraced the opportunities available in wood packaging, forging new paths and inspiring others along the way. Breaking Barriers In A Traditionally Male- Dominated Industry Establishing credibility in a male- dominated industry can be challenging, but the women leading in wood packaging have risen to the occasion. Many have had to prove their expertise and leadership in environments that weren't always welcoming. For Beatrice Vasquez, gaining recognition as a co-owner of Oxnard Pallet Company took persistence. "It took time for people to recognize that I wasn't just 'helping out'—I was leading and making major decisions," she explains. She worked hard to establish herself as a knowledgeable and capable leader, ultimately earning the respect of her peers. Vannessa Vasquez Doto faced similar challenges when stepping into a leadership role. "People sometimes assume I don't have the technical expertise because I'm a woman, but confidence and knowledge are the best ways to shift perceptions," she states. Over time, she has built strong relationships within the industry, proving her capabilities through action. Younger women entering the industry often find themselves needing to prove their worth from the start. Dietrich, who began her career at just 19, felt the need to establish credibility early on. "I had to work twice as hard in the beginning to show that I belonged, but my results spoke louder than anything else," she shares. Yanssens had the additional challenge of modernizing a long-established business. "It wasn't just about continuing my family's work; it was about evolving it to stay competitive in a changing market," she explains. By embracing change, she has positioned her company as a forward- thinking leader in the industry. Clark, who entered from an operations background, also had to navigate initial skepticism. "Coming into the industry without a traditional background in wood packaging meant I had to prove myself through action. Understanding logistics and supply chain management helped me build credibility and showcase how my expertise could bring value." Despite the obstacles, these women have demonstrated that perseverance, expertise, and vision can break down barriers. For example, Beatrice Vasquez and Vannessa Vasquez Doto overcame industry skepticism to establish themselves as respected decision-makers, proving that leadership is earned through action and results. By establishing themselves as thought leaders and problem-solvers, they are fostering a more inclusive and innovative industry—one that recognizes talent over tradition. Leading Innovation And Change ese leaders are not just navigating the industry's challenges—they are actively shaping its future. Whether through technology, automation, or efficiency improvements, they are setting new standards and driving progress. Bledsoe believes in leveraging technology to streamline operations. "Efficiency is everything. Smart tracking systems and optimized supply chain logistics have helped us cut costs and Pallet C e nt ral • May -Ju ne 2 0 25 27

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