How did your career start, and what has your work experience been?
I have been in the waste industry for a little over 12 years. I started in 2012 as a student assistant for my university’s EH&S department, where I learned about waste accumulation and collection as well as proper labeling and manifesting.
After graduation, I joined the Retail Customer Service team in Norcross, GA as a contractor. Six months later, I was hired full-time as a Client Manager and spent the next 5 years managing some of our larger retail accounts. Then, I moved into Operations as the Manifest Program Manager where I helped to implement processes around manifest handling and E-Manifest. A few years later, I moved into Continuous Improvement and am now part of the Business Transformation team.
Will you talk about your current role at Clean Earth?
I’m a Project Manager in Business Transformation, and I love my role! My team is helping to lead many major initiatives, including One Clean Earth’s IDP and CORE Facility Operations, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see so many improvements and initiatives come to fruition this year.
How do you empower other women in our industry? What advice do you want to share?
Find a mentor, formally or informally, and network. The Enviri Women’s Mentorship program has been incredible, but even before we launched this program, I found myself surrounded by people who were willing to answer questions or guide me toward best practices. Some of those informal relationships have been the best building blocks in growing my career.
How do you enjoy your time outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and aim to have dinner and a game night with them at least once every 6 weeks. I also spend a LOT of time reading- usually over 150 books every year! When I’m not reading or having game night, I can usually be found hiking or planning the next trip to a National Park.
Let’s talk about some of the highlights of your career. What has been the most rewarding or meaningful part of your work experience thus far?
Meeting people, visiting sites, and bringing change and initiatives are the most rewarding parts of my work.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Be open to change, and volunteer for projects as often as possible. Learning more about the company and departments outside of your own gives you a much wider perspective and the ability to see the “bigger picture.”
How should we encourage the younger generation of women to join the waste industry?
Let’s show them the opportunities! The waste industry encompasses all types of roles from administrative to technical. By showcasing these roles and opportunities at job fairs and college events, I believe we can attract the younger generation of women from all walks of life to join us.