As the label and package printing industry continues to evolve, there are a host of leaders committed to promoting its benefits to the next-generation workforce. The industry has long been in search of more diversity and inclusion, and one such endeavor began four years ago.

Following the FTA Forum in 2019, Women of Flexo began to take shape. Over the course of several months following the event, the group was established to support and promote women in the flexographic industry through a variety of opportunities.

“Our original goal was to create an outlet for women working in the flexographic printing industry,” explains Katie Graham, regional marketing and communications manager, Bobst, and co-chair, Women of Flexo. “As a predominately male space, we recognized the need to develop a forum and group to network and engage with other women.”

Women of Flexo meets regularly, with many of the in-person events coinciding with the FTA calendar. The group meets once a month for its monthly leadership team, and it also takes part in monthly Lunch and Learn webinars that are open to everyone. FTA Forum and Fall Conference also serve as perfect opportunities for Women of Flexo to network and share ideas. Graham functions as one of the co-chairs alongside Emily Kalshoven, sales account manager, MacDermid Graphics Solutions.

“The Women of Flexo leadership team are all very engaged and active in the industry, and are always networking to grow our membership,” says Graham. “We are so glad to host a well-attended mentorship program with numerous women involved in the professional mentorship program, as well as a significant number in the student program.

“We host this very active mentorship program once a year for professionals and students,” she adds. “Another exciting project we’re working on is called ProjectFlex. In honor of Women’s Month, we have partnered with several suppliers and a brewery to develop our very own beer and labels.”

Women of Flexo has been segmented into four subcommittees: marketing and strategy, recruitment, mentorship, and leadership development. The goals range from growing industry awareness to increasing female representation on panels, speaking opportunities and industry leadership roles.

The timing is ideal, too, as suppliers and converters strive to increase diversity while addressing the labor shortage impacting the manufacturing industry. “We have definitely seen so many changes over the past 10-15 years,” says Graham. “The number of women entering the flexographic space is far outpacing men, and there are more women in high level leadership roles compared to previous years. We are grateful for the numerous men and women in our industry that have been advocates of WOF, to help us grow and support more colleagues each year.”

During the recent AWA Global Release Liner Industry Conference & Exhibition, Barbara Dunin, ESG and marketing director, Beontag, detailed her company’s goals to promote diversity. According to Dunin, Beontag is focused on increasing women in management positions to above 50%, with a target of women in their entire workforce of 40%.

From an employee standpoint, the group is striving to create an atmosphere of inclusion and belonging, one where applicants are not hesitant to apply for jobs.

“We know that the women in our industry continue to struggle with imposter syndrome and a general feeling of being out of place,” notes Graham. “We will continue to create camaraderie to help women realize they’re in great company, but it takes time to grow the visibility of our group and to reach all the industry members that we intend to.

“As we see more women in leadership roles in the flexo industry, we are confident that our unique leadership styles will continue to gain appreciation,” she adds. “Those leaders will provide representation for aspiring young women, and our communal nature will foster continued networking to help women in print grow confidence.”

To join the Women of Flexo, click on the link here.