The Manufacturing Shake-Up

Ellen Feldman Ornato & Jenny Drescher | A Gael Communications Production
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The Manufacturing Shake-Up

Manufacturing needs a shake-up! A recent 2024 study forecasted that the US manufacturing industry needs up to 3.8 million jobs filled within the next decade. At the same time, women represent only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. With such a large gap now and into the future, there are massive growth opportunities for women in manufacturing! The Manufacturing Shake-Up! is dedicated to transforming the manufacturing landscape for women and other under-represented groups. Not just filling the gaps but creating real opportunities for growth and development. More than a call for change; it’s a means of empowerment. This podcast shares compelling journeys, valuable insights, and lessons learned from women in manufacturing while building a community that relates to their stories, learns from shared knowledge, and is inspired to forge their own path in manufacturing. Join hosts, Jenny Drescher and Ellen Feldman Ornato, as they speak to women at all levels of their manufacturing careers. In addition to uncovering their guests’ educational and career journeys, they’ll pull out key lessons learned along the way: tips for a stronger career, strategies for creating thriving and inclusive work cultures, ideas for personal and professional development, and advice for building career-advancing networking skills. Jump into the Manufacturing Shake-Up and discover your own path to a successful and fulfilling career in manufacturing!

  1. 3D AGO

    What young manufacturers want with Gina Greco, PTA Plastics

    What makes a great place to work for the new generation of manufacturers? Just listen to Gina Greco!  Gina, an Automation Engineer at PTA Plastics, was bribed by her professor (for extra credit) to attend her university's STEM career fair. That small push led her to a booth that stood out: a company with a robot on display and, more importantly, a team of women excited to welcome her. That conversation landed her a job where she thrives today, building cutting-edge automation solutions in injection molding.  In this episode, Gina shares her journey into manufacturing, how company culture played a huge role in her job acceptance, and why she can see a great future at PTA Plastics. She dives into key lessons for companies hoping to attract top young talent: the importance of an inviting career fair booth, an engaging interview process, and a modern, growth-focused work environment.  Join hosts Jenny and Ellen as they uncover the career-building factors that matter most to young engineers like Gina, from hands-on learning opportunities to women-focused workplace communities. If you're looking to attract the next generation of manufacturing talent, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!  Where you can find Gina:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina24670/ Company: https://www.ptaplastics.com/   ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    18 min

  2. MAR 25

    The Power of Persistence with Adrienne Henry, RayGinn Manufacturing

    Adrienne Henry was just 14 years old when she found a passion for manufacturing! Now a CNC Machinist at RayGinn Manufacturing, Adrienne is proving that persistence, curiosity, and hands-on learning can build an incredible career.  Adrienne talks to Ellen and Jenny about how she combats imposter syndrome, how she gains confidence from the tangible results of her work, and why her company’s flexibility is a valuable key to her success as both a student and a machinist.  Ellen and Jenny dig into Adrienne’s story, uncovering key themes about self-belief, perseverance, and finding the right work environment. Whether you’re new to manufacturing or looking to grow your career, this episode has insights on how to push forward, believe in yourself, and make things happen.  Where you can find Adrienne:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennehenry22/ Company: https://www.rayginn.com/    ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    19 min

  3. MAR 18

    Company culture is the secret weapon with Jenny and Ellen

    If you're struggling to attract or retain… generally it comes down to something going on in the internal climate of the organization that is undermining your efforts.  Workplace culture has an undeniable impact on morale, retention, and business success.  In this episode, Jenny and Ellen dive deep into the influence of workplace culture on hiring, retention, and overall company success. They discuss:  The dangers of toxic employees.  The connection between culture and Connecticut’s workforce shortage.  How companies build strong, positive cultures that attract and retain great employees.  Practical strategies for improving employee engagement, including onboarding best practices and leadership development.  If your company struggles with retention or is trying to attract top talent, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tune in to learn how to create a workplace where people want to stay!  --  Resource mentioned in this episode:  Never Lose an Employee Again by Joey Coleman  ----  You can find more Ellen and Jenny here:  Ellen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-feldman-ornato/  Jenny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolderjenny/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bolder-company/  Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/  ------- Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    20 min

  4. MAR 11

    Thriving as a young woman in manufacturing with Paige Raffaele, East Branch Engineering

    Paige Raffaele is redefining what it means to be a young woman in the manufacturing industry. Unlike generations before her, Paige hasn't absorbed the narrative that manufacturing was a hard place for women. Instead, she's been part of the new workplace – a space that has been welcoming to young women like her.   In this episode, Jenny and Ellen chat with Paige about her journey from Abbott Technical High School to Naugatuck Valley Community College and into a full-time role as a Machine Operator and Programmer at East Branch Engineering. Along the way, she’s been supported by an incredible network of male family members, teachers, and colleagues who have seen her potential and helped her grow.  Paige shares:   How her hands-on curiosity led her to manufacturing  The impact of male allies in her education and career path  How keeping an open mind has helped her thrive  The importance of learning many skills across the manufacturing floor  The importance of speaking up, making mistakes, and learning from them  Paige embodies a new generation of manufacturing professionals—curious, adaptable, and ready to take on challenges. Her story is an inspiration for young people considering a career in manufacturing, and for those already in the field looking to support the next wave of talent.  Where you can find Paige:  Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-branch-engineering/   ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    18 min

  5. MAR 4

    Creating work environments that work with Jennifer Gaggion, Design Your Monday

    When you walk into your workplace, do you feel inspired and energized? Or does it feel like you've stepped back in time to 1965?   This week on The Manufacturing Shake-Up, we sit down with Jennifer Gaggion, Industrial Interior Designer at Design Your Monday, to discuss how thoughtful design can revolutionize manufacturing spaces—boosting productivity, employee engagement, and even revenue.  Jennifer explains why manufacturing and interior design go hand in hand, and how these 3 small, intentional changes can create a major impact:  Integrate Your Brand Into Your Space – Whether it’s a bold feature wall, company colors, or strategic signage, your workspace should tell the story of who you are.  Create Spaces for Collaboration – Encourage idea-sharing and teamwork by designing casual, welcoming spaces where employees can gather and connect.  Keep It Clean and Organized – Outdated, cluttered, or dirty workspaces send the wrong message to employees and clients alike. Small efforts in tidiness go a long way in boosting morale and professionalism.  Finally, Jennifer dives into how interior design plays a role in employee retention, workplace safety, and even customer perception. If you’re looking to hire and retain employees, you won’t want to miss this episode!  Where you can find Jennifer:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gaggion-8065393/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-your-monday-llc/   ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    23 min

  6. FEB 25

    Creating useful disruption with Rene Parrinello, Legrand

    Sustainability in manufacturing isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smart business. In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Rene Parrinello, Corporate Sustainability Specialist at Legrand North and Central America, shares how small changes can create big impact.  She shares the importance of documenting environmental impacts from raw material sourcing to end-of-life product disposal and how data-driven decisions can lead to cost savings, better efficiency, and a smaller carbon footprint.  Did you even know this was a job you could do too!! Rene, Ellen and Jenny discuss:  ✅ Sustainability as a business strategy—how reducing waste and energy use boosts profits  ✅ Starting small—even switching to reusable pallets or efficient lighting makes a difference  ✅ Curiosity as key driver—questioning business-as-usual leads to innovation  ✅ Why good sustainability leadership matters—clear communication and persistence drive change  Listen in and get inspired to shake up your manufacturing journey - you can find a role in sustainability, or help to make your facility more sustainable - for the future AND the bottom line. Where you can find Rene:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-parrinello/ Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legrand-north-america/   ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    25 min

  7. FEB 18

    Early STEM exposure leads to amazing careers with Hope Kavulich, Synectic

    From early tinkering to a career turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world products, Hope Kavulich has always been driven by curiosity. Now in Product Realization at Synectic, she helps transform concepts—mostly medical devices—into manufacturable, life-changing products.  In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Hope shares how early exposure to robotics and hands-on learning led her to mechanical engineering at Quinnipiac University. At QU, she helped launch a makerspace and taught others how to use their creativity to create and build things too. That passion for building and problem-solving now fuels her work, optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring designs go from prototype to scalable production.  Hope's story shows the value of STEM at a young age and the importance of following those early passions. Where you can find Hope:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopekavulich/ Company: https://synectic.net/   ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    18 min

  8. FEB 11

    Small changes make a big impact with Alethea Schaeffer, Form-All Plastics/USHECO

    Alethea Schaeffer, Owner of Form-All Plastics and VP of Sales and Marketing at USHECO, is not only steering the ship of her family’s 60-year-old plastics manufacturing business, she’s also leading her own company through its next chapter of growth—all while balancing family life across two states.  Alethea shares her journey of leadership, delegation, and cultural transformation. Discover her work in formalizing communication structures, implementing best practices, and fostering a team-oriented, workplace culture that drives innovation and success.   Alethea also opens up about the personal side of leadership. She shares her morning routine, built around gratitude and prioritization, and reflects on how letting go of perfectionism and embracing delegation have empowered her to lead effectively across two businesses.  Where you can find Alethea:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aletheas/  Companies:   Form-All Plastics: https://www.form-all.com/  USHECO: https://www.usheco.com/  ------- Podcast hosted by The Bolder Company: https://www.theboldercompany.com/ Podcast executive production by Gael Communications: https://www.gaelcommunications.com/ Podcast technical production by Miceli Productions: https://miceliproductions.com/

    20 min
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    About

    Manufacturing needs a shake-up! A recent 2024 study forecasted that the US manufacturing industry needs up to 3.8 million jobs filled within the next decade. At the same time, women represent only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. With such a large gap now and into the future, there are massive growth opportunities for women in manufacturing! The Manufacturing Shake-Up! is dedicated to transforming the manufacturing landscape for women and other under-represented groups. Not just filling the gaps but creating real opportunities for growth and development. More than a call for change; it’s a means of empowerment. This podcast shares compelling journeys, valuable insights, and lessons learned from women in manufacturing while building a community that relates to their stories, learns from shared knowledge, and is inspired to forge their own path in manufacturing. Join hosts, Jenny Drescher and Ellen Feldman Ornato, as they speak to women at all levels of their manufacturing careers. In addition to uncovering their guests’ educational and career journeys, they’ll pull out key lessons learned along the way: tips for a stronger career, strategies for creating thriving and inclusive work cultures, ideas for personal and professional development, and advice for building career-advancing networking skills. Jump into the Manufacturing Shake-Up and discover your own path to a successful and fulfilling career in manufacturing!

    Information

    • Creator
      Ellen Feldman Ornato & Jenny Drescher | A Gael Communications Production
    • Years Active
      2024 - 2025
    • Episodes
      42
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
    • Show Website
      The Manufacturing Shake-Up

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