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Lisa Rathburn, Vice President of Engineering, T. Marzetti Company

Lisa Rathburn shares the secrets of her success, reflects on pivotal moments and mentors, and offers advice for aspiring women in the field of packaging.

Lisa Rathburn

Tell us about your background and how you got into the packaging industry.

I am a chemical engineer by degree, but ever since my first job over 20 years ago, I have been working in the manufacturing industry that packaged specialty products. My first role was in a pharmaceutical facility that filled aseptic vials of injectable medicines. My second company manufactured nutritional products for retail consumers and hospitals. At T. Marzetti, we manufacture dressing and sauces, specialty breads, croutons, and pasta. In these three companies, I held nine different roles that included plant engineering, quality engineering, project management, operational excellence, and technical leadership. In each one of these various positions, it was critical to deliver high quality product. The packaging and packaging equipment were mission critical in making that happen.

What is the most rewarding part of your job today?

It is a privilege to work in a company that is growing, re-investing in the business, and delivering innovative products to meet changing market needs. I enjoy the fast pace of consumer product manufacturing, but more specifically, I enjoy problem solving and driving positive change. The most rewarding part of my job today is seeing projects, that start as an idea on paper, become a reality. 

What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry?

When I was just starting out as a woman in the industry, it honestly felt a bit lonely. I didn’t have much in common with my male peers or managers. Over time, though, I was able to build a network of male and female counterparts, and the entire packaging industry started to feel smaller and familiar.

I have encountered some awkward moments, though. Some people I met for the first time have shown a bias or made incorrect assumptions about me and my role in the organization.  At networking events, people assumed it was my husband who was in the industry, and that I was his spouse/guest vs. the other way around. In sales calls, vendors have not realized that I was the decision maker in the meeting until one of my employees deferred to me for direction.