Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, I dreamed of becoming a singer. After earning a BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design from Youngstown State, University, I was fortunate to land a job with the Walt Disney Company in Florida. It was an incredible experience, and I learned so much about making Disney Magic that now applies to my current position.
In 2017, I returned to Ohio and now live in the Cleveland area. In late 2020, I had the opportunity to join Evergreen and its parent company Polychem (now Greenbridge) as the company’s first Brand Specialist. On day one they handed me a major project: rename and rebrand the companies. Being responsible for the company image hooked me right away. This position has proved that there were muscles I always knew I had, and Evergreen gave me the stage to flex them. This company works hard to place their employees in roles in which they will shine.
What I like most about my job is the growth and variety of what I do. I’m never bored and always feel my work matters. For example, right now I am leading a community-wide effort in Cleveland to cleanup a local park for Earth Day while promoting the Evergreen brand and need for more recycling. I’m also orchestrating a huge grand opening event celebrating the expansion of our Clyde, Ohio, recycling and rPET manufacturing facility, and planning the launch of an exciting new rPET product that’s going to rock the recycling and consumer products industries. It’s a full plate!
I’ve been very fortunate in my career at Evergreen with mentors, many of them women. They have paved the way and carved out new space for other women like me to have a place here. I value the moments when they take the time to walk me through something new. Sometimes it’s work related and other times it’s personal. I appreciate both scenarios because their life experiences enrich my own.
When I’m not working, I enjoy playing with my pets, practicing and teaching yoga, painting murals, bowling, and just getting outdoors, soaking up the sun, connecting with the planet. It’s even better when my hubs Nick and pup Otto are with me on the trails!
I would absolutely recommend other women go into recycling, especially with a company like Evergreen that’s growing and really committed to changing the world for the better. Before I got this job, I chased dreams at Fortune 500s and in my experience, it turned me into a number instead of an asset. Although recycling isn’t where I pictured myself as an early college grad, I’m in a great place in my career. I’m given ownership of projects I’m excited about, I’m constantly learning and growing, and the perks are better. The work is all worth it knowing we are making a difference in how we protect our ecosystems and reuse materials like PET to its maximum potential. Recycling is trending up into future, and women with a heart for it will be in high demand.
Evergreen Women in Recycling is a series created to celebrate the wonderful women across our company who make a difference in our world every day. If you are interested in joining our team, visit our Careers page.