Westminster Tool is honored to share the news about our team members joining Plastics News Women Breaking the Mold Class of 2023. Last month, Westminster Tool Vice President Hillary Thomas and Senior Machinist Victoria Rooke joined the ranks of incredible women making an impact on the plastics industry.
The Women Breaking the Mold award recognizes women that are not only leaders inside their own companies, but those paving the way for others in industry. This year’s class of honorees spotlights those from all different operations and sectors of the plastics industry with incredible accomplishments, and Westminster Tool is honored to be among them.
Growing up in the moldmaking industry, Hillary has a special connection to the family business. “I grew up watching my dad take appropriate risks,” Hillary told reporters from Plastics News. “He had a calculated courage, and I learned from him. My boss at my first job also taught me the only way to advance was to put myself out there and get involved in solving issues.”
Hillary’s accomplishments span all aspects of the business from training to sales, from strategy to technology. But one of her proudest accomplishments is the work she has done to mentor other women in manufacturing. “Locally, we have become a place of choice to work,” Thomas said. “Today, not many young adults are exposed to or encouraged to work in manufacturing, especially young women.”
To read more of Hillary’s story, check out the Plastics News article here.
For Victoria, her journey as a woman in manufacturing began at her technical high school where she discovered an innate skill for hands-on learning. An internship opportunity brought Victoria to Westminster Tool at age 16, and her professional goals have been on the rise ever since.
Those goals not only include cross-training in various technical areas of the business—she’s proficient in over 5 areas—but also serving as a leader inside and outside the facility. “I am involved in advocacy for women in manufacturing in the state of Connecticut,” she told Plastics News. “I have sat on many panels to speak about my experience and journey in this industry to hopefully inspire young women emerging into the work force or women of all ages looking for a different career path.”
With over 7 years with Westminster Tool so far, Victoria is constantly looking toward the future, embracing the learning opportunities and challenges along the way.
To read more of Victoria’s story, check out the Plastics News article here.
