As organizations around the world celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re proud to recognize the women helping shape the future of manufacturing, leadership, and innovation across our global network.
For our fourth and final spotlight of the month, we’re excited to feature Caroline Allard, Site Leader at our Longueuil facility in Canada. In just ten months at Bakelite, Caroline has already become a trusted, unifying presence — known for her thoughtful leadership, steady approach, and commitment to building a workplace centered on connection and trust.
Her story offers a meaningful look at what modern manufacturing leadership can be: grounded, authentic, and deeply people‑focused.
A Natural Path into Leadership
Caroline began her career as a chemical engineer, drawn to solving problems, asking questions, and staying close to the action. Leadership wasn’t something she set out to pursue — it emerged naturally as she found herself drawn to collaboration and team success.
“I’ve always loved being around people and experiencing team successes. Sharing ideas and bringing everyone’s input together just comes easily to me.”
As her career evolved, so did her understanding of what effective leadership requires.
“The true strength of a manufacturing site is its people,” she says. “Coaching, engaging teams, and building trust are essential to sustainable performance.”
Choosing to Listen First
When Caroline stepped into her role in Longueuil, she deliberately resisted the urge to make sweeping changes.
“I chose to listen, observe, and build trust first,” she explains.
Her focus on understanding the people and processes around her created the foundation for meaningful improvements — clearer communication, stronger safety practices, and better alignment across the team.
Those early conversations set the stage for progress the team continues to build side by side.
Staying Grounded Through Balance and Boundaries
Leading a manufacturing facility means managing constant movement, decision‑making, and competing priorities. For Caroline, balance comes from boundaries, organization, and perspective.
Her children help keep that perspective grounded.
“I need to be mentally and physically present for them,” she says.
She avoids bringing work home unless necessary and is intentional about stepping outside during lunch to reset — a habit her team encourages with their frequent check‑ins: “Did you eat?”
It’s a small question that reflects the trust and mutual care she has cultivated.
A Community That Shapes — and Is Shaped By — Her
From the moment she arrived in Longueuil, Caroline felt welcomed into what she describes as “a small family.” That sense of closeness aligned perfectly with one of her core values: community action.
Under her leadership, the team has supported organizations serving children with disabilities, families facing food insecurity, and others across the region. One highlight is a sustainability‑focused project where recycled pallets from the facility are transformed into vegetable planters for a local center supporting children with disabilities.
“People ask, ‘When is the next activity?’ They want to participate again and again,” she says.
Moments That Affirm Belonging
Although Caroline has built her career in male‑dominated environments, she has long felt confident in her abilities. Still, one moment at Bakelite stands out:
“During a plant manager meeting, I realized — yes, I belong in this room.”
Seeing her ideas valued — and witnessing her team unite during challenges — reaffirmed her sense of purpose and place.
Leaders Who Lit the Way
Caroline’s leadership approach has also been shaped by women she has admired along her journey, including a former VP who modeled emotional intelligence and balance.
“She always asked about my kids before talking business. I learned from her to take time for the personal side — something I now do every day.”
She continues to draw inspiration from industry events such as the Women in Manufacturing Summit.
Lighting the Way for the Next Generation
Increasing representation in manufacturing is one of Caroline’s biggest priorities. This year, she welcomed a female engineering intern to the Longueuil team — a step she hopes becomes part of a broader, long‑term effort.
She also participates in girls‑in‑science initiatives, sharing her career path and encouraging young women to explore the possibilities of technical fields.
As she puts it, “Seeing another woman succeed can be the spark that makes someone think, ‘If she can do it, I can too.’”
It’s a spark she’s committed to passing forward.
A Leader Who Builds People — and a Place Where They Can Thrive
For Caroline, leadership starts — and ends — with people. She listens deeply, supports intentionally, and creates space for others to grow, collaborate, and take pride in their work.
Her story concludes our Women’s History Month series on a powerful note, reminding us that meaningful progress isn’t only found in big milestones — it’s built person by person, story by story, and moment by moment.
To Caroline — and to all the women featured this month — thank you for sharing your voice and your impact. And to our readers, thank you for celebrating alongside us.
Miss the other stories in our Women’s History Month series? Catch up below:
- Reshma Malik – Digital Transformation Leader
- Andrea Revilla – Lantarón’s first female operator
- Anna Sieranc – R&D Leader in Poland
Together, these women illuminate the many ways leadership takes shape — and the bright future ahead for women in manufacturing.
