Bakelite team members recently joined industry professionals from across the chemical sector at the Women in Chemicals Conference in Miami, where attendees explored leadership, resilience, professional growth and the evolving opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
Centered around the theme Resilient and Ready, the conference brought together women and allies from across the chemicals value chain for several days of learning, networking and meaningful discussion. For Bakelite attendees, the event also aligned closely with the mission of the Bakelite Women’s Network (BWN), which encourages professional development, networking and leadership growth across the organization.
One of the event’s highlights for the Bakelite team was the opportunity for Debora Costa, Vice President, EHS, to moderate the panel discussion Pregnant in the Plant: Navigating Safety, Policy & Career.
The panel explored how pregnancy is experienced within manufacturing environments while emphasizing the importance of creating workplaces that recognize individual needs and provide meaningful support throughout different stages of employees’ careers. Bringing together multiple perspectives, the discussion encouraged open dialogue around leadership, workplace culture, and supporting associates through all phases of their professional journeys.
Beyond the panel discussions, attendees participated in sessions covering topics such as emotional intelligence, career transitions, resilience, multigenerational leadership and global market trends impacting the chemical industry.
Global Sustainability Leader Emily Thompson was particularly inspired by the conference’s focus on resilience and adaptability, noting that many sessions encouraged attendees to view change as an opportunity for growth while proactively building new skills for the future.
The conference also reinforced the value of allyship and learning from perspectives different from our own. For Chris Mielke, Key Account Manager, that was one of the most memorable aspects of the experience.
“As a man, I got a lot out of the conference. It was interesting with good topics and a different perspective than what I normally see.”
Chris also highlighted the emotional intelligence seminar and ICIS market outlook presentation among his favorite sessions, underscoring the broad range of insights available to attendees.
Equally impactful were the connections made throughout the week. Attendees had opportunities to engage with colleagues, customers, partners and industry peers while building relationships that extended beyond the conference sessions.
Senior Graphic Designer Caitlin Spiwak summed up the experience best:
“If you’ve been craving community in your workplace, WiC is a great place to start. Whether you’re a woman who wants to expand her professional skills and support network, or someone who simply wants to start their journey into allyship in an accepting environment, I encourage you to come and experience the ‘WiC effect’ for yourself.”
As the conference came to a close, attendees returned home with more than new ideas and professional insights. They brought back stronger connections, renewed confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the power of learning from one another.
Participation in events like Women in Chemicals reflects Bakelite’s ongoing commitment to professional development, leadership growth and fostering an industry where diverse perspectives and experiences help drive innovation, collaboration and long-term success.
