The wood packaging industry has long been recognized for its strength, resilience, and innovation. While historically male-dominated, the landscape is evolving as more women take on leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives, driving sustainability efforts, and spearheading technological advancements. Their stories are not just about success in business—they reflect a broader transformation in an industry that thrives on resilience and ingenuity.

Women in this field have carved their own paths, overcoming challenges and leaving a lasting impact on their organizations. Many are not only leading innovation and sustainability efforts but are also balancing the demands of family life, proving that strength and resilience extend beyond the workplace. Their leadership is not only changing individual businesses but also influencing industry-wide standards and practices, ensuring that the sector remains adaptive and inclusive.

Finding A Path In Wood Packaging

For some, wood packaging is a family legacy; for others, it’s an industry they discovered unexpectedly and grew to love. April Bledsoe, who leads Lone Star Packaging Solutions, was raised in a family of entrepreneurs and was drawn to the field through her business acumen. She quickly recognized the industry’s potential and found it to be an exciting and rewarding career.

Not everyone enters the industry with a plan. Vannessa Vasquez Doto of Oxnard Pallet Company initially started working in wood packaging to support her family but soon discovered a passion for the work itself. “What started as a way to help my family turned into something much bigger. I found I truly enjoyed the business, the operations, and the sense of accomplishment it brings,” she explains.

Similarly, Tina Yanssens of Iron City Wood Products grew up with a front-row seat to the business and felt a strong responsibility to continue the work her father started. “It’s more than a job—it’s a responsibility and a passion,” she shares. She quickly realized that being part of the industry meant carrying on a legacy of craftsmanship and ingenuity.

Some women found their way into the industry in unexpected ways. Kathleen Dietrich of Commercial Lumber & Pallet initially took a job to pay for school, unaware it would turn into a lifelong career. “I never imagined this industry would captivate me the way it has,” she says. Similarly, Beatrice Vasquez joined her husband’s business and found herself deeply invested in its success. “What started as necessity became passion,” she reflects. 

Emily Clark, an emerging leader in the field from Hub Industrial, entered the industry from a logistics and operations background, showing how diverse expertise can drive fresh ideas and efficiency improvements in wood packaging. She recognized that her expertise in supply chain management could be a game-changer in improving efficiency and sustainability within wood packaging. She was drawn to the industry’s potential to optimize operations and reduce environmental impact, which aligned with her skills and career aspirations. “I saw an opportunity to make an impact in an industry that is critical to supply chains worldwide. The more I learned, the more I realized how much potential there is for growth and innovation,” she says. 

Regardless of how they arrived in the industry, each of these women has embraced the opportunities available in wood packaging, forging new paths and inspiring others along the way. 

Breaking Barriers In A Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry 

Establishing credibility in a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but the women leading in wood packaging have risen to the occasion. Many have had to prove their expertise and leadership in environments that weren’t always welcoming. 

For Beatrice Vasquez, gaining recognition as a co-owner of Oxnard Pallet Company took persistence. “It took time for people to recognize that I wasn’t just ‘helping out’—I was leading and making major decisions,” she explains. She worked hard to establish herself as a knowledgeable and capable leader, ultimately earning the respect of her peers. 

Vannessa Vasquez Doto faced similar challenges when stepping into a leadership role. “People sometimes assume I don’t have the technical expertise because I’m a woman, but confidence and knowledge are the best ways to shift perceptions,” she states. Over time, she has built strong relationships within the industry, proving her capabilities through action. 

Younger women entering the industry often find themselves needing to prove their worth from the start. Dietrich, who began her career at just 19, felt the need to establish credibility early on. “I had to work twice as hard in the beginning to show that I belonged, but my results spoke louder than anything else,” she shares. 

Yanssens had the additional challenge of modernizing a long-established business. “It wasn’t just about continuing my family’s work; it was about evolving it to stay competitive in a changing market,” she explains. By embracing change, she has positioned her company as a forward-thinking leader in the industry. 

Clark, who entered from an operations background, also had to navigate initial skepticism. “Coming into the industry without a traditional background in wood packaging meant I had to prove myself through action. Understanding logistics and supply chain management helped me build credibility and showcase how my expertise could bring value.” 

Despite the obstacles, these women have demonstrated that perseverance, expertise, and vision can break down barriers. For example, Beatrice Vasquez and Vannessa Vasquez Doto overcame industry skepticism to establish themselves as respected decision-makers, proving that leadership is earned through action and results. By establishing themselves as thought leaders and problem-solvers, they are fostering a more inclusive and innovative industry—one that recognizes talent over tradition. 

Leading Innovation And Change 

These leaders are not just navigating the industry’s challenges—they are actively shaping its future. Whether through technology, automation, or efficiency improvements, they are setting new standards and driving progress. 

Bledsoe believes in leveraging technology to streamline operations. “Efficiency is everything. Smart tracking systems and optimized supply chain logistics have helped us cut costs and improve customer satisfaction,” she explains. By using data-driven decision-making, her company has stayed ahead of industry trends.

Sustainability is another key focus. Beatrice Vasquez is deeply invested in finding environmentally responsible ways to handle scrap wood. “Finding cost-effective, sustainable ways to dispose of and repurpose materials is crucial. We’re always exploring new opportunities to make a difference,” she shares.

Yanssens is leading a major technology upgrade, implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to modernize operations. “Bringing in modern software solutions has transformed how we manage inventory, track orders, and improve overall efficiency,” she explains.

Automation is also playing a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. At Oxnard Pallet Company, Vannessa Vasquez Doto has implemented automated sorting and pallet assembly systems, significantly reducing manual labor demands while increasing production efficiency and safety standards. She views automation as a competitive advantage that ensures long-term growth and operational sustainability. “Incorporating automation makes us more efficient and creates a safer working environment. Smart decisions today will define the future of this industry,” she says.

Clark, whose expertise lies in optimizing operations, sees technology as a game-changer: “The industry is evolving, and efficiency is key. By implementing smart logistics strategies, we can maximize resources and reduce waste.”

Dietrich believes ongoing education and adaptability are key to staying ahead: “The industry is evolving rapidly. Those who embrace change and stay ahead of trends will thrive. It’s about being open to new ideas and constantly looking for ways to improve.”

From advanced logistics to environmentally sustainable practices, these women are proving that leadership in wood packaging isn’t about maintaining the status quo. Through initiatives like ERP rollouts, waste reduction programs, and optimized logistics, they are shaping the industry into a more competitive and responsible space. By pioneering new initiatives, they are challenging old methods, advocating for more efficient systems, and reshaping the industry’s future with forward-thinking strategies.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger, More Inclusive Industry 

The wood packaging industry is transforming, with women at the forefront of innovation. The impact of their leadership can be seen in the widespread adoption of automation, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable forestry initiatives— all of which contribute to a more efficient and environmentally responsible industry. These trailblazers exemplify how expertise, adaptability, and vision translate into measurable success, whether through operational improvements, workforce development, or advancements in sustainable packaging solutions. 

With businesses increasingly valuing diverse leadership, the next generation of women in wood packaging will have greater opportunities to lead, innovate, and leave their own mark on the industry. 

These pioneering women are not just shaping their individual companies—they are influencing the broader wood packaging sector by driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Their leadership ensures that the industry’s future will not only be strong but also dynamic, inclusive, and continually evolving to meet modern challenges.