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Workforce Development 36 MoldMaking Technology —— MAY 2017 Brenda Clark began her career as a mold designer during her senior year of high school, when she found a small shop in East Hartford, Connecticut, that built connector molds for desktop computers, among other products. She says the own- ers agreed to begin training her and then help with her college education once she graduated from high school. She attend- ed Hartford State Technical College and earned associate degrees in machine design and mechanical technology. "I never anticipated that I would advance as far as I have and love this industry as much as I do," she says. "My grandfa- ther was an accomplished tool and die designer and machinist, so I believe this is what I was meant to do." Kristina Bollinger Process Engineer, iMFlux, Hamilton, Ohio "Work ethic has helped me advanced in my manufacturing career. I am a very dedicated and hardworking person who always tries to go above and beyond what is expected." From a young age, Kristina Bollinger says she had an interest in mechanical engineering. She grew up helping her grandfather dis- assemble, repair and rebuild small engines. He was her first and as Kristina notes, "probably toughest," boss. He expected her to show up on time and be ready to work—no excuses. "Making my grandfather proud was much more rewarding than earning a paycheck each weekend," she says. Kristina grew up in Sayler Park, a small town outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, playing sports, going to school and working. She says she was raised to be responsible and encouraged to be the best person possible. She says her family has been instru- mental in getting her to where she is today. After graduating early from high school, Kristina was accepted into Northern Kentucky University's mechanical engineering program. About a year into the program, she signed on for a co-op position at an aerospace manufactur- ing facility, which quickly led to a full-time job as an assistant in its metallurgi- cal technology laboratory. After a year, she returned to school at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College to complete two mechanical engineering degrees in manufacturing and design. Shortly before graduation, Kristina landed another full-time job in the aerospace field, where she remained for a little more than two years on a project that involved production scheduling, process instruc- tions and quality tests. On the hunt for some- thing new and more chal- lenging, she began working at a startup company under Procter and Gamble called iMFlux, which develops injection molding "indus- try-changing" technology. There, she has been given the chance to broaden her engineering knowledge as a process engineer. "Previously, I only dealt with metals and ceramics, The owners of that shop gave Brenda exposure to every aspect of mold design, as well as to mold build- ing and processing. They allowed her to work in the office, in design and on the shop floor making chips, and to run an Arburg Allrounder 200 molding machine. She says that she'll be forever grateful for the opportunity and for their belief in her. It's this kind of men- torship that she believes is needed to bring more women into the trade. "The sooner we can introduce young women to career options in manufacturing, the more likely they will pursue it and excel," she says. For the past 12 years, Brenda has worked for Hasco America, where Brenda Clark Engineering Manager Hasco America, Fletcher, North Carolina "Although I never anticipated that I would advance as far as I have and love this industry as much as I do, I believe this is what I was meant to do."