Best Jenny Drescher | A Gael Communications Production Podcasts (2025)

1
Innovation in Miniature with Marietta Lee, The Lee Company 22:52

3d ago22:52

22:52

Marietta Lee never imagined she’d one day run the family business. With a law degree and a thriving career in legal journalism, manufacturing was nowhere on her radar. But when she moved back to Connecticut to be closer to family, the opportunity to join the Lee team changed her path. In this episode, Marietta shares how The Lee Company has remaine…

1
Embracing lifelong learning with Lara Mouakar, ASML 21:43

10d ago21:43

21:43

When Lara Mouakar moved from Lebanon back to the U.S., she never imagined she’d land in high-tech manufacturing. With a background in adult education, Lara could have settled into a new role in education. Instead, she took a huge risk on a third-shift group lead role at ASML and found a whole new career path! In this episode, Lara shares how she ov…

1
Building Culture on a Global Scale with Lee Ulinskas, ebm-papst 21:37

17d ago21:37

21:37

How do you build strong culture in a global company—and make it feel local? In this episode, Ellen and Jenny sit down with Lee Ulinskas, Employee Engagement & Development Manager at ebm-papst, to explore what it really means to create meaningful workplace culture across locations, languages, and time zones. Lee shares how her role is to nurture cul…

1
Overcoming overwhelm through work prioritization with Ellen and Jenny 20:23

24d ago20:23

20:23

Are you drowning in “urgent” tasks and feeling like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, hosts Jenny and Ellen tackle the all-too-common struggle of overwhelm. They break down the hidden traps that lead to burnout, including the myth that everything is urgent, the pressure to do…

1
What young manufacturers want with Gina Greco, PTA Plastics 17:47

1M ago17:47

17:47

What makes a great place to work for the new generation of manufacturers? Just listen to Gina Greco! Gina, an Automation Engineer at PTA Plastics, was bribed by her professor (for extra credit) to attend her university's STEM career fair. That small push led her to a booth that stood out: a company with a robot on display and, more importantly, a t…

1
The Power of Persistence with Adrienne Henry, RayGinn Manufacturing 18:47

1M ago18:47

18:47

Adrienne Henry was just 14 years old when she found a passion for manufacturing! Now a CNC Machinist at RayGinn Manufacturing, Adrienne is proving that persistence, curiosity, and hands-on learning can build an incredible career. Adrienne talks to Ellen and Jenny about how she combats imposter syndrome, how she gains confidence from the tangible re…

1
Company culture is the secret weapon with Jenny and Ellen 19:31

2M ago19:31

19:31

If you're struggling to attract or retain… generally it comes down to something going on in the internal climate of the organization that is undermining your efforts. Workplace culture has an undeniable impact on morale, retention, and business success. In this episode, Jenny and Ellen dive deep into the influence of workplace culture on hiring, re…

1
Thriving as a young woman in manufacturing with Paige Raffaele, East Branch Engineering 17:38

2M ago17:38

17:38

Paige Raffaele is redefining what it means to be a young woman in the manufacturing industry. Unlike generations before her, Paige hasn't absorbed the narrative that manufacturing was a hard place for women. Instead, she's been part of the new workplace – a space that has been welcoming to young women like her. In this episode, Jenny and Ellen chat…

1
Creating work environments that work with Jennifer Gaggion, Design Your Monday 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

When you walk into your workplace, do you feel inspired and energized? Or does it feel like you've stepped back in time to 1965? This week on The Manufacturing Shake-Up, we sit down with Jennifer Gaggion, Industrial Interior Designer at Design Your Monday, to discuss how thoughtful design can revolutionize manufacturing spaces—boosting productivity…

1
Creating useful disruption with Rene Parrinello, Legrand 24:34

2M ago24:34

24:34

Sustainability in manufacturing isn’t just good for the planet—it’s smart business. In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Rene Parrinello, Corporate Sustainability Specialist at Legrand North and Central America, shares how small changes can create big impact. She shares the importance of documenting environmental impacts from raw material…

1
Early STEM exposure leads to amazing careers with Hope Kavulich, Synectic 17:47

2M ago17:47

17:47

From early tinkering to a career turning cutting-edge ideas into real-world products, Hope Kavulich has always been driven by curiosity. Now in Product Realization at Synectic, she helps transform concepts—mostly medical devices—into manufacturable, life-changing products. In this episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Hope shares how early exposur…

1
Small changes make a big impact with Alethea Schaeffer, Form-All Plastics/USHECO 20:16

3M ago20:16

20:16

Alethea Schaeffer, Owner of Form-All Plastics and VP of Sales and Marketing at USHECO, is not only steering the ship of her family’s 60-year-old plastics manufacturing business, she’s also leading her own company through its next chapter of growth—all while balancing family life across two states. Alethea shares her journey of leadership, delegatio…

1
Overcome challenges through a learning mindset with Raji Kompalli, LATICRETE 21:39

3M ago21:39

21:39

What if life’s challenges weren’t roadblocks but stepping stones to something greater? This week, Jenny sits down with Raji Kompalli, VP of Research and Development at Laticrete, to explore the powerful mindset shifts that have propelled her remarkable career. Raji shares how her journey from a bench scientist to a leadership role was driven by per…

1
Breaking stereotypes and building a career with Melissa Mazo, Straton Industries 20:13

3M ago20:13

20:13

How do you find a workplace that truly fits? For Melissa Mazo, Manufacturing Engineer Manager at Straton Industries, the answer lay in meaningful conversations, a culture of respect, and the power of a clean manufacturing facility. In this episode, Melissa shares her journey from a CT technical high school to leading in aerospace manufacturing, all…

1
Take a moment to reflect with Lena Geliga, Hygrade Precision Technologies 21:05

3M ago21:05

21:05

In this episode, Lena Geliga shares invaluable lessons about personal growth, effective communication, and learning through failure. Now Operations Manager at Hygrade Precision Technologies, Lena talks about her career journey starting in retail and now leading operations in a high-precision manufacturing environment. Lena’s story emphasizes the im…

1
Taking career leaps with Kristen Tangarone, KTJones Management Consulting 22:04

4M ago22:04

22:04

Ever faced a moment where you knew you had to leap into the unknown to chase your dreams? In this episode, we talk to Kristen Tangarone, founder of KTJones Management Consulting, about the daring career pivots that shaped her journey. Kristen shares how she transitioned from 20 years in traditional manufacturing to spearheading operations in the em…

1
What would Grandpa do? with Jaclyn Epstein, MICA Corporation 19:31

4M ago19:31

19:31

Jaclyn Epstein, COO of MICA Corporation, shares how her leadership is inspired by her grandfather’s values of doing good and doing right. Jaclyn explains how the words 'care' and 'careful' perfectly describe manufacturing as they drive decision-making, quality, and trust in the workplace. She discusses how she tackles challenges through self-awaren…

1
From goals to greatness in 2025 with Ellen and Jenny 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

As we enter a new year, many of us create ambitious lists of goals—but how do we move from writing them down to actually accomplishing them? In this practical episode, Jenny and Ellen have a conversation that walks you through the art of setting and achieving meaningful goals. They break it all down into an actionable 5-step process, making the oft…

1
Taking stock of your 2024 successes with Ellen Feldman Ornato and Jenny Drescher 22:45

4M ago22:45

22:45

How can success drive more success? By pulling it apart to discover what made that success happen! In manufacturing, we are no strangers to pulling apart problems, doing root-cause analysis or applying Lean and continuous improvement principles. But how often do we take a pause to recognize a 𝐰𝐢𝐧 and find out what steps made it happen? In this epis…

1
Avoiding the comparison trap with Lisa Brown, Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense 22:33

5M ago22:33

22:33

In this episode, Lisa Brown, Market Segment Director at Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense (EBAD), shares transformative insights on navigating career growth without falling into the social media comparison trap. Lisa discusses the importance of learning in your first year, using lateral moves to build diverse skills, and the value of mentorship…

1
Finding the right fit with Mia Merrel, ASSA ABLOY 20:04

5M ago20:04

20:04

What does it mean to truly find your fit in the manufacturing world? For Mia Merrel, Director of Product Management at ASSA ABLOY, it’s about combining creativity, collaboration, and a fearless drive to learn. In this inspiring episode of The Manufacturing Shake-Up, Mia shares how she carved out her role, from seeking mentorship to launching innova…

1
Embracing simplicity and releasing assumptions with Jayme Coates, Juniper Biomedical 20:54

5M ago20:54

20:54

On this episode with Jayme Coates, COO of Juniper Biomedical, Jayme shares some of her key career insights. Jayme talks to Ellen and Jenny about gaining inspiration from nature – both to clear her head AND in its simplicity. She's discovered that reducing complexity is often the key to solving really challenging problems. Jayme's background and exp…

1
From beauty school dropout to skilled machinist with Kristina Pacheco, Kamatics 19:42

5M ago19:42

19:42

Kristina Pacheco's story challenges conventional ideas of who “belongs” in the manufacturing industry and proves that career paths may be a bit winding before finding the right one. When Kristina realized she didn't want to go into college debt, she started her journey to find a hands-on career. At first she landed on traditional female-dominated f…

1
Being the only woman in the room with Amanda Wiriya, Wepco Plastics 19:43

6M ago19:43

19:43

Amanda Wiriya's story is a testament to the power of listening, being transparent, and exploring your transferable skills. She began her career at Wepco Plastics as an Administrative Assistant, seeking stability and flexibility. But leaders at Wepco saw her potential and her ability to use skills derived from previous (non-manufacturing) roles, lea…

1
Fear is a bad advisor with Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP 23:08

6M ago23:08

23:08

Sit down with Beatriz Gutierrez, President & CEO of CONNSTEP, a leading force in Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem. Beatriz shares key moments from her career journey. She opens up about an early career situation where she doubted her readiness for a leadership role, only to realize later that she had underestimated her unique strengths. She re…

1
A purpose-driven career with Catherine Pratt, HyAxiom 19:59

6M ago19:59

19:59

Catherine Pratt, Program Manager at HyAxiom, shares her inspiring journey in the world of sustainability. Charting a path through chemical engineering, she now leads projects that address one of the biggest global challenges—climate change. She takes her mission personally as both a professional and a parent. Catherine shares how her career evolved…

1
Say no to toxic workplaces with Mollissa Bennett, HABCO Industries 20:31

6M ago20:31

20:31

This episode is for every student/young adult getting ready to start college, or step into the workplace. Mollissa Bennett is a huge advocate for the trades after finding her path in welding. She came out of a 10-month technical program with no debt, ready to work and learn on-the-job. But it wasn’t always easy. Mollissa landed in some really toxic…

1
Blending art and science with Salay Quaranta, Tsugami America 24:40

6M ago24:40

24:40

From her early experiences in laser technology to her current leadership role at a global machine tool company, Salay Quaranta, Vice President of Sales at Tsugami America blends technical expertise with creativity and a passion for building strong relationships. Salay shares how her upbringing in a family of engineers and designers fueled her curio…

1
From designing sneakers to building a STEM career with Raquel Bolling, CCAT 23:38

7M ago23:38

23:38

You don’t need any more proof than this episode that early exposure to STEM concepts and careers can mold someone's life in a positive way. This episode with Raquel Bolling, Technical Trainer at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), starts with a family that supports STEM, a school that centers STEM, and a student that thrived with…

1
Busting career myths with Amelia Campbell, TRUMPF 25:52

7M ago25:52

25:52

Amelia Campbell knew she wanted to improve her life, for herself and her family. Thanks to some great advice, hard work, and self-determination, she is on the path to great success. This week's episode is an inspirational story that starts with losing a job, but ends with a sought-after position at a great CT manufacturer. Amelia was determined to …

1
Turning a no into a yes with Monica Hilgarth, Hampford Research 23:18

7M ago23:18

23:18

This week’s episode of the Manufacturing Shake-Up focuses on the misperceptions we can get stuck on in our careers. First, Monica Hilgarth, Lab Services Manager at Hampford Research, talks all about how to stop taking no for an answer. Many people, women in particular, can feel that no is a final answer when asking for things in the workplace. But …

1
There are no rules in networking with Ellen Feldman Ornato and Jenny Drescher 27:05

7M ago27:05

27:05

In our previous episode with Christine Marcin, Chair of Women in Manufacturing CT chapter, we started a conversation about networking organizations and the importance of joining them for your personal and career growth...but many people simply don't know 𝘩𝘰𝘸 to network! In this episode, Ellen and Jenny talk through some of their thoughts about the …

1
Starting and thriving in your manufacturing career with Cristal Velez, Novo Precision 23:29

8M ago23:29

23:29

Cristal's manufacturing story starts with her arrival from Puerto Rico after losing everything to natural disaster. It continues with her college graduation just a couple months ago. And it moves forward with an incredible future in manufacturing! This is a story of Cristal's perseverance, but also of the life-changing power of a career in manufact…

1
Women in Manufacturing CT with Christine Marcin, Chair WIM CT and Partner, Stifel Marcin 22:31

8M ago22:31

22:31

There are many outstanding manufacturing organization you can be part of in CT. One that's nearest and dearest to our hearts is the Women in Manufacturing Connecticut Chapter. This group provides networking and educational opportunities, both locally and nationally, to help women in the industry to connect and develop their career. On this episode,…

1
Million Women Mentors with Colleen Bielitz, SCSU and Million Women Mentors 21:59

8M ago21:59

21:59

If there's one thing we've learned in our first 10 episodes, it's the incredible power of mentorship on the careers of our guests. So, we are THRILLED that the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing has sponsored a new mentorship community, through Million Women Mentors Connecticut, that aims to connect mentors and mentees across STEM fields, starting…

1
Combining Heart and Business with Robin Ritz, InCord 24:55

8M ago24:55

24:55

How do you combine heart with business and still be profitable? You lead with love and respect, and it all comes back to you. Robin Ritz, Creative Visionary at InCord reminds us that people generally want to do more for people that do more for them. Call it the law of reciprocity – or just kindness begets kindness....but Robin has learned that you …

1
Great people make great snacks with Jess Westerfield, Lesser Evil Snacks 20:42

9M ago20:42

20:42

Do you need a boost of positive energy – look no further than this episode! Jess Westerfield, Director of People + Culture at Lesser Evil, perfectly reflects the company's products - a boost of energy that's healthy and fun! Jess, Ellen, and Jenny talk about Lesser Evils' outstanding culture – it's no wonder they've been able to build and retain a …

1
Empowering the next generation with Rani Viroja, Accuturn & AMEP 24:39

9M ago24:39

24:39

In this week's episode, Jenny and Ellen sit down with Rani Viroja, Quality Engineer at Accuturn and Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Employers Partnership (AMEP). Rani shares her journey into manufacturing, which isn't as straight-forward as you'd think, considering her parents own Accuturn! Now she wants to spread the word about manufacturin…

1
Finding balance in a fast career trajectory with Brittany Isherwood, Burke Aerospace 24:10

9M ago24:10

24:10

What does it look like to skyrocket to the top of your field? Let's find out with Brittany Isherwood, President of Burke Aerospace. Brittany's journey is fast-paced, but filled with really thought-proving ideas about finding balance. We hear a lot about work-life balance, but balance can also be found within the workplace. Brittany talks about the …

1
Paying it Forward with Milliechel Ramirez, Carey Manufacturing 24:08

9M ago24:08

24:08

Not only is Milliechel Ramirez a Process Engineer at Carey Manufacturing, she's also an Instructor at Capital Community College and offers talks and tours for high school students and parent information sessions for their parents. AND that's all in her free time from being a mom, too! Millie sounds like a superwoman, because she is! In this episode…

1
Cultural Transformation with Hannah Belmont, Westminster Tool 21:31

10M ago21:31

21:31

Hannah Belmont took a winding path before landing at her family's manufacturing company. In fact, she didn't know she wanted to be in the industry until landing a job writing about manufacturing...and slowly but surely fell in love with it! Now in the role of Talent Development Manager, she continues the important work that Westminster Tool has put…

1
Brewing manufacturing success with Cindi Bigelow, Bigelow Tea 23:54

10M ago23:54

23:54

Tea, leadership insights, giving back, speaking up, and more tea! As a third-generation leader, Cindi Bigelow, CEO of Bigelow Tea, shares her remarkable journey of growing through many roles before taking on the role of CEO of her family-owned tea company. She talks about the value of prioritizing – you can't do everything! Cindi shares her incredi…

1
Say Yes First, Then Figure it Out! 21:46

10M ago21:46

21:46

Sit down with us and Farnosh Sadler from TRIUMPH. Farnosh has had an inspiring career journey. It's all about building strong relationships. Farnosh describes how she transitioned from her first job in retail and developed a meaningful career in aerospace manufacturing thanks to a business relationship she developed along the way. Her journey is a …

1
Thriving with Female Manufacturing Leadership 19:00

10M ago19:00

19:00

Episode 2 of The Manufacturing Shake-Up and our first with a woman in manufacturing! We welcome the fabulous Sara Fradette, Production Planner at Bead Electronics. Sara shares her journey from studying economics to thriving in manufacturing. Find out how her role in production planning keeps her days dynamic and exciting. In this episode, Sara tell…

1
A Manufacturing Career Can Change Your Life with Paul Lavoie 29:45

10M ago29:45

29:45

Welcome to the very first episode of the Manufacturing Shake-Up! We're so glad you're here! None of us would be here listening to this podcast right now if it weren't for today's podcast guest, Paul Lavoie, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer. After realizing that some of the smartest people he knows in manufacturing are women, Paul knew he had to do …

1
Welcome to the Manufacturing Shake-Up! 1:30

12M ago1:30

1:30

What are we doing and why are we here? Manufacturing needs a shake-up! A recent 2024 study forecasted that the US manufacturing industry needs up to 3.8 million jobs filled within the next decade. At the same time, women represent only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. With such a large gap now and into the future, there are massive growth opport…

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