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Women Shaping the Future of Packaging: Insights from the Poly Pack Symposium

TransPak’s Sarah Marchetti Featured in Women in Packaging Panel

As March ushers in Women’s History Month, TransPak is excited to highlight key takeaways from the Women in Packaging Panel at the recent Poly Pack Symposium hosted by Cal Poly, which brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the evolving landscape of packaging.

The Women in Packaging Panel provided a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and advice, reaffirming women’s crucial role in shaping the industry’s dynamic future. The panelists included Caitlin Salaverria, President of the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF); Lorraine Tang, Senior Product Design Manager at Apple; Katie Worland, Senior Manager at Boston Scientific; Maribel Morales, R&D Package Scientist at Clorox; and Sarah Marchetti, Account Executive at TransPak.

Sarah Marchetti: A Trailblazing Packaging Professional

Marchetti is an Account Executive and ISTA-certified technician working out of TransPak’s Hayward, California location. She got her bachelor’s degree in business, complemented by a minor in packaging from Cal Poly.

In her role at TransPak, Marchetti manages a team of two project managers who are also women. Her additional responsibilities include interfacing regularly with engineering teams, as well as managing operations and customer communications.

Women in Packaging Panel Highlights

During the forum, each panelist was given a question in advance, and all had the opportunity to provide additional insights. Sarah Marchetti led a discussion on providing advice for women who aspire to join the packaging industry and shared insights that she would offer to her younger self.

Confidence and Lifelong Learning

Confidence emerged as a recurring theme, with panelists emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s worth and knowing that you deserve a seat at the table. “Being the only woman in a room full of men can be really intimidating sometimes, but it goes back to confidence and knowing that you deserve to be there,” says Marchetti. Marchetti also encourages others to be lifelong students and to always stay abreast of industry trends.

Inclusivity and Advocacy

The discussion delved into the significance of inclusivity within teams. Panelists encouraged women to initiate transparent conversations about pay gaps and actively seek opportunities for other women in the industry. According to Marchetti, women bring a different perspective to the field, which can help teams think outside the box and approach problem-solving in a more holistic manner.

Networking as a Driving Force

Marchetti emphasized that networking is everything. She attributes her entire career trajectory to the strength of her connections. In addition to finding jobs, having a network in the packaging community helps foster problem-solving for issues in the industry that everyone is facing.

By attending numerous technical conferences, staying active on the Cal Poly alumni group, and serving as VP of Communications of the IOPP Golden Gate Chapter, Sarah stays connected and up to date with industry news and trends.

Conclusion

The Women in Packaging Panel at the Poly Pack Symposium serves as a testament to the invaluable contributions of women in the packaging industry. Thank you to Sarah Marchetti and the rest of the panel for lending your perspectives, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of packaging professionals.