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DISCUSSION
GROUP
What's on your mind?
Packaging Horizons
From Where I Sit
Ask Yourself, 'Why Not?'
By JoAnn R. Hines
Founding Executive Director, Women in
Packaging
"Some men see the world as it is and never ask
why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not."
--George Bernard Shaw
I can relate so well to this quotation. It is almost as if it is the fabric of my being. Not because I am contrary, but because I refuse to lie down to a challenge. I refuse to accept the status quo if it is filled with inequities. This may have been the stimulus for the creation of Women in Packaging, Inc.
As we prepare to celebrate our fifth anniversary, I look at what compelled me to establish this organization in 1993. I was a 15-year veteran of the packaging industry and seldom worked with other women in the board room. I believed then, and continue to assert today, that all women should be afforded the same opportunities as the men in our industry. I asked, "Why not?"
The fifth anniversary year of Women in Packaging offers three very exciting opportunities to packaging professionals. First, I have been honored with a request to lead a delegation of packaging professionals to China. The China Women's Association for Science and Technology, China Association for Science and Technology, and its affiliated packaging societies are inviting Women in Packaging members to become part of this delegation as well. This visit to China is an exciting opportunity to learn about women in business in Asia and internationally, and to establish long-term future contacts. It is my hope that by this personal visit to China, we will gain mutual understanding and cooperation of our countries, which will not only be achieved through technical issues, but also the common social issues of women. This trip offers a career- altering adventure to Women in Packaging members. This trip can be the extra tool your career needs to build its development. "Why not?"
Second, Reed Exhibition Companies commemorates the development of the association with the establishment of a Women in Packaging Scholarship available to all Women in Packaging members and students interested in entering the packaging industry. Reed was with us when we began at EastPack in 1993 and continues to provide great support for the association. A grant made possible by this generous donation from Reed will be accessible in fall 1998 after applications have been evaluated by a scholarship committee. The recipient may apply the funds to college courses or college level seminars designed to enhance the knowledge of packaging. You, too, should evaluate whether your packaging career would advance from additional education opportunities. "Why not?"
Finally, Women in Packaging, in a combined effort with industry leaders, will begin production of a video introducing elementary school age children to the packaging industry. Studies demonstrate that in elementary and middle school, girls test as well as boys in the sciences. In high school, girls' test scores in science become lower than boys. The intent of the video is to interest younger school age girls in packaging science.
In addition, Women in Packaging offers executive development workshops, networking opportunities, educational forums, and mentoring programs. These tools, and more, are available to all members and to all industry representatives who wish to join the organization. After five years of existence we have begun to make a difference in the industry. I believe that Women in Packaging benefits will level the playing field. "Why not?"
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