Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cindy Kangas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cindy, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
In the 1960s, my parents moved to Lansing to attend Michigan School for the Blind. Growing up, I naturally took on the role of caregiver from a very young age. Starting my own family early, it came natural to continue serving others at nonprofit organizations. My passion for caregiving has only deepened, continually evolving with each new experience and opportunity that comes my way.
Throughout my life, I never had many material possessions. I worked tirelessly to earn what I needed. Bringing that work ethic to work, I made it a point to understand every role, from custodian to CEO. I was eager to learn from anyone willing to teach me, always ready to take on tasks beyond my official responsibilities. Rather than saying something wasn’t in my job description, I welcomed people coming to me for help. This approach served me well and propelled my success.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In the tapestry of my identity, I see myself as an earth-sister, empath, culture changer, 21st Century Rosie the Riveter, caregiver, and a hint of trouble maker. I thrive on human connection. I’ve cultivated profound relationships and nurtured my soul by going beyond the call of duty to serve others. I find fulfillment in learning people’s stories and advocating for them when needed. This passion for connecting with humanity drives me to make a meaningful impact wherever I go.
In the world of manufacturing, the focus often lands squarely on the end product—numbers, ROI, and tangible outcomes. However, savvy CEOs understand that fostering a strong culture and valuing their people yields far greater success in the long run. While I appreciate the dynamic sights and sounds of factories in operation, my true passion lies in connecting with the individuals behind the products and robots. I find immense joy in hearing their personal stories and witnessing the pride they take in their craft.
Beyond my fascination with manufacturing, I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent in the trades. I actively engage with local youth, advocating for viable job opportunities and pathways in the industry. Moreover, I mentor various groups, including women’s organizations, robotics clubs, and individuals in correctional facilities transitioning back into society, sharing insights and opportunities in the trades.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’ve discovered genuine joy in my work, where each day brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose. While I maintain a strong work ethic and stay driven, nothing compares to the satisfaction of contributing to a greater good. Working towards making the world a better place resonates deeply within me. My advice is simple: identify what nourishes your soul, then dedicate yourself to making it the cornerstone of your life’s work.
It’s crucial to share our work with the community… educate others. Manufacturing is often overlooked, yet it’s a vital part of our economy that deserves recognition. By openly discussing and showcasing what we do in engaging ways, we can unite our community in supporting our industry. Let’s change the narrative and nurture the talent pipeline together!
Seek wisdom from those with more experience. Create supportive circles. I’ve had the privilege of personally connecting with real-life Rosies who worked in factories during World War II. They’ve imparted to me the rich history of women in manufacturing. In Michigan, I initiated an annual Rosie the Riveter Day event to honor their legacy. This celebration brings together five generations of women in the workforce, young women involved in robotics and Girl Scouts, college students, military personnel, families, and community members. It’s important to pay homage to those who paved the way before us and to extend a helping hand to those following in our footsteps.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The ratio of women to men in manufacturing has long been 30:70, and women in engineering face even lower statistics. As the local population decreases, my goal is to collaborate with community leaders to devise strategies for attracting more women to these fields. There are several challenges we need to address:
1. You can’t be what you can’t see. Women frequently lack exposure to STEM and skilled trades opportunities. Changing the perception of these careers and engaging influencers like parents, counselors, and teachers can significantly impact awareness and interest.
2. Women often take on caregiving roles, which can present significant barriers due to limited childcare options and the associated costs. Increasing access to affordable childcare could alleviate some of these challenges. Additionally, creating workplace cultures that prioritize flexibility—such as allowing women to use vacation or PTO days for attending their child’s field trips or caring for a sick child—can greatly support women in balancing work and family responsibilities.
3. Mentorship is crucial. Women value learning from other women. We want to see people like us in leadership positions. It would be lovely to see our workforce continue to support young women as they navigate challenges, build confidence, and pursue their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://camconline.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camconline
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindykangas/
Image Credits
These are all personal photos.
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