Our voices have the power to resonate and inspire change.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the exceptional women of our organization share their insights, encouragement, and empowerment as beacons of inspiration, not just on this special occasion, but every day. Through their stories of triumph, personal mantras, and words of wisdom, they illuminate the path for future generations of talent in the heat treatment industry.

Together, let’s champion equality, diversity, and inclusivity, making strides toward a brighter, more equitable future for all.

1.      Sue Datthyn

As one of the women who was fortunate enough to participate in the in A-Effect program, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes: “Trust your future self”. Many times we don’t move forward and don’t take risks in our professional and personal lives because we fill our minds with “what ifs”. As people, we grow and learn every day.  Move forward. You have to trust someone – trust your future self to take care of tomorrow.

2.      Michela Gianini

The history of the world is rich with women who have changed it just as many men have done. Despite this, women still often find themselves having to prove themselves, assert their autonomy, and demand their rights—sometimes feeling marginalized or overlooked, and some even lacking a voice. While March 8th serves as a necessary reminder for these challenges, wouldn’t it be better if such a day were no longer needed?

Dear men, today we, women, continue to strive for equality, but we eagerly anticipate the day when we can dedicate this celebration to you, not because you will be subordinate, but because you will have embraced the true understanding of equality.

3.      Annie Brisebois

A woman in a man’s world of heat treating!

Yes, there are few of us in this industry, but we are there to last.

There to remind us that we are essential and beneficial to our teams: 5 feet to 6 feet tall we stand proud, we persevere, we learn, we fail, we learn some more, and we try again. We are resilient, educated, professional, knowledgeable and a great asset to any company.

To all the remarkable women who juggle managing the home, bills, cleaning, groceries, children’s education/health/happiness, caring for elderly parents, cooking, household finances, career, and friendships—I wish you a truly exhilarating day!

4.      Christine Hauben

I’ve found strength in raising others’ voices. Sometimes, pushing fear aside opens the door to something profound. No secrets—I’m stepping into maternity leave in a month after a three-year journey fighting for something deeply important to me. Along the way, I’ve become an advocate for infertility. I’ve uncovered resilience, discovered hope, and embraced the power of speaking up. Sharing tough experiences dissolves barriers. Turns out, when you open up, you’re not alone. Others share, and in those conversations, you learn more about them and, surprisingly, yourself.

5.      Sam Pinter

As a proud member of the LGBT community, an immigrant, and a woman, my journey has been marked by representation and overcoming both bigotry and misogyny. I’ve faced doubters who questioned my abilities, but I’ve persevered, becoming a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion. My story is a testament to the importance of standing up for what is right and creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. I am proud to be a voice for the underrepresented and an advocate for equality.

6.      Marisa Tackett

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you.” (Lyrics from the musical Wicked)

Reflecting on these words sung by Kristin Chenoweth, a powerhouse talent standing at just 4 feet, 11 inches tall, I am reminded of the importance of leading with our innate gifts. Despite her petite stature, it was her remarkable talent – her voice – that made people notice, take her seriously, and earned her recognition and respect. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder to always lead with our gifts.

Music has always been a part of me and holds a special place in my heart. Its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in people, from floods of tears to bursts of laughter, is truly remarkable and inspirational. Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day by embracing our unique strengths, as Kristin Chenoweth did.

7.      Lizbeth Moreno

Growing up in a low-income immigrant household, I often heard “¡sí, se puede!” or “¡ponte las pilas, mija!” which translates to “Yes, you can!” or “Get your act together, daughter!” These words of encouragement fueled my journey: becoming one of the first-generation Latina college graduates in my family and later enlisting as a US service member in the United States Air Force. As I reflect on my journey, I want to remind women around the world that we are much stronger and more valuable than we think. There was a time when women were underestimated and undervalued, but we have proven our strength and worth time and time again.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Nitrex for recognizing the contributions of its hard-working female colleagues today and every day.

8.      Bogusia Mlek

I don’t know where to begin as I’d like to acknowledge all the wonderful women at Nitrex. My apologies if I missed anyone.

Without your knowledge and experience, Nitrex wouldn’t be as successful. From accounting to administration and sales, these women enrich our teams—Sue, Karen, Michele, wonderful Kristen, and Linda in Wisconsin, USA; Katarzyna, Marta W., Olga, Paulina, Ania, Iza, Patrycja, Bożena, Ania Z., Karolina, and Agnieszka in Poland; Lizbeth and Marisa in California, USA; Anca and Anabelle in Canada, not to mention our once-Front-Desk-Super-Star, Vicki, now a valuable member of our Customer Support Team. Speaking of Customer Support – shout out to our brilliant Marta B. in Poland and Brittany in the USA. I would like to thank you all for making our work extraordinary and beautiful. Thank you, Christine, for giving us a platform to be heard.

9.      Nayelly Torres

For 14 years, I’ve thrived in Human Resources, finding joy in serving our team. However, balancing home and work with an 8-year-old son isn’t easy. Yet, with a supportive team, I thrive. Challenges have forged me into a resilient woman, capable of conquering any hurdle while inspiring others to do the same and find greatness within. Nitrex ignites my potential, empowering me to achieve the extraordinary. I also want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to each member of our female colleagues at Nitrex Mexico for the daily contributions they make.