Happy International Women’s Day!

Celebrating the Women of KION North America

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary ladies of KION North America for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to our brands! Throughout our organization, every aspect is impacted by their critical roles.

So today, we honor the women of KION North America by highlighting a few of our own to find out a little more about their roles and responsibilities, how they entered the industry, and the advice they would give to someone interested in their field of work.

Keep scrolling or select a team member to learn more about their role at KION North America!

Maritza Pedroza, Junior Network Engineer

Impact at KION North America

I work with all KION North America departments investigating, implementing, testing, and developing new systems, infrastructure, and requests. Representing the KION North America IT department in different meetings, departments (Local, International, and External) fulfilling their technological needs and requests and supporting departments within KION North America implementing software solutions (LSG, Pathfinder, Navigator, Power Tools, Engineering software, KION NA software, etc.). In addition, cross-training and encouraging other departments to use the available technological resources in the company.

What made you want to go into this line of work?

Technology!  It never ceases to amaze me how far it has evolved over the last two decades and how far it will go in the future.  And how big processes can be simplified by coding.  Complex data can be examined, studied, and processed to improve countries’ quality of life and build a brighter future.  It just makes me happy.

What advice would you give women interested in this field?

Two pieces of advice: be constant and persistent. This field of work is full of ramifications, be it Software or Hardware – you will find the right career for you. And with that comes great personal and professional development rewards!

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

I have no specific role models. I lean towards getting inspiration from everyone I meet. There are always good things to learn from everybody. We just need to be attentive, choose the good, and learn from it.

Duree Smallwood, Senior Design Engineer

Impact at KION North America

I work in the Research and Development (R&D) Custom Options group as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer. I am the go-to person for all things related to truck capacity. When customers order trucks and plan to install attachments on the trucks at the factory, dealership, or customer facility, the truck requires a capacity calculation for the configured truck and a data plate to reflect that calculation. And when trucks in the field have changes to mast, drive tires, carriage, fork lengths, or attachments, the truck needs a new capacity calculation and subsequent data plate.

Why did you choose engineering as a career path?

My favorite and best subjects were the STEM classes before STEM was a buzzword in high school: Chemistry, Physics, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. So, when I started considering college majors, my guidance counselor suggested Engineering, and I found my niche.

What inspires you about engineering?

My first engineering job was designing front and rear bumper systems for Honda Motors. The first project was a car designed for the Canadian and Singapore markets. It was built in the Honda factory in Canada. A year after the car was in production, my parents and I traveled on vacation around a few of the Great Lakes and went into Canada. It was amazing to see the car I participated in designing on the road. I love to design products to help people.

What challenges do women face in the Engineering profession?

Most companies I have worked for have very few female engineers. So, we have to remind our male counterparts that they do not need to “dumb” down technical discussions for us to understand.

I have worked at KION North America/Linde Material Handling manufacturing for 21 years. What I enjoy most is seeing many beautiful, quality forklift trucks being built here and knowing that I am a part of that success that supports the world! Knowing and seeing this brings me great joy as a Painter Specialist for the manufacturing industry.

Brenda Simmons-Richmond, Paint Specialist

Delania Thorpe, Senior Software Support Specialist

Impact at KION North America

As a Senior Service Software Support Specialist, I support KION North America’s Linde Material Handling (MH) and STILL parts and service software. Overall, I ensure our dealers are provided with the best customer service and have the correct software programs and tools needed to run a successful business and complete daily tasks.

I troubleshoot and solve any related software issues our dealers may encounter while installing or updating Linde MH and STILL software. In addition, I create and maintain all dealer LSG accounts, STILL and Linde MH licensing accounts, and manage all service software contracts. Having been with the company for 20 years, I believe my wealth of knowledge about Linde MH and STILL software, along with knowing what our dealers expect from us, I’m able to help make a difference in the success of KION North America and its dealer network.

What made you want to go into this line of work?

I heard the customer service team was collaborative, hardworking, self-motivated, and positive, so when a position opened in service, I knew I wanted to be a part of that team right away. I was ready to move forward and grow within the company by learning new skills.

What advice would you give women interested in this field?

Patience, patience, and more patience. Being patient and listening to your customer’s needs is very important in customer service. If you understand what your customer wants, fixing the issue can be easy. Also, focus on what your team and your company want to accomplish and be part of that success. Don’t be intimidated, meet new people, and most importantly, stay connected. And lastly, be encouraged by the problems you continue to solve.

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

My dad is my best friend and greatest role model. I would not be where I am today without his positive influence and teaching me about life’s values. Very similar to our KION Group values, my dad taught me self-confidence, virtue, accountability, and the importance of hard work.

Kwamie Green, Business Process Analyst

Impact at KION North America

My current role is to help with the implementation of the new KION Group initiative of the Business Transformation Office (BTO). My responsibilities include locally introducing the 17 End to End Processes and aligning our current processes with those identified with the BT structure.

What made you want to go into this line of work?

I enjoy working with people helping them to see things differently. I wanted to work in Social Services or become a psychiatrist, so this is not that different. I like asking questions and understanding why people make the decisions they have. Having a background in Team-Based Work Systems and Six Sigma, my life goal has always been centered around process management and process waste control. In my previous employment, my goals were aligned to improving the amount of time it takes to do “ do a thing,“ whether it was process mapping, strategy, or training employees.

For women in general, I would say pursue that one thing that gives you that spark, the one thing that gives you a reason (outside of your family) to do what you enjoy doing.

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

I have many people in my life that have inspired me to keep moving forward both personally and professionally. And I have been lucky enough to work with some extremely talented women in business and life.

Charlene Guillaume, Parts Technical Specialist

Impact at KION North America

In my role, I provide parts catalog, and technical parts support to the KION North America dealer network via the KION Community Portal, e-mail, and phone. I also provide parts technical and KION Community Portal training to the dealer network.

I really didn’t choose this line of work; it was a situational thing.  My husband decided he wanted to buy a motorcycle dealership, and he did.  I trained at a friend’s motorcycle dealership for about three months and taught myself the rest.  I brought that skillset with me to KION North America.

I truly enjoy the work and the challenges I face as a woman in a “man’s” job. In the early 80s, it was very uncommon for a woman to work in the parts field of any industry. Forty-one years later, I am still in the parts business. Any woman who wants to enter this field of work should stand up and be strong. You can do it.

Avaney Scott, Master Data Administrator

Impact at KION North America

I’m responsible for:

  1. Maintaining the engineering changes (EC)s and EC implementations on target with attention to other departments.
  2. Maintaining MASS changes– Monitoring and reporting material changes and EC completions. This task involves the process of changing multiple master data entries at once. For example, if I need to change the cost of 1000 bolts, I can do a MASS change instead of doing them one at a time as long as they are the same price.
  3. Creating PowerPoint presentations for Configuration transactions.
  4. Coordinating Phase-In and Phase-Out timing for products and materials
  5. Processing Engineering Change Requests
  6. Managing Master Data in Systems Applications and Products (SAP) via part numbers, bills of materials & configuration

I have to make sure every change I enter in SAP is correct and on time. Any wrong information can cause delays with Engineering, Quality, Production Planning, Production, Sales, and Finance.

What made you want to go into this line of work?

In 2000 while working on the Assembly Line at Cummins Engine Company, I approached the Plant Manager advising him that I’m working on my Degree at Southern Wesleyan University and wanted a different role within the organization.  Several weeks later, he informed me that a Production Technician position was available, and I accepted it.  I began working on the Bill of Materials, learning how to read Drawings, working with other departments such as finance, inventory, production managers, and HR.  I got to see firsthand how a product is designed to the product being shipped to the customers.  I was able to establish meaningful relationships with internal and external customers, which is very important for the success of any business.  I have learned and am still learning how important it is to pay attention to details.

What advice would you give women interested in your field of work?

  1. Find a Mentor to help guide your career.
  2. Display confidence but be careful – there is a difference between confidence and cockiness.
  3. Learn from successful male counterparts.
  4. You have to want it. It’s not fun being the only woman in the room, so you have to decide if you can handle the culture.

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

My mother has been the most inspirational person. She always has a smile on her face no matter how hard she works, and she loves everyone. She is well respected in our family and community, and she always gives more than she receives. I‘m trying my best to live like her.

Kelley Bahata, Digital Marketing Strategist

Impact at KION North America

As a part of our Marketing and Communications team KION North America I wear many hats under this role. Almost anything involving digital communication/marketing for KION North America I have my hands in some way. I manage our product websites, including the SEO strategy and an internal resource website for our Dealer Network. I also collaborate with our team to create and send email marketing campaigns. We have multiple paid campaigns where I complete planning, implementation, and optimization. This role also encompasses ongoing industry research and campaign reporting. I love being able to collaborate with our team and support the goals of KNA through digital marketing!

What made you want to go into this line of work?

Marketing is a great way to pull two of my favorite areas together, technology and communication. I love that I can go from coding a website layout to coming up with strategic messaging to reach key audiences on the same day. I didn’t want a career where I would constantly do the same thing. It’s nearly impossible to be stagnant in this field due to changes from how users utilize technology to search engines updating their algorithms, and more. You are pushed to always be learning, researching, and evolving tactics. The Marketing and Communications field really allows creativity to flourish and keep you on your toes!

What advice would you give women interested in this field?

  • Seek out opportunities and push yourself out of your comfort zone, sometimes the best results come from taking big changes. Be confident in your expertise.
  • Stay up to date across multiple industry publications including digital marketing, communication, and social media. This field involves a lot of cross-skills so having a range from marketing to basic coding helps a lot.
  • Join local or national organizations as it is a great way to learn and meet new people in the industry!

View “failures” simply as a new lesson learned. Digital marketing involves a lot of testing new tactics to see what leads to the best results – not everything you try will work, gain the takeaways and keep moving forward!

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

My foundation of being a woman who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants was set in place early by my parents. I always look to my dad, an Ethiopian immigrant, as a strong role model of courage and a reminder that no dream is ever “too big.” My mom has always been a professional inspiration for me as I’ve watched her be promoted into leadership positions where many times she was one of the youngest in management. Together they both consistently encourage me in my professional endeavors and have taught me anything can be accomplished with a bit of determination.

Teresa Sheffield, Mechanical Assembler

Impact at KION North America

I make all hydraulic hoses for KION North America Plant 1000 and service trucks.

You can do it! KION North America gives you the support you need to enjoy and grow with the company.

What made you want to go into this line of work?

For me, being a single mom with four kids, manufacturing paid the most money.

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

Myself.  I quit high school in the 10th grade and went back to get my GED.  Now I’m a homeowner with four professional children.  I just know opportunities are out there; you just have to want a better life.

Audra Snipe, Field Engineer, Advanced Applications

Impact at KION North America

I am a Field Engineer for Advanced Applications at KION North America. I am responsible for telemetry implementation on trucks for customers. I also manage IT inquiries related to server creation and development for the telematics software. This system allows customers to view truck data during daily operations.

This line of work touches all of my interests. I am a hands-on learner who thoroughly enjoys planning, experimenting, testing, and problem-solving.

I would advise women that impediments are unavoidable in this field so having a resilient mindset is essential.

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

My mother was a very diligent worker and always found a way to ensure she got the job done to the best of her ability.

Marcie Bunch, Mechanical/Electrical Technician

Impact at KION North America

I am the Mechanical/Electrical Technician for the Counterbalance (CB) line and all sub-assembly areas. I provide support for the line and sub-assembly areas when issues arise. In addition, I review and process engineering changes (EC)s and Special Quote Requests (SQR)s and update the work instructions accordingly. I also install SQR kits on the forklifts per the design engineer specifications.

What made you want to go into this line of work?

I worked in the construction industry for the past ten years, and I was ready for a new challenge.

What advice would you give women interested in this field?

Take initiative, find a mentor, take advantage of any training available and give 100%.

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

Absolutely! My grandfather (aka Poppa). Growing up, he always told me that I could do anything I wanted to; I just had to work hard, learn as much as possible, and never give up. He instilled that mentality into me, and I have never thought differently.

Megan Herman, Market Analyst

Impact at KION North America

I am responsible for reporting KNA orders and shipments for North America to ITA (Industrial Truck Association) and to Corporate in Germany. I am also responsible for all of the market data we receive from ITA on a monthly basis. Currently, the market data is in different reports in the form of excel spreadsheets but we are working to get all of the data into the SQL server and SalesForce so that we can create dashboards that are more user friendly and allows the information to be manipulated easier for different user’s needs.

What made you want to go into this line of work?

I had been in the Retail Industry (Associate Planner at Jos A. Bank and a Sales Analyst at Gildan Activewear) for pretty much my entire career and I decided I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience and try a different industry.

What advice would you give women interested in this field?

Don’t let the ‘‘male industry persona‘‘ intimidate you. Be confident in your abilities and be open to learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Is there someone in your life that has been a role model or professional inspiration?

My biggest role model would be my mom. My mom raised my sister and me to always be independent and never rely on a man (or anyone else). She taught us to be strong and always told us we could do whatever we put our minds to and to never settle.