ONALASKA, Wis. (WKBT) — Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations in Onalaska is reshaping the e-waste recycling landscape with a leadership team that is nearly half female.
“I think this is an impressive number no matter what organization or business segment you’re talking about — but specifically in electronics reuse and recycling,” said Alicia Suessmith, executive vice president of Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations.
The full-service electronics refuse and recycling company sits at the nexus of two historically male-dominated industries.
Suessmith said she’s inspired by the organic growth of women leaders rising up the ranks at Dynamic.
“It’s been encouraging for me in the last few years starting to see women enter more male-dominated-things. I think some of it is confidence women are getting in wanting to pursue things they’re interested in versus what they should or shouldn’t. I hope that continues,” she said.
“Embrace your uniqueness. Everybody has personal gifts to provide. Don’t be afraid to show up as your true authentic self and celebrate the qualities that make you unique,” said Mary Hemmersbach, vice president of Technology at Dynamic.
Bringing diverse perspectives to the e-waste recycling company, the women agree that Dynamic has all the tools in place to help all employees — regardless of gender — succeed. They say like most working moms, the biggest hurdle of being a woman in leadership is striking balance between home and work.
“Dynamic has great family work-life benefits. We offer new mothers up to 12 weeks of paid leave. Dynamic really celebrates families — each family moment is a milestone moment that we recognize. We celebrate birthdays. We celebrate anniversaries and we really are a people-first organization,” said Hemmersbach.
The sisterhood at Dynamic is strong, providing a support system as these leaders lift each other up.
“Having a very strong peer group is helpful in a way that we can support each other, raise each other up, challenge each other, and really make each other better across the company,” said Amanda Buros, Director of OEM Solutions and Recycling Sales.
“We’re shattering glass ceilings every day,” she said.
When it comes to blazing trails for women in leadership, Buros hopes Dynamic’s sisterhood will inspire the industry to judge by talent, not gender.
“I hope we continue to set a really good example for the other companies in our industry, help those companies be able to elevate and see things don’t need to be based on gender any longer. It can be based on competencies and abilities,” she said.
Source: WKBT
