This report is part of a series for Women’s History Month intended to highlight women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry.
Anibeth Ruiz’s career has been rooted in the manufacturing world for years — she finds it both challenging and rewarding. And she understands she is among the women trailblazers in what is still undeniably a male-dominated industry.
Ruiz joined Impact Washington two years ago as a Project Logistics Coordinator and now is a Supply Chain Program Manager. Impact WA is the Washington State MEP Center and part of the MEP National NetworkTM.
“During Women’s History Month, let's pause to reflect on the future and consider the imperative of empowering daughters to fearlessly venture into male-dominated industries,” Ruiz said. “It's essential to emphasize the provision of both the mindset and the necessary support and resources. Encouraging them to dream big is just the beginning; actively breaking down barriers and cultivating environments conducive to their success is key.”
She has a passion for everything about manufacturing. She loves working with her team that shares that enthusiasm daily. The collaboration is motivating at every level.
“Throughout my career, I've been deeply intrigued by the principles of good manufacturing practices and continuously sought ways to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve efficiency within production environments,” she said. “However, it was when I discovered Impact Washington that my perspective on the manufacturing industry truly transformed. Impact Washington's dedication to assisting manufacturers in overcoming their most significant challenges and empowering them to thrive resonated deeply with me. It felt like finding angels in the industry.”
A typical day as a supply chain program manager might include assisting manufacturers in finding American suppliers and researching manufacturers’ capabilities in Washington state. If she can’t find what her clients need, she broadens the scope of her search to around the globe.
The work is “critically important” in the fast-paced world of manufacturing. “With constant advancements in technology and the emergence of new products and methods, staying competitive and thriving in this environment is no easy feat,” she said.
Impact Washington and other members of the MEP National Network play a crucial role in supporting manufacturers to not only survive but thrive during ever-changing tides. Continuing education is paramount and one way she stays at the forefront of it all.
When Ruiz is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks, cooking comfort food, and baking cakes. Yoga helps her unwind and rejuvenate. She keeps her personal and career life humming along by staying organized and planning, but also by being flexible and letting go of perfectionism. “Learning to embrace flexibility and letting go of rigid expectations has been crucial for maintaining my sanity,” she said. “When things don't go as planned, I remind myself that it's OK to adapt and adjust.”
She hopes other women will consider exploring careers in the manufacturing world.
“My advice would be to believe wholeheartedly in who you are and what you can achieve. While it's true that women have historically been in the minority in manufacturing, it's crucial to recognize that any constraints imposed by stereotypes or myths about our abilities are just that — constraints with no validity,” she said.
Ruiz should know. And she is helping lead by example.