Women in Industry
Taking Careers up a Level
By Nicole Needles
AT HÄNEL STORAGE SYSTEMS, leadership aims to ensure that every woman has the resources and encouragement to succeed in her career. This support goes beyond sending them to industry conferences – it’s a daily investment in growth, opportunity and inclusion.
As Brian Cohen, chief executive of Hänel Storage Systems, explains, the company’s approach to supporting women is grounded in a philosophy of equality and development.
“Everyone is equal at Hänel Storage Systems,” says Cohen. “Years ago, it was common to see female employees limited to lower-level roles in companies. At Hänel, we encourage all employees to perform at their highest levels, progress within their careers and eliminate gender bias stereotypes.”
This commitment is evident within the empowering workplace culture that makes Hänel a place where women can advance in their careers without limitations.
MHEDA’s annual Women in Industry Conference has quickly become a cornerstone event for Hänel’s female workforce, offering valuable networking opportunities and workshops that resonate with attendees. Brittany Balkovec, a systems integration specialist who attended the conference in 2022, its inaugural year for Hänel, recalls the lasting impact it had on her.
“Immediately, I noticed how different this conference was than any other I had been exposed to,” Balkovec shares. “I remember coming back to the office and talking to everyone about what we learned. To this day, I still use some of the takeaways from that conference.”
Amanda Miller, administrative assistant to the director of field services also found great value in attending the conference.
“As a woman in the industry, I often feel the need to prove my expertise to be taken seriously. This can come as a challenge because it sometimes feels like I’m working twice as hard to earn the same level of respect models who understand my unique experiences can also be a challenge, but MHEDA is helpful because it connects me with women who have been through these same experiences and found ways to succeed.”
This culture of mentorship extends across all levels and departments at Hänel. Marketing associate Marnie Quick, who joined the company more recently, highlights how she’s been inspired by her own manager, Anne Coffman, who embodies many of the leadership qualities Quick aspires to develop.
“My manager, Anne, has been a pleasure to work with. She embodies so many attributes that I hope to absorb as I build upon my career,” Quick shares. This kind of close, supportive relationship exemplifies the emphasis Hänel has on fostering strong internal connections that help employees feel valued and encouraged to grow.
In an industry that is still male-dominated, Hänel actively works to make sure that female employees have equal representation, opportunities and voices in the room.
“I am lucky to be in a company that values women, their input and expertise without any gender bias,” Quick says. However, she acknowledges that there’s still a need for greater female leadership in the industry at large. “Most managers and heads of department are male, so there is an inherent lack of women’s opinions. I think it would be beneficial to have more women leading and calling the shots within this industry.”
Hänel’s inclusive approach doesn’t only benefit its female employees – it enhances the entire organization.
“In my experience, the diverse opinions and backgrounds of women often aid in getting the job done more efficiently,” Coffman, who brings nearly a decade of experience in manufacturing, notes. Being one of the few women to share her opinions in the room has shown her just how valuable diverse perspectives can be in achieving better outcomes for the company.
By providing day-to-day support, mentorship opportunities and an inclusive culture, Hänel demonstrates a genuine commitment to the advancement of its female employees. It’s an approach that goes beyond attending conferences or following industry trends; it’s woven into the fabric of the organization guiding every interaction.
As Cohen says, “Educational exposure early on and promotion of a career in the fascinating world of material handling” is vital to Hänel’s mission to build an inclusive workforce.
