Celebrating Female Libbey Makers
March 2022
Behind every Libbey tabletop is a hard-working cadre of artisans, engineers, and associates of all trades dedicated to producing and sharing the finest glassware and tableware in the industry.
As we observe International Women’s Day this month, we’re shining a light on the many female associates who make it all possible – from managers who bring out the best in their teams, to doctors who keep our associates in top shape and sales people who tell the Libbey story all over the world.
Read on to meet these women of Libbey and learn about their many achievements and contributions to our Maker family:
Bibi Baksh, production trainer
Production trainer Bibi Baksh has been with Libbey 16 years. In that time, she’s helped scores of new and veteran Libbey associates grow their skills.
“As a classroom training instructor, my favorite part of the job is getting to interact and work with different cultures within the organization,” she says. “The organization has a lot to offer the employees regardless of their background. With the proper training and guidance, there is a job for everyone.”
Bibi loves motivating others to be as passionate and creative about their jobs as she is.
“I enjoy my job because it allows me to help new and existing employees to be more productive,” she says.
Kristen Johnson, repack administrative supervisor
For repack administrative supervisor Kristen Johnson, no two days at Libbey are the same – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Even though my daily job responsibilities and duties are the same, there are so many contributing factors that make no day like any other,” the seven-year Libbey veteran says. “There are times that I have to think beyond formal training and experience to accomplish the task at hand. It’s like a constant adventure!”
Kristen loves working with a diverse group of associates. “I encounter so many different personalities and people from all walks of life,” she says. “We always share a great moment with each other through our day to day interactions.”
To Kristen, “the most challenging day doesn’t seem as difficult when you enjoy the people that you work with.”
Kayla Baumbach, production supervisor
“There is never a dull moment!” That’s what has kept production supervisor Kayla Baumbach at Libbey for 11 years and counting.
“My favorite thing about Libbey Glass is the exciting work environment,” she says. “There is the opportunity to learn something new every day and there is always room to grow.”
One surprising part of Kayla’s Libbey experience is the bond she’s formed with her fellow associates. “I never expected that after working so closely with coworkers that we would become like family,” she says.
“It's truly a humbling experience to know that it's more than a job, where we not only manufacturing the best glassware in the world but also the best friendships.”
Yadira Zepeda Ortiz, doctor
Yadira Zepeda Ortiz first wanted to be a doctor as a girl, and today, that dream is a reality. As a doctor in Libbey’s Monterrey Plant M, Yadira ensures that associates there are healthy and prepared to give their all on the job.
“I enjoy my profession and I have had a lot of satisfaction throughout my career,” she says. “It has also been a great responsibility to continuously learn in the workplace, always thinking about health prevention and supporting anyone who requests help.”
One of her most rewarding experiences on the job was after following up on a work-related injury.
“The colleague thought that he would never be able to move his hand again,” she remembers. “In each rehabilitation session that I gave him, the uncertainty of recovery could be seen on his face.
“After time and with the advice that I gave him, he began having sensation and movement again. … Before the colleague returned to his work area, he came to the medical area to thank me for the support and dedication received, to which I replied: I am here to support you.”
Marcela Rodríguez Olguin, export sales manager
What excites export sales manager Marcela Rodríguez Olguin about her job? It might be the prospect of new challenges every day. Or the coworkers who have become like family.
“It doesn’t matter how many years that I have been part of this family,” she says, “the collaboration and the teamwork make it possible to find a new way or a solution to the challenges that we have.”
Marcela, who has been a Libbey associate for 12 years, particularly enjoys the opportunities she has for interaction with customers from around the world.
“It is impressive to see that to people from different cultures, regardless of the country, our product is highly valued,” she says. Traveling is “where I enjoy seeing all the work and service we do as a team at this company to reach homes.”
Ana María Balderas Peña, training and recruitment manager
Training & Recruitment Manager Ana María Balderas Peña knows that we do our best work when we do it together.
“It fills me with pride to be able to work with so many people who are like my family, support them and work as a team,” the 38-year Libbey veteran says. “Together we can achieve great goals for this wonderful company.”
As part of her job, Ana helps plan company events that reward associates for their hard work throughout the year and help them bond as a team.
“Two years ago, we celebrated Christmas at Sesame Street Park,” she remembers. “It was an unforgettable experience to see the families having fun, to see the children laughing and smiling on the amusement park rides and to give everyone sweets and gifts. It is very special to be part of the staff at company events.”
