While the hashtag #womeninengineering is already quite popular on social media, you’ve probably never seen the hashtag #womeninmanufacturing out there. However, women are also interested in technologies, setting up and optimizing complicated manufacturing processes, and working in the EMS industry. We’re proud that several departments at Microart are led by women. Here are just some of Microart’s female executives sharing their stories, aspirations, and views of the industry.

Carol Mak (Chief Information Officer)

Starting from 2004, Carol Mak drives the digital transformation of all Microart’s platforms. She works cross-functionally between different departments looking for efficiencies to empower Microart’s customer service, procurement, operations, and finance and enable continuous improvement and growth.

What is your “why”?

The diversity of the products in the EMS industry is fascinating. Even though we still see old technology from 40 years ago that goes into power stations, everything is now integrated with some sort of electronics. With the development of technologies and engineering, there should never be a shortage of work in this field.

What I love about Microart is that we’re always looking to grow. If we’re not expanding the plant, we’re adding equipment or investing in people. Mondays have been my favourite because I get to see everyone in action and feed the energy off of all team members.

Growing with Microart for the past 19 years, I’m proud of everything I’ve done here. I find it thrilling and satisfying to look for efficiencies for stakeholders, vendors, customers, and team members alike. If I develop a system that helps anyone save time or money, I feel that I’ve made a difference. Over these 19 years, we have expanded five facilities, implemented and updated two procurement systems, gone administrative paperless, attaining certifications for ISO13485 and AS9100, and much more.

Sandra St. Brice (Chief Financial Officer)

Sandra is Microart’s financial guru providing strategic management of the accounting and finance functions, directing accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

What is your “why”?

I enjoy working in the EMS industry because it never stands still. It’s quite challenging to keep up with the industry’s fast pace and constant need for customizations, but this is exactly what attracts me. Furthermore, I get truly inspired by knowing that what we do matters and impacts a vast number of businesses, our customers, suppliers, and employees.

I’m with Microart because it’s a great place to work. It’s easier to achieve outstanding results if you share values and perspectives with your team and want to come to work every day.

Christina Tsatskas-Martins (Project Manager Team Lead)

Christina joined Microart as a receptionist 21 years ago, moved throughout different departments while acquiring new skills, and has grown to a Project Manager Team Lead. Her job now is to empower the project management team and ensure that everyone on the team acquires fulfillment from achieving set goals.

What is your “why”?

I like being a part of the EMS industry because it never gets boring. The projects continue to change, and so do our processes as we observe more significant challenges.

I joined the Microart family as a young adult, and it’s been a big part of my life. The company has helped me develop a strong mindset that still plays a part in who I am today as a businesswoman and the leader I am and strive to be. I come from a long bloodline of strong independent women.

My mom used to work hard all her life to provide for her family and herself. I also want to show my kids that with hard work, success is not far behind. I’ve been with Microart for more than 21 years. I can surely say that it does not hurt that I love being with the people I work with. The Microart team consists of enthusiastic and hard-working individuals dedicated to continuously improve the workplace.

Kathy Gemmill (Business Development Manager)

Kathy was the second hire of Microart’s founder Bernie Luwe and has been with us for 34 years. She is one of those employees who know all the ins and outs of the EMS industry and Microart. Her job is to generate new sales leads and establish strong long-term customer alliances.

What is your “why”?

I enjoy being engaged in the EMS industry and thrive on the excitement that comes from being a part of the latest technologies being developed. Being with Microart for over 3 decades has been a very enriching and rewarding experience.  I love how dynamic our team is and the synergies we have developed towards working together to make our customers the #1 priority. I am most proud of our longstanding customer loyalty that has been earned thanks to our customer-first mindset and strong work ethic.

I’m daily inspired to make a positive difference in the lives I touch and approach things with a great attitude thanks to recognizing and valuing the fortune of good health I have.

Kara Bowie (Supply Chain Manager)

Kara joined Microart recently, but she has been working in the EMS industry for her whole career. At Microart, Kara is responsible for leading our client services team and managing quoting, buying & material planning operations.

What is your “why”?

The EMS industry is completely diversified and constantly changing.  It is full of continuous learnings, products, people, and, most importantly, action.

At Microart, I like our gritty get it done attitude, our family approach, our teams, and dedication to Canadian/ North American manufacturing.

I’m proud that I’ve contributed to opening Microart’s global procurement office and am building a world-class supply chain team. I have a clear vision from my leader & enjoy serving my team. I can take on a “motherly/ caring” role with my team and building processes, systems & tools to assist in their success and learning while being part of a team is all I need.