Nicole McDonald, TSMA board member and Sr. Director of Operations at Brunswick Corporation in New York Mills, was one of 100 women in the United States to receive the Women in Manufacturing Step Ahead Award in April.

Nicole has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing. Earning her degree while working full time Nicole worked her way from the assembly line to leadership positions. While at Brunswick she worked with engineers to create a new product development process to streamline the process of moving new products from design to manufacturing. She has also driven use of the Lean methodology using automation, systems integration, 6S, standard work and Lean Six Sigma to drive safety, quality, delivery and productivity that have resulted in year-over-year competitive percentage gains. And when the COVD-19 pandemic hit, she assisted in leading the implementation of core processes that have kept the production team and working and meeting production goals. 

"Manufacturing has been a staple in my household from the time that I was just a young girl," said Nicole. "My grandparents, parents and siblings all have been with various industries making our love of manufacturing a family affair. I am fortunate to have had many mentors to grow my career in the business." 

Nicole is shaping the future of women in manufacturing by being a trusted mentor to emerging female talents. She serves as a mentor to new hires and strives to ensure that her company supports a culture of diversity and inclusion by actively developing female talent and assisting with the development of internal leadership training. She's also active in the local chapter of Women in Manufacturing and most recently joined Brunswick's Women on Water employee resource group.

Nicole uses her knowledge and skills to serve her community through her involvement in the advisory counsel for the Perham High School, Jackets in Manufacturing, which encourages high school students to pursue careers in welding, fabrication, and business. She is also a sponsor and resource for the Perham High School robotics team and member of the Perham Cross-Country booster club. In additional to Tri-State Manufacturer's Association board, she finds time to volunteer at her local church where she supports youth programs through teaching, mentoring, and supporting fundraising activities. 
 
“I truly appreciated the opportunity to attend the 2022’ Step Ahead Awards Conference and Gala," said Nicole. "It was an amazing experience being with so many strong and talented women from all over the nation in manufacturing. The conference offered opportunities to make life time connections with other women in various roles and also provided future opportunity for mentorships. The gala celebrated all of the women in attendance and being there with great women from Brunswick made me feel so appreciated. Manufacturing has been my heart and soul my entire career and being able to celebrate that with this award is an honor.”  
 

*Portions of the above article were taken from the STEP Ahead Awards program article.