I’m Maria Theresa (Tess) Mendoza! I’ve been working with Atlantic for 17 years and counting.
Maria Theresa Mendoza
Career Highlights
In March 2004, I began as Quality/ISO Coordinator at the Brampton plant. My facilitation led us to receive the ISO 9001:2000 Certification in 2006. I led the YUM Food Safety Certification in 2008 which became the foundation of the AIB and IFS PAC Secure Food Safety Certification. In 2010, I initiated the Quality Alert program now being used as a quality tool. I was also the proud recipient of the Golden Compass Award during the 2011 Atlantic Packaging Annual Leadership Seminar. Later in 2011, I was promoted to the Quality Manager position.
When I started as Quality Coordinator, I was actually trained in Scheduling/Expediting first to cover for our Expediter who went for vacation. This was the start of my journey at Atlantic. I multi-tasked and trained in not only my field of expertise but also as a well-rounded individual in all aspects of the corrugated world. Apart from my work at the Brampton plant, I also extend my leadership, expertise, and guidance to help the Mississauga plant. I take pride in providing support where it’s needed to the best of my abilities.
Changing the Manufacturing Game
As a woman in the manufacturing industry, there have been many obstacles I’ve overcome throughout my journey. I may be physically smaller, but I ensure that my voice is heard. My biggest asset is the love I have for working with people. Being surrounded mostly by men, I have learned more than to work side-by-side with them, but also to empower myself and women alike. Together we can achieve the company’s common goal— to exceed customer’s expectations in terms of Quality and Service.
![Maria Theresa Mendoza](https://atlantic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Elena-Tassone-img.png)
![Elena Tassone](https://atlantic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Elena-1.jpg)
Elena Tassone
I began in January 1989 working as a customer service representative and later became assistant to the Customer service Supervisor.
Career Highlights
In 1997 I changed my career path to sales. Approximately 10 years later I returned to the office to work as an Estimator working under the guidance of the Customer Service Manager. A few short years later I joined the management group as Estimating manager where I inherited 2 people & began to create my team. Since then I have been invited to oversee the Estimating group from our retail plant.
Atlantic has always worked towards empowering its employees. Opportunities that were presented to me &/or sought after along with many interactions (big and small, good and bad) with customers, peers, managers & suppliers have provided me with insights and skills that together have enhanced my abilities & my attitude.
Powerful Women in Manufacturing
When I started with Atlantic there weren’t many women on the road nor in management positions which were not unlike many other manufacturing companies at the time.
I don’t feel that being a woman was a roadblock but I was however aware that as a younger woman I needed to work harder to set boundaries & be heard & not just seen. Over the years I became more relaxed about myself & enjoyed the process so much more.
Leah McChesney
I’m Leah, and I’ve been working with Atlantic for just under a year. I work as a quality administrator at 350 Midwest Rd location.
Career Highlights
My favorite aspects of working for an Atlantic are the workplace’s diversity. The working environment at Atlantic is multicultural and varied; you will be treated equally and with respect by everyone. The inclusion of gender is another plus. There are many roles that are occupied by women, and equality is widely practiced. A highlight of working at Atlantic is being able to witness the dedication and enthusiasm that employees put into their job. The company’s aim is well-defined, which contributes to its innovative and motivated workplace culture.
Powerful Women in Manufacturing
There are several benefits to being a woman in manufacturing. It is both thrilling and difficult. For me, learning about the manufacturing process would be the best aspect of the job. A fascinating and comprehensive experience, one that adds a great deal of value to the goods, equipment, and workers, is seeing the raw materials, following them through the production process, and then receiving the finished result. Women who work in manufacturing contribute to the process and are appreciated for their contributions, efforts, and accomplishments of specified objectives. Recently, women have been more motivated to seek manufacturing occupations and are noticing good improvements in several industries. It is encouraging to see so many women working in manufacturing, which has historically been a field dominated by men. Overall women in manufacturing are greatly appreciated in modern society.
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