Faces of Manufacturing is a new show to Michigan Business Network. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, Michigan, co-hosts with Joy Wagner, HR Manager of Granger Waste Services, also Lansing.

Cindy and Joy strive to share the corporate culture, personal stories, and unique personalities of those making a living in manufacturing today, in Michigan. With that in mind, this month they connected with several members of the LaFontaine family of dealerships. The Family Deal: It’s Not Just What You Get, It’s How You Feel.

Hear Cindy, Joy, and their guests discuss the Lansing area utility, internships, vision and more in Episode 14 of this show on MBN in the 6-segment SoundCloud Podcast episode shared below.

For this episode they're speaking with members of the team with LBWL, the Lansing Board of Water & Light. They are; Lisa Benson - Senior Human Resource Generalist

Dawn Plenar - leadership Development Administrator

Breina Pugh - Government & Community Relations Manager.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics including: 
Please provide a brief history of the BWL internship program?

Please provide a brief overview of the internship program structure?

What type of learning and development opportunities are available for the interns?

How are the interns compensated?

How are interns integrated into the company?

Can you provide a success story regarding the internship?

How does the internship program support long-term career goals?

How does the internship program benefit the local manufacturing industry in Lansing?

What role do you play in these outreach initiatives, and what motivates you to be involved?

How do you measure the success of your outreach programs? Are there any specific metrics or feedback you focus on?

Why do you believe connecting with the community is essential for a utility company?

How does building strong community relationships benefit the company and its employees?

In what ways has your work in community outreach impacted your personal perspective or professional growth?

How do you think effective community engagement influences customer trust and satisfaction?

How would you describe the company culture at your utility company? What makes it unique?

What efforts does the company make to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for its employees?

How does the company support professional development and career growth for its female employees?

Can you share how the company’s culture has influenced your work and personal life?

What initiatives or programs are in place to promote work-life balance and employee well-being?

How does the company celebrate successes and recognize the contributions of its employees?

What attracted you to work for this utility company, and how have your expectations matched your experience?

How has working in this field and company shaped your views on the role of utilities in community development?

What advice would you give to women considering a career in the utility sector or similar industries?

Can you share any personal or professional achievements you are particularly proud of during your time with the company?

How do you see the future of community outreach evolving in the utility sector?

Can you walk us through your career journey in the utility industry? What initially attracted you to this field?

What were some of the pivotal moments or decisions that shaped your career path?

Did you encounter any specific challenges as you advanced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Were there any mentors or role models who played a significant role in your professional development?

How did your education and early career experiences prepare you for your current role?

What skills or experiences have been most crucial for your success in the utility industry?

Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known when starting out in your career?

Can you share a bit about your childhood and any experiences or influences that sparked your interest in the utility industry or similar fields?

Were there any specific role models, family members, or experiences from your early years that inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?

How did your early interests or hobbies shape your career choices later on?

Were there any challenges you faced as a child that you believe helped prepare you for a career in a traditionally male-dominated field?

Did you have any particular dreams or ambitions as a child that aligned with your current career?

How do you think we can better encourage young women to explore careers in skilled trades and the utility industry?

What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in this field?

Are there any specific initiatives or programs that you believe are effective in inspiring and supporting women in skilled trades?

How do you use your platform and experiences to mentor or support the next generation of women in the industry?

Can you share any personal experiences where you felt you made a significant impact on someone’s career or aspirations?

What qualities or skills do you think are essential for women who want to succeed in the utility sector?

How can companies and educational institutions better support and promote careers in skilled trades for women?

Are there any particular success stories or achievements of young women in the industry that you find particularly inspiring?

Personal Reflections and Vision:

What do you find most rewarding about working in the utility industry and being a role model for future generations?

How do you envision the future of women in the skilled trades evolving over the next decade?

What personal goals or aspirations do you have for yourself in terms of career growth and community impact?

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work, and how do you pass that enthusiasm on to others?

What legacy would you like to leave for the women who come after you in the utility industry?

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