Women of Lynn Welding: Paths, Perspectives, and Advice for the Next Generation
Hear the advice of women across Lynn Welding, from welding to production to sales and marketing. Their stories highlight the many different paths a career in manufacturing can take. While every journey is unique, one theme remains clear: women are playing an essential role in propelling the industry forward and shaping its future.
Maddie Lee Resistance Welder
What inspired you to choose a career in welding, and what would you say to young women who might not have considered the trades?
“Choosing the trades over the college route is very beneficial because you learn valuable information that can be used in everyday life as well. Anyone is capable of working in the trades if they’re determined enough. When I went to welding school, I was the only woman in my class, and at first it was intimidating, but over time I realized everyone is more focused on their own work.”
Anaely Caez, Erin Gaffney, & Nicole Priest Resistance Welders
When asked what they enjoy most about their careers and what advice they would give to young women considering a career in the trades, their responses reflected pride, determination, and encouragement. Sharing that they value being able to make a difference through their work and emphasize the importance of believing in yourself. Their advice was clear: “You can do anything you put your mind to, create your own story, and work twice as hard to achieve your goals."
Alea DeRota Production Assistant
What does a typical day look like for you on the production floor, and what part of your work do you enjoy the most?
“A typical day for me as a Production Assistant is a fast-paced blend of precision and communication. I start by auditing every new job received the day before to ensure total accuracy before it hits the floor, then work closely with my production team to strategically schedule orders on the production board. Throughout the day, I bridge the gap between our shop and our clients by providing real-time updates—including daily status photos—and managing the tracking and logging of essential welding fixtures.
Whether I’m organizing the receiving area or stepping in to support other departments, my focus is always on maintaining a seamless flow of operations. What I enjoy most about my work is the dual challenge of problem-solving and relationship building. I truly value the trust I build with our customers by keeping them informed and confident in our progress every step of the way.”
Alexia Dulieu Sales & Marketing Manager
How has working in manufacturing influenced your approach to marketing? What advice would you give women exploring non-technical roles in the industry?
“Working in manufacturing has completely reshaped my approach to marketing. In this industry, you can’t rely on flashy trends or broad messaging—especially in a B2B environment with strict specifications, compliance requirements, and highly technical subject matter. It has challenged me to think more strategically about creativity: how do you adapt modern marketing trends in a way that fits a sector where professionalism, accuracy, and credibility are critical?
Over time, my mindset shifted from simply promoting services or increasing brand awareness to focusing on how marketing can genuinely add value. In manufacturing, your audience is made up of professionals who care about reliability, process control, and risk mitigation. That requires content that is educational, transparent, and technically respectful—while still being engaging. In my opinion there’s a fine balance between polished, approachable, and engaging content in this industry, and finding that intersection has been one of the most exciting parts of my role.
For women considering non-technical roles in manufacturing, my biggest advice is simple: ask questions — and don’t be afraid to keep asking them. I didn’t step into Lynn Welding & ICS with deep technical knowledge, and I know that can feel intimidating at first. But you don’t have to have all the answers walking in. What truly matters is curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to learn from the experts around you. Manufacturing needs diverse perspectives, and there is absolutely space to grow and lead in non-technical roles if you’re willing to lean into learning.”
Together, their stories reflect the skill, determination, and leadership shaping the future of manufacturing. While each path is different, whether on the production floor, in the welding booth, or in a marketing role, they share a commitment to growth, teamwork, and excellence in their work.
Their experiences also highlight the evolving landscape of manufacturing, where talent, curiosity, and dedication continue to open doors for new perspectives and opportunities across the industry.
At Lynn Welding, we are proud to celebrate the women who contribute their expertise and passion every day. Their work strengthens our team and helps inspire the next generation to explore the many possibilities within manufacturing and the skilled trades.