Her Story
About Barbara
Barbara Hussey is a seasoned manufacturing professional with 40 years of experience in the industry. After entering the workforce directly following high school, she built her career through dedication, commitment, and a strong determination to complete every task to the best of her ability. She currently serves as a Safety Ambassador at Ply Gem, where her extensive manufacturing experience and commitment to workplace safety contribute to her professional role. Barbara later returned to school and earned an Associate of Science in Business from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2017, demonstrating her commitment to continued learning and professional development.
Barbara attributes her long-standing career success to her strong work ethic, perseverance, honesty, and willingness to find answers when faced with challenges. She believes in giving her all to every responsibility and taking the initiative to research solutions when she does not immediately know the answer. Her faith in God has also remained a central source of strength and motivation throughout her life. After overcoming depression, Barbara found renewed purpose through her faith and continues to approach both her professional and personal life with a strong sense of commitment and integrity.
Beyond her career, Barbara is deeply committed to serving her community. She has taught Sunday school and youth ministry at her church since her teenage years and continues to support a friend's ministry serving the elderly through financial contributions and personal assistance. She is also passionate about baking cakes and cupcakes, sewing, traveling to learn about history and culture, and reading history and autobiographies, with hopes of eventually developing a home-based baking business. Barbara was selected to be featured in Influential Women for 2026 and continues to encourage the next generation to believe in themselves, pursue opportunities for growth, and live according to the principles of faith, family, and focus.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Barbara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication and commitment. I am not a perfectionist, but I give my very best to everything I do and remain committed to seeing tasks through to completion. When I do not know the answer, I take the initiative to research and find the information I need, or I do everything I can to point people in the right direction. My faith in God has also been a strong foundation and source of motivation throughout my life, particularly after overcoming depression. I believe that my commitment to doing things well, along with my attention to quality and presentation, has contributed to my long-term success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from my son, who encouraged me to go back to school. I did not initially attend college because of financial limitations, but his encouragement motivated me to continue my education later in life. Going back to school showed me that it is never too late to learn, grow, and invest in yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to believe in themselves and recognize the value they have to offer. I grew up with low self-esteem and was not always made to feel that I had value, so I had to learn to believe in myself. No matter what other people say, if you feel in your heart that you have something to contribute, go for it. You cannot control what other people say about you, but you can control how you feel about yourself and how you speak to yourself. I would also encourage the next generation to make time for themselves and enjoy life rather than always trying to please everyone else.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the most important value to me because if you are not honest with yourself and others, you tend to fail in whatever you set out to accomplish. I believe in being true to yourself and keeping God first, because when you have that foundation, everything else can fall into place. My three F's are faith, family, and focus, and these principles guide both my professional and personal life.
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