Her Story
About Christel
Christel Wilson is an Office Manager in the manufacturing industry with more than 30 years of experience. She began her professional journey as a receptionist and worked her way up to her current position through hands-on training from colleagues and by completing an Accounts Payable Specialist course in Florida. In addition to her primary role, which includes responsibilities in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and inside sales, Christel maintains a strong commitment to continuous learning through online courses and platforms such as LinkedIn. She attributes her success to her grandmother, who owned two businesses including an auto collision repair shop and taught her the importance of working hard to achieve her goals. Christel values being an old-school, dependable employee who takes her job seriously and appreciates the support of her colleagues. As a woman in a male-dominant field, she has faced challenges in being taken seriously but has demonstrated her capability to perform the work effectively. She advises young women entering the industry that there is always a place for them and that they are just as capable as their male counterparts. Outside of work, Christel volunteers for animal shelters and prioritizes peace and quiet in her personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christel
01What do you attribute your success to?
In all honesty to my grandmother, because she always taught us the value of working and working hard to get where you want to be. She owned two businesses of her own, including an auto collision repair shop, and was very respected as a woman in business. She was definitely an influence on how I take work seriously.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't take no as a final answer. When you're out there, you're either looking for a job or you're in the industry. No doesn't always mean no because one person says no to one thing, the next person may say yes to it. So keep on striving to do your best at whatever you're doing because there's always going to be yeses out there.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There's always a place for us. It's tough sometimes because it is a male-dominant industry but we can do just as much as they can. It's not better, we're just as capable.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenge is being a woman in a man's world in the manufacturing business where they don't take you as serious as you need to be taken. On the flip side, I've shown them I can do this and I'm serious about doing the job right.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In work, I am an old-school kind of worker who believes in being there every day and being dependable 99% of the time. I take my job seriously and value the people I work with who always help me out. At home, I value my peace, my serenity, and my quietness the most.
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