Cimberly Weir

My interest in manufacturing started at a young age watching Sesame Street episodes about crayons being put into crayon boxes in the 1980s. I was initially interested in architecture in high school because I loved the drawing, designing, and intricacies of how decisions affect the way people live. When I went to university, I started in engineering but found it challenging due to a hearing deficit and difficulty understanding professors with accents. Through my sorority, a sister told me about Packaging 101, saying if I liked watching things being made, I'd like packaging. I took the class, loved it, and the rest was history. I earned all my degrees from Michigan State University, including a BS in packaging science and later a master's and PhD in educational curriculum while working at the School of Packaging. I'm a huge fan of asking for positions at places I want to be. I asked for my technical position at my first company as an intern, and later told the School of Packaging director I wanted to be considered for future positions. Seven months later, they called with an opportunity, and I spent the next 15 years there. During that time, I was able to take advantage of credit programs and received my advanced degrees while working. I've worked with people in Asia, Africa, and Europe, sharing knowledge about the science of packaging. Recently, I made another career transition to McKesson, where a former colleague opened the door for me at a conference. I believe in the power of networking, being bold, and making decisions that may not feel like the straight and narrow path but can lead to success.