Her Story
About Elaine
Elaine Priest is a manufacturing professional with a diverse background spanning glass production, industrial operations, heavy equipment, and quality assurance. She currently serves as an IS Machine Operator Apprentice at Ardagh Group in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where she is transitioning from nearly eight years in quality inspection to operating Individual Section (IS) machines that manufacture glass bottles. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong reputation for maintaining high production standards, ensuring product quality, and embracing continuous learning through hands-on experience.
Before advancing into machine operations, Elaine built extensive experience across multiple industrial sectors, including material handling, asphalt operations, refinery pipefitting, and heavy equipment operation. Her previous roles involved loading and unloading materials, equipment maintenance, welding, inventory management, quality documentation, and workplace safety, while also taking on temporary leadership responsibilities when needed. Her practical knowledge of manufacturing processes, combined with certifications such as OSHA 10 training and membership in the Steelworkers Union, reflects her commitment to operational excellence, safety, and professional growth.
Elaine is passionate about producing high-quality products while continuously expanding her technical skills. She believes in performing every task with authenticity, honesty, pride in workmanship, and genuine care for both her colleagues and customers. Inspired by Lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement, and strong leadership, she values teamwork, open communication, and lifelong learning. As she continues her journey in glass manufacturing, Elaine remains dedicated to mastering new technologies, improving production processes, and contributing to the long-term success of her organization.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elaine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the resilience I developed through overcoming adversity and the strong work ethic instilled in me by my elderly foster parents, who raised me after a difficult childhood. They taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and taking pride in everything I do—from completing daily chores to learning practical skills in the workshop. Those early life lessons shaped my character, and although I experienced significant challenges, I chose forgiveness over bitterness and have carried that mindset with me throughout my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to take pride in everything I do. No matter how big or small the task, giving it my best effort, maintaining high standards, and treating my work with care and integrity have helped me build trust, grow professionally, and find fulfillment in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to have more faith in yourself. Believe in your abilities, trust your instincts, and never let self-doubt hold you back. Confidence, combined with a strong work ethic and a willingness to keep learning, will open doors and help you overcome challenges throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating management changes and rotating work schedules, which can make maintaining consistency and work-life balance difficult. At the same time, the opportunities are tremendous. There is significant room for growth and advancement for those who are dedicated, continue developing their skills, and are willing to take on new responsibilities—the sky is truly the limit.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, honesty, efficiency, and genuineness. I believe in being true to myself, treating others with integrity and respect, working efficiently, and building sincere relationships based on trust. These values guide my decisions, shape how I interact with others, and influence everything I do.
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