Her Story
About Ellie
Ellie Murphy serves as Accounts and Credit Team Lead at Montenegro Paper in Roselle, Illinois. She joined the company nearly six years ago in accounts payable and accounts receivable positions before receiving a promotion in January that recognized her leadership skills. With more than 30 years of experience in office and finance settings, Ellie previously worked at the Vibration Institute, a not-for-profit organization that certifies mechanical engineers in machinery vibration, and she continues to handle bookkeeping for her husband's plumbing company (Murphy Plumbing and Sewer Services, Inc.). She is proficient in QuickBooks, Adobe, Excel, and Microsoft Office applications. She completed some college classes in her early twenties and again about ten years ago, One of her proudest professional moments came when a vendor nominated her for a Be A Star award, which included a banquet and plaque. She contributes to the WINGS Program for domestic violence support and the Epilepsy Foundation, motivated by her daughter's condition. Ellie emphasizes the importance of family values and two-way trust between employees and employers who accommodate family needs without taking advantage of flexibility. In the paper industry, she notes the challenge of perceptions that paper is becoming obsolete due to digital shifts, yet highlights its ongoing use in displays, insurance documents, lottery tickets, and envelopes, along with opportunities for steady customer growth and personal advancement even in a smaller company.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ellie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, resilience, and the people who've believed in me along the way. I've learned that you can't control every situation, but you can control your attitude, your effort, and how you treat others. I've tried to lead with kindness, stay dependable, and never stop growing. Those values have opened more doors than I ever expected.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't stay in a job that makes you miserable...
If you wake up every morning dreading work, it's probably a sign you're not in the right place. Don't be afraid of change. There are companies out there that truly value their employees—not just for the work they do, but for who they are.
I'm grateful to work for a company that understands family comes first. During family emergencies, they've been accommodating, compassionate, and supportive. That kind of culture is priceless.
Life is too short to spend it unhappy at work. Know your worth, take the leap when the time is right, and find a place that values both your talent and your life outside the office.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be reliable. Show up on time, meet deadlines, and follow through on what you say you'll do. People remember consistency.
Ask questions. No one expects you to know everything. Asking thoughtful questions shows you're engaged and eager to learn.
Be kind to everyone. Treat the CEO, receptionist, janitor, and interns with the same respect. Your character is noticed.
Own your mistakes. Everyone makes them. Admit them, fix them, and learn from them instead of making excuses.
Keep learning. Volunteer for projects, seek feedback, and never stop building your skills.
Know your worth. Be confident without being arrogant. Advocate for yourself, but let your work speak loudly too.
Build relationships. Networking isn't just for finding your next job—it's about creating genuine professional connections.
Maintain professionalism. Your emails, conversations, and social media presence all contribute to how others perceive you.
Protect your work-life balance. Work hard, but don't sacrifice your health, family, or happiness. A great employer will respect that.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Paper industry faces fear of becoming obsolete due to digital shift, but paper is still widely used for displays, insurance documents, lottery tickets, envelopes, and more. Opportunities include steady new customers and personal advancement even in a small company.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family values are most important. Employers should understand that family comes first and provide flexibility for emergencies without taking advantage of it. Two-way trust between employee and company.
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