Gabrielle Folmar

If you had told me a decade ago that I would trade lesson plans as a teacher—and later, coaching competitive gymnastics—for steel coils, or that I’d swap classroom logistics for the organized chaos of a shipping bay, I’m not sure I would have believed you. Yet here I am, three and a half years into the steel industry, leading logistics and shipping operations at Nucor Steel and stepping into a leadership space I once only admired from the sidelines.

My journey has never been linear, but it has always been intentional. Before steel, I taught; before that, I competed in gymnastics. Through each experience, I’ve learned to anchor myself in discipline, adaptability, and the belief that discomfort is the starting point of growth. That mindset has guided my career in an industry where women continue to break barriers. Being recognized for my leadership here has been one of the most meaningful moments of my career, particularly as someone who entered the field without firsthand experience—even with family connections at the company. Within three years, I’ve been promoted rapidly, and that progression is a testament to perseverance, learning, and impact.

I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving. In my current role, that passion translates into data analysis, efficiency improvements, and tackling operational challenges that keep our business moving. For me, leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about creating meaningful impact. It’s also deeply personal: earning my degree before either of my parents remains a point of pride, especially knowing my mother returned to school in her thirties to complete hers. Education, growth, and forward motion run deep in our family, and those values continue to drive everything I do.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace your mistakes—growth rarely comes dressed in comfort. Stay humble, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always be a team player. Most importantly, never stop finding ways to continue learning and educating yourself; curiosity and continuous growth are what set leaders apart.

The biggest challenges I’ve faced in this field haven’t been the technical ones—they’ve been the moments where I had to step into the unfamiliar and trust myself. Learning to lead, speak up, and grow through discomfort has been just as demanding as any operational or physical challenge in steel manufacturing. Yet these moments also present the greatest opportunities: they push you to develop resilience, confidence, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in an industry that is constantly evolving.

The values that matter most to me in both work and life are integrity, collaboration, and family. My bachelor’s in sociology, supported by a psychology minor, taught me that no system or structure functions without relationships at its core. I’ve seen this firsthand not only in steel manufacturing but also through more than 22 years of volunteer work at a local theater in my hometown in Texas, where I’ve taken on nearly every role imaginable. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, I’ve learned that collaboration and teamwork shape every outcome—and those lessons continue to guide how I lead, work, and engage with others every day.