KayLonni Bradley

I would say to have an understanding that you're going to come into a facility that is something different than what you're used to, and having an open mind is very beneficial. The stereotypical male-dominated packing house facility has gone away for the most part - it's definitely more appealing to more people now and is very diverse, made up of multiple diversities and cultural backgrounds in one location. The other thing I would say is not coming in with the opinion that you're going to be at the top. You have to work to get to the positions you want. One of the things we've definitely seen in the younger generation coming in is that they think they should start at the top and not have to work to get there. They feel like it should be handed to them and are not putting the work in. I think finding somebody who can be a mentor to help you along is important, and then giving back and mentoring others. Be willing to change, be willing to speak up, bring options to the table, and don't be afraid to be able to do that.

The biggest challenge is that it's a male-dominated field, especially in main facilities or older facilities that have the packing house stereotype of being mainly male-dominated. Coming into that type of facility as a female and basically developing the understanding that it's not just a male-dominated facility - females can do the same thing and bring value to the leadership team, along with supervisory positions and leading the actual hourly production team. You would see females in the hourly production role, but coming in as a supervisor, there weren't as many females in those types of roles or higher than supervisor. As for opportunities, the food manufacturing industry will always be around because everybody has to eat. But it's important to understand that it doesn't have to be done the way it was 20 or 30 years ago. Change is something that is coming in everything and comes on a regular basis, not only in the industry but in day-to-day life. The facility is now definitely more appealing to more people and is very diverse, made up of multiple diversities and cultural backgrounds in one location. Being willing to change, being willing to speak up, bring options to the table, and not being afraid to be able to do that is where we've been and where we're going.

Professionally, my most important values are overall leadership, mentorship, and being there to help my employees and co-workers. I believe strongly in the importance of mentoring - I've had several mentors who have taken me under their wing and shown me different aspects of our facility and processes, which has been very beneficial. I think it's important to give back and mentor others as well. Personally, my values are tied to my agricultural background and community involvement. I grew up raising and showing livestock through 4-H and FFA, and those organizations are very important to my family. I continue to stay involved with these values by raising show lambs for 4-H and FFA use, and serving on the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive Committee, the Extension Board, and the Fair Board in my community.