Priyal Setlur, MS
Priyal Setlur is a Facility Environmental Manager at Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, a Koch Industries company, with over eight years of experience in the manufacturing industry. She immigrated from India to the United States to pursue her master’s degree in environmental science at Bemidji State University, building a successful career in environmental compliance and stewardship within a plywood manufacturing facility. In her role, Priyal ensures regulatory compliance with federal and state environmental agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, while maintaining sustainable operations and fostering community stewardship.
Navigating a male-dominated industry, Priyal has earned the respect of her colleagues through consistency, discipline, and strong leadership. She is particularly proud of mentoring young women and environmental technicians, helping them develop confidence, technical expertise, and career advancement strategies in manufacturing. Priyal demonstrates that success in operational, hands-on environments is attainable for women and emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities, regardless of industry norms.
Priyal holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Bemidji State University, a prior Master’s in Environmental Science and Technology from JNTU University in India, and an ISO 14001 EMS Internal Auditor Certification. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring national parks, and hiking. She is also actively involved in volunteer initiatives, including supporting local schools and environmental stewardship projects such as tree planting programs.
• ISO 14001 EMS Internal Auditor Certification
• Bemidji State University – Master of Science (MS), Environmental Science
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), India – Master of Science (MSc), Environmental Science and Technology
• Influential Women 2026
• Influential Women Network
• Supports local schools through company stewardship programs
• Participates in tree planting partnerships with local schools and nurseries for Earth Day
What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to my mentors. I had amazing mentors throughout my career so far, and all of them have been women, so absolutely amazing women that I get to work with who have mentored me to be here. And obviously my parents, my mom and dad, without them I wouldn't be here. It was also a lot of hard work that went into place and a lot of confidence that I had to work on. Initially, I was just very nervous. I was like, man, I'm not from this country, I don't know if they can understand me, my accent is different. And then when you're in leadership roles, it just puts more pressure on you. I was thinking, when I'm gonna tell the guys no, stop, we can't do that, are they even gonna take my word seriously? But they did. So it was a lot of confidence building and just showing up to work every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd say don't be afraid to step into a manufacturing industry, and don't be afraid that you're gonna be the only woman that might be working there amongst all men. You'll be surprised with the opportunities that might open up for you. And just be consistent, be disciplined, keep working hard in whichever field you pick, and just aim to get successful in that.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is working in a male-dominated manufacturing environment, where establishing credibility and respect can be difficult. Opportunities include expanding women’s participation in manufacturing and leading strong environmental compliance and community stewardship programs.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Mentorship, environmental stewardship, discipline, hard work, and confidence are central to both my professional and personal life.
Locations
Georgia-Pacific LLC
133 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303