Her Story
About Shayla
Shayla Almeida is a highly accomplished manufacturing leader with 12 years of experience specializing in Production Management, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, and operational excellence. She currently serves as Production Manager at Jaeger USA, Inc., where she leads manufacturing operations, drives process improvements, and supports initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and employee development. Her career reflects a strong commitment to building effective teams, eliminating waste, and creating sustainable systems that improve overall business performance. Shayla began her manufacturing career in 2014 after working in customer service as a front-end assistant at a grocery store. Seeking new opportunities for growth and a greater ability to make an impact, she transitioned into the manufacturing industry at a small local company and steadily advanced through roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to joining Jaeger, she spent several years at Pratt & Whitney, where she served as an OpX / CORE Lean Coordinator and contributed to Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, Manufacturing Standard Work improvements, and coaching teams in continuous improvement practices. She later gained leadership experience as a Production Supervisor at Corning Life Sciences, where she focused on shift operations, 5S implementation, team engagement, and workplace improvements. As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated manufacturing environment, Shayla is passionate about encouraging and supporting women pursuing careers in the industry. She believes success comes from patience, resilience, continuous learning, and the willingness to ask for help and embrace new challenges. Shayla holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Management from Granite State College, is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) – Manchester, and holds certifications including a Master Certificate in Lean Manufacturing from the University of Michigan and Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®). Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and kayaking new lakes, activities that allow her to recharge and continue growing personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of consistency, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning. I believe success comes from showing up every day, taking ownership of challenges, and looking for ways to improve processes rather than just maintaining them. I also value building strong relationships with my team because the best results come when everyone feels supported and works toward the same goals. Those habits have helped me earn increasing responsibilities and continue growing as a leader.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advise I have received is to push yourself for what you want. Success does not get handed to you, you got to earn it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the manufacturing industry to be patient, confident, and willing to learn. Working in a traditionally male-dominated field can come with challenges, but it is important to ask questions, seek guidance, and take the time to build your knowledge and experience. Growth does not happen overnight, so embrace each opportunity, learn from every challenge, and stay resilient. This industry requires determination and toughness, but with perseverance, a strong work ethic, and confidence in your abilities, you can create a successful and rewarding career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is trying to be a woman leader in manufacturing. I am always looked at differently, but because of that, I have great opportunities to continue growing as a leader. It's a tough job and you always have to be willing to learn and grow.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
As a leader, it's respect and understanding. I respect my team. I have worked hard to get where I am and I understand where they are coming from. I used to be one of them and I am not better then them for my position. We are all one team. This also matters to me in my personal life. You never know someone's struggles.
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