IWIM 2020 Honoree: Jesika Young, Cimtech Inc.
Jesika Young, Cimtech Inc.
Many women in the workforce hope to pave the way for future generations. 2020 IWIM honoree Jesika Young feels a personal connection to this mission. As a mother, Young works to ensure that her daughters will grow up in a world where they can truly be anything they want to be and do not have to face gender disparity. As a professional, she aims to show young people the opportunities in the manufacturing industry.
Young currently serves as the President and CEO of Cimtech Inc. Under her leadership, the 45-year-old company has grown immensely in two years. In fact, Cimtech recently acquired a second location in Louisville, Ky., and since this new opening has added new positions.
Before working at Cimtech, Young began her career in the banking industry. It was there where she first encountered gender disparity in the workplace, teaching her that she should stand up for herself and other women.
Since then, Young has focused on an inclusive workplace that reminds employees that no one person is above or below the team. Additionally, she has increased the number of women on the Cimtech team and continually empowers and encourages them.
2020 IWIM Honoree Jesika Young aims to show young people the opportunities in the manufacturing industry. (photo taken pre-COVID-19)
Going further, Young has put a focus on showing the next generation that manufacturing can be a phenomenal career path. She’s done this by Cimtech to students on Manufacturing Day for the last two years.
From January 2017 to December 2018, Young served as President of the board of NAWBO Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Here she led the organization in the #SheMeansBusiness movement. Young also served on the Women’s Foundation of Southern Indiana board and helped launch IMPACT 100, which works to honor and support women in the community. Young serves on the Metro Manufacturing Alliance to share anecdotes as a woman in the workforce.
Her work within the community has not gone unnoticed. Young was recognized as a 20 under 40 honoree by the News and Tribune, and was also a 40 under 40 honoree by LouisvilleBusiness First. In 2018, she was named Enterprising Woman to Watch. Additionally, she was honored as Distinguished Alumna of the Year by Hanover College and Young Alumna of the Year by Presentation Academy.
Read her advice to future female manufacturers as well as the 19 other 2020 Honorees by downloading the 2020 Influential Women in Manufacturing E-Book.
