Women in Industry: Engage Scholarship Winners Share Their Convention Experience

September 30, 2024

By Nicole Needles

The Engage Convention Scholarship, part of MHEDA’s educational initiatives, offers recipients who have attended the Women in Industry Conference or Emerging Leaders Conference the opportunity to attend the annual Convention. The scholarship aims to foster professional growth, networking and knowledge exchange among participants. It provides access to key presentations, discussions and industry insights, enhancing the overall experience and value for the attendees. This initiative underscores MHEDA’s commitment to education, career development and industry collaboration. Congratulations to his year’s winners, Akanksha Sinha, Erin Lavender and Nikolette Clark, who exemplify MHEDA’s woman power.

Akanksha Sinha is formerly a solution engineering data scientist at Slate River Systems Inc.

Sinha was motivated to apply for the MHEDA Engage Scholarship due to her dedication to lifelong learning and networking within the material handling industry. She values the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, learn about emerging technologies and build lasting relationships with peers, viewing it as a chance to contribute to and grow with the industry.

“Being involved with MHEDA has greatly enriched my professional journey. It has opened doors to critical knowledge and networking opportunities that are essential in today’s rapidly advancing industry,” Sinha said. “This engagement has allowed me to stay ahead of industry trends, embrace innovation, and prepare for evolving roles in material handling, setting a solid foundation for my career growth.”

Sinha advises those looking to get more involved in the industry to embrace continuous learning and actively seek growth opportunities. She recommends getting involved with organizations like MHEDA, attending conferences, participating in webinars and connecting with industry professionals. Staying updated on industry trends and being adaptable are key to thriving in this dynamic field.

Her biggest takeaway from the 2024 Convention was the importance of flexibility and resilience. Talks by AmyK Hutchens and Paul Reilly emphasized leading through change, maintaining a positive mindset, and focusing on the bigger picture. To her, these insights highlighted the need for readiness to adapt and forward-thinking for innovation and success.

“I was deeply moved by Princess Sarah Culberson’s impactful journey of self-discovery and empowerment,” she said. “Her strength and courage in reaching out to her birth family and finding her true purpose really highlighted how important it is to work together and include everyone. It was an inspiring reminder of the extraordinary things we can achieve when we step out of our comfort zones and build supportive, purpose driven communities.”

Sinha emphasized the importance of understanding economic trends for strategic planning, as highlighted in Brian Beaulieu’s talk “Economic Outlook: Finishing 2024 and Looking Beyond” at the MHEDA Convention. This knowledge is crucial for her goal of taking on a strategic leadership role in the industry, guiding her through future challenges and opportunities.

Erin Lavender is the director of engineering at B&P Manufacturing.

Lavender was inspired to apply for the MHEDA Engage Scholarship after attending the Women in Industry event in 2023. She aimed to return with the same level of inspiration and managed to convince her company’s president to attend the convention as well.

“I have found MHEDA to be a great resource for our industry and continuing education. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in day to day activities and forget about learning. We need to continue to learn and evolve as the industry around us continues to change,” Lavender said.

Having experienced several professional groups, Lavender regards MHEDA as “topnotch.” She commends the efforts of the association’s staff who provide extensive information related to managing a company and working in the industry.

Her biggest takeaway from the 2024 convention was the importance of networking and building relationships.

“Networking and building relationships is probably my biggest takeaway, not all of business can be built on clicking ‘add to cart,’” she said. “There are times when interaction is necessary and having a relationship with people and companies that you trust is critical.”

Lavender’s favorite part of the convention is meeting new people and learning from their experiences.

“There is always something good to learn,” she said. “B&P Manufacturing joined MHEDA about a year ago with hopes of growing our network. We want people to know we are here, not only here as a place to purchase material handling equipment but as a partner. One of my favorite parts of my job is problem-solving. Come to us with a problem and my team and I will work with you to create a customized solution.”

As an engineer, she enjoys problem-solving and developing new products. She values the reciprocal nature of networking, where mutual assistance enhances growth, and views the MHEDA convention as an excellent platform for making connections.

Nikolette Clark is an account manager at Toyota Material Handling.

Clark applied for the MHEDA Engage Scholarship to step outside her comfort zone and engage with the industry differently. She sought valuable inspiration and networking opportunities to set personal and professional goals, showcase her achievements, and demonstrate her leadership skills.

“MHEDA has given me to the opportunity to network with many individuals working in this industry both within the organization I work for and outside of my organization. The Women in Industry events have been so impactful for me,” She said. “Being a female in this industry isn’t always easy and often times I am the only female in the room. MHEDA has brought together women from all over to come together and have a feeling of inclusivity. This fosters empowerment and advancement for women in the material handling industry. The direct focus MHEDA has on women in this industry is unparalleled, much needed and appreciated.”

Clark advises those interested in the industry to stay curious, ask questions, and actively seek involvement opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of joining committees, boards, and attending conferences to open new doors.

Her biggest takeaway from the convention is the importance of maintaining a broader perspective.

“Daily tasks need to be completed, but I see value in keeping the big picture in my sites. Prioritizing higher-level vision and strategy is necessary to advance. I intend to channel this inspiration into initiating significant projects I’d like to start this year,” she said.

Clark’s favorite part of the convention was Brian Beaulieu’s presentation on “Finishing 2024 and Looking Beyond.” She appreciated his practical, no-nonsense approach to economic insights and actionable advice for making impactful decisions.

“I’m eager to maximize this opportunity and use it as a springboard to deepen my involvement in MHEDA and the material handling industry,” she said. “As a woman in this field, I’m committed to leading by example and continuing to break glass ceilings. I believe women bring invaluable skills and insights to this industry, and I’m dedicated to contributing to its growth and inclusivity in any way I can.”

Please keep a lookout on our website for more information on the upcoming Emerging Leaders Conference, Women in Industry Conference, next year’s annual Convention and on how to apply for the Engage Convention Scholarship.